WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – At the Dean C. Jackson Arena today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, bringing hope fulfilled to a driving force in the community.
For years, when people with disabilities attended events at the arena, they had to battle significant issues from inadequate parking, often too far from entrances, challenging gravel pathways throughout the grounds, and other problems usually resulting in choosing not to attend due to unsafe conditions.
Danielle Tolino, one of the founding members of Empowering Indigenous Accessibility who uses a wheelchair, said at the event today that she often felt left out of events because they weren’t accessible.
Tolino was a driving force over the years in amplifying the needs of many who require mobility assistance at public venues.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren personally asked Tolino to do the honors at the ribbon cutting, and they also toured the upgrades to the arena, a paved path leading to the arena, and were able to maneuver in the widened and secure foundation to accommodate many eventgoers.
“Thank you, President Dr. Buu Nygren, for having the confidence to take on this challenge,” said NECA Executive Director Garrett Silversmith. “This is about the experience, to make it more friendly, more handicapped accessible.”
Silversmith also thanked the many sponsors who helped with donations of anything from concrete to workforce.
NECA, NDOT, 4 Rivers Equipment, Prestigious Paving, and Arviso Construction collaborated on the project and attended the event.
President Nygren’s Executive Director of General Services, Shawnevan Dale was also instrumental in making this a reality.
“Our people with disabilities have been asking and needing this for too long,” said President Nygren. “This isn’t just an achievement for our community who need this right now. It stands for all who advocated for themselves and the future generations who will continue to use this arena and fairgrounds for our culture and many events we celebrate here.”
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