LEBANON — Kristin McGary walked around the council chambers Tuesday night, jotting down thoughts on the city’s accessibility, with the needs of her daughter in mind.
Scattered across the room were posters representing various structures, programs and services in Lebanon, inviting community members to share their thoughts on how they can be more inclusive.
As part of an initiative to make the city more accommodating, the White River Junction-based Special Needs Support Center facilitated a listening session for the public to share their concerns and ideas, whether in writing, verbally or via an online survey.
McGary shared that she has a 5-year-old daughter with Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, and they struggle to find playgrounds that are safely fenced in. She also hopes to see more play structures for children with special needs who want to join in on the fun.
“I’d really like to make sure that the playground update that is currently underway and happening is focusing on those that play differently,” McGary said of Hanover Street School.
McGary added that more recreational programs during the summer for those with special needs would benefit families, and suggested expanding the city’s Camp K program. Camp director Xandra Howe has also highlighted this need.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, protects people with disabilities from discrimination. Passed in 1990, the federal law has been updated periodically to include stronger accommodations to ensure everyone may participate in public life and civic government.
Deputy City Manager David Brooks, who also serves as Lebanon’s ADA coordinator, told the Valley News that all city departments are examining their programs and services, as they work to build a final report for the city council to take action in areas that need improvement.
The posters asked participants what’s working well, where the barriers are and what should improve in the following areas: the transfer station; parks and recreation; emergency responders; schools; roads and sidewalks; libraries; Lebanon Airport; City Hall; and online communication.
Leading the event, Dr. Kendra LaRoche, the Support Center’s executive director, noted those are the areas that the city has control over.
In addition to sharing thoughts on the posters and digitally, a few participants also spoke at the meeting.
Sylvia Dow, executive director of the Lebanon-based Visions for Creative Housing Solutions, said she and her daughter, who uses a wheelchair, have had positive experiences with the paved rail trails, but a gravel spot next to the new rotary is an obstacle to cross.
Dow added that sidewalks can create a similar problem and pose a risk of injury. She pointed to the sidewalks around the Green Street neighborhood in downtown Lebanon as an example.
“Especially for individuals who try to be as independent as they can with electric wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, it is really difficult when sidewalks are not in the best of repair,” said Dow.
Another participant brought up the city’s solid waste facility.
“The older I get, the more difficult it is to haul a bag of trash over the fences at the transfer station,” said Bruce Pacht, a member of the Rotary Club who joined the session virtually.
Lebanon resident Rosemary Affeldt said she’d like to see more ways for people with special needs to contribute to the community through volunteer and work opportunities.
“We should not discard the possibility of another whole group who might come into the picture and enjoy the opportunity,” said Affeldt.
In 2024, the federal government issued a new rule on digital accessibility for governments, through web and mobile app content, now calling for compliance by April 2028 for municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents. One example is adding captions and audio descriptions to a recorded meeting.
With the need to explore digital accessibility in Lebanon, city officials decided to consider it across the board, said Brooks. The last time the city documented areas lacking suitable accessibility was about 15 years ago, he said.
Prior to the digital accessibility rule, the first technical guidelines were established over 30 years ago, introducing ADA Standards for Accessible Design in 1991, with revised standards in 2010.
While a report is not finalized, the city has been considering different areas that need improvement over the past year and a half. One example Brooks provided is Fire Station 2 across from Kilton Library in West Lebanon, as the building is about 50 years old with no elevator.
The self-assessment and feedback will help guide an official transition plan, with the timeline to be determined.
Community members who would still like to weigh in can submit feedback through the Lebanon City Manager’s Office online contact form.
