Cowboys Stadium Welcomes People with Disabilities
More than 350 guests, some with wheelchairs, walkers and guide dogs, toured the Cowboys Stadium and learned how architects designed the $1.1 billion venue with accessibility in mind.
Spacious plazas, large elevators, accessible parking, power-assisted doors and accessible-ready ramps, restrooms, concessions and water fountains are just a few of the amenities showcased in the 2.3 million square-foot facility during the 26th Annual Barbara Jordan Media Awards Luncheon.
According to HKS Architects, the world’s largest stadium was designed with a thoughtful and steadfast commitment to guests with disabilities while raising the bar on accessibility standards. It is estimated that about 10 percent of the world’s population lives with a disability.
The statewide event on June 12 was hosted by the Arlington and Texas Governor’s Committees on People With Disabilities.
Following the tours, guests applauded the contributions of media professionals whose stories positively and accurately portray the challenges of people with disabilities. WFAA-TV Dallas, Texas Country Reporter, Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin, the Austin American Statesman and San Antonio Express News were among the honorees receiving gold medallions.
Receiving special awards for their work on the Stadium were Stadium General Manager Jack Hill, Cowboys Executive Vice President Charlotte Jones Anderson and stadium architect HKS, Inc. of Dallas.
Guests visited with vendors and participated in a silent auction that benefited the UT-Arlington Movin’ Mavs Wheelchair Basketball program.
In addition to a greeting on the world’s largest video board, Event Chairperson Donna Anderson welcomed guests to the best NFL stadium in the world!
Who is the Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities?
We are an organization of citizen volunteers dedicated to helping Arlington become fully accessible for all people with disabilities. Membership is completely voluntary and is determined by a person’s desire to participate in helping his or her community achieve full access for all people with disabilities, whether they are residents or visitors to our city.
How is the Committee involved in the Arlington community?
The Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities is dedicated to awareness, concern, communication, encouragement, service and support. We are involved in community planning and we work with the Governor’s Committee on People With Disabilities to develop long-range goals for Texans with disabilities. Future plans and goals are as broad as our community’s diverse needs.
What is the Journey of Hope?
The Journey of Hope is one of our signature events. The Journey of Hope is a national outreach project that raises public awareness of people with disabilities. It is the largest fund-raising campaign for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. and for Push America, the fraternity’s national non-profit organization.
Since 1996, the City of Arlington has been a host city for teams of cyclists on a 4,000-mile cross-country trek. The cyclists arrive at City Hall escorted by an Arlington Police Department motorcycle unit. Their journey begins in San Francisco and Seattle. It ends in Washington, DC. Arlington is near the midway point for the southern route.
Individually, each cyclist raises funds in order to make the journey. Members of Pi Kappa Phi have raised millions of dollars for projects and programs of Push America and have donated millions of man hours to renovate facilities that serve people with disabilities across the country.
While in Arlington, the cyclists enjoy a host of summer fun activities with children who have disabilities. These activities are sponsored by Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and UT Arlington. Local businesses help to support these activities.
How can I get more information about the Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities?
Call the Office of the Mayor and Council at 817-459-6122. The Committee meets monthly in the Council Briefing Room on the Third Floor at City Hall, 101 W. Abram St. Your interest and participation are welcome. If you need a special accommodation to fully participate, please call or email [email protected], at least 3 business days prior to the meeting for arrangements to be made.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
SIX FLAGS – HURRICANE HARBOR
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
SPRING CREEK BARBECUE
DR. TEX COLE – FIRST EYE CARE OF ARLINGTON
CHEF’S BISTRO AND BAKERY
WHOLE FOOD MARKET
KROGER
WAL-MART NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET
ATLANTA BREAD COMPANY
COOPER STREET BAKERY
TOM THUMB
CITY OF ARLINGTON