Los Angeles has taken a decisive step toward an open and inclusive Paralympic Games. Last Friday, ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – ADA – Mayor Karen Bass joined Colleen Wrenn, the International Paralympic Committee’s – IPC – Paralympic Games Director, Councilmember Imelda Padilla, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, Paralympic athletes, and community leaders to reaffirm the city’s commitment to delivering “Games for everyone” in 2028.

The city not only signed the Host City Accessibility Commitment for the Games but also announced the development of a comprehensive Accessibility Plan for the Games and the creation of the first-ever Accessibility Officer position within the Mayor’s Office of Major Events. In addition, the Los Angeles Department on Disability and the Braille Institute partnered to install braille translations on the Olympic and Paralympic flags at City Hall.

A comprehensive accessibility plan for LA28

“While we have come a long way since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act 35 years ago, there is still work to be done to ensure Angelenos of all abilities can thrive in Los Angeles,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “We are working with every city department and private partners to develop and implement an Accessibility Plan that will allow us to host the most accessible Games possible.”

Padilla, who faced mobility challenges as a child, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Accessibility is not just about functionality; it’s about dignity and inclusion. That’s why I introduced the motion to create a comprehensive plan that ensures accessibility is embedded in every stage of organizing LA28.”

Impact beyond sports

Colleen Wrenn of the IPC highlighted the transformative potential of these Games: “The commitment of Los Angeles and LA28 to hosting accessible Games is an extraordinary opportunity to advance the legacy of the ADA. The Paralympic Games show what happens when barriers are removed and inspire us to imagine a world where people with disabilities can live, work, and fully participate in society.”

Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28, added: “Last year we became the first organizing committee in history to propose and add a new sport to the Paralympic program, which will make LA28 the largest Paralympic Games ever. We are grateful for Mayor Bass’s leadership and her commitment to creating an accessible experience for everyone.”

A legacy for the entire city

Scott Blanks, Vice President of Accessibility and Employment at the Braille Institute, noted: “My experience as a Paralympian taught me that the biggest barriers are not always physical, but attitudinal. The Paralympics are a reminder of human potential, and LA28 can become a catalyst not just for athletes, but for every person with a disability in Los Angeles.”

Stephen David Simon, Director of the Los Angeles Department on Disability, added: “The Games are not just a global event; they are an opportunity to expand equity and strengthen the leadership of people with disabilities. This commitment builds on decades of work and will help us move toward a truly inclusive city.”

A symbol of inclusion everywhere

The event was held at the LA84/John C. Argue Swim Stadium, a facility built for the 1932 Olympic Games and renovated after the signing of the ADA to include elevators, accessible restrooms, and pool support systems. Today, the venue offers free and adaptive classes as part of the PlayLA program, which recently surpassed one million registrations.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed on July 26, 1990, is landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination based on disability in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public spaces.