By Lookout Staff

July 26, 2010 – It’s not easy for those who are disabled to get around, even on the internet, where information is scattered in different sites. To make it easier for the disabled to get access to important information online, the City on Monday launched Accessible Santa Monica, a new disability resources web portal at www.smgov.net/accessiblesm.

“For many people with disabilities, navigating multiple sites is not always easy,” officials from the City’s Human Services Division said in a statement Monday. “Accessible Santa Monica makes all of this information available in one place and makes it easy for people of all abilities to access resources easily and efficiently.”

The site consolidates information about accessibility and disability services in the City of Santa Monica, along with an index of online local, regional and national resources. It also features news from the disability community, upcoming events, a catalog of disability-related films and a disabilities awareness training module.

Monday marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a groundbreaking piece of civil rights legislation that ensures equal access for people with disabilities to all aspects of life.

“Through its programs, grantees and Disabilities Commission, the City of Santa Monica is committed to advancing the mission of the ADA and advocating on behalf of community members of all abilities,” City officials said.

The City Council recognized the 20th anniversary of the legislation by issuing a proclamation at its meeting July 13.