Time To Say Thanks

To the Editor:

Congress passed the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. Over the years progress has been made to enable more of our citizens to engage in civic and social activities. Technology advancements have made much of this effort possible.

Last week our First Selectman Patricia Llodra, in a letter to the editor [“Audio Improvements In The Meeting Room,” Letter Hive, 1/22/10], described equipment in the new meeting room at our Municipal Center that provides hard of hearing persons with assistive listening devices that are truly amazing. It has taken a long time to reach this goal and the active support of many of our town leaders.

Soon after the ADA was passed, former first selectman Herb Rosenthal purchased the first piece of equipment, a portable infrared system to be used at various town business meetings. Eventually, it ceased to work. Last year, First Selectman Joseph Borst replaced that system with an FM portable system that was an improvement, but not always reliable. He embraced installing the much superior “loop” system described by Mrs Llodra and recently completed under her direction.

In 2007, the Newtown Middle School auditorium was equipped with an FM system thanks to the efforts of Principal Sherlock, Business Manager Ronald Bienkowski, his assistant Barbara Bozeman, School Facilities Manager Gino Faiella, middle school and high school custodians, the Tech Club, and the school administration. That installation was soon followed by an FM system for the high school auditorium donated by Joe Skrzypczak, a very generous citizen.

In addition to all of that, the Booth Library now has an infrared assistive listening system in its large meeting room. If you want to attend their interesting programs, call and let the librarians know you plan to attend.

If you need hearing assistance to enjoy school concerts or to feel comfortable when attending town business meetings, don’t stay home. Let’s show our appreciation and use this marvelous equipment. Call the first selectman’s office or the school offices; let them know you are planning to attend.

Thanks to all these wonderful people!

Let’s all walk with pride; Newtown is leading the way.

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                       February 3, 2010