A few weeks ago in the Tribune, resident Bruce Freeman wrote about boosting handicap accessibility in town and how it could lead to increased business revenues. As we are sure that Freeman, who navigates with help from a motorized wheelchair, can attest to, there is always room for improvement in making our community more accessible and inclusive for all.Yet, as Freeman also brought up to us, this town is, in many ways, a model of inclusivity. There are several reasons why Livingston is a desirable location for people and families to settle down and plant roots. Great schools, high test scores, and extracurricular activities set up students for success down the line. And in general, as Freeman put it, “we are fortunate to have the funds to buy the very best.”What should also be mentioned though (and Freeman highlighted as much) is Livingston’s reputation for its special education and accessibility programs. The community overall makes good-faith efforts to be inclusive, not just to students, but to adults as well. It starts in the schools, but it extends to organizations and businesses throughout town. Many places are willing to go the extra mile rather than the minimum that is required of them.When asked why Livingston seems to be a step ahead of other towns he is familiar with, Freeman has a simple theory. “It’s people who drive this,” he said. He believes that this town attracts the type of individuals who are prone to helping others. And based on our experiences in Livingston, we are inclined to agree with him.In praising Livingston’s inclusivity, Freeman made a point to highlight some people and organizations doing great work in the community.He specifically named Bob Gebroe, chairman of the Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD); Lisa Capone-Steiger, assistant superintendent for Livingston Public Schools; Blair Rosenthal, director of PreK-5 special education in the school district; Dee-Dee Pulver, who, along with Freeman, is coordinator of the LACD’s mentoring program; Cantor Jessica Epstein, who recently started an accessibility and inclusion task force at Temple B’nai Abraham; and the countless individuals who help children with special needs and their families through the Friendship Circle. Every single person mentioned deserves plaudits and, of course, as Freeman said, the list could go on.So, to all the people who make Livingston such an incredibly inclusive community, we thank you for all you do to better this town. Keep up the terrific ...
