As the nation honors the 20th anniversary of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act Monday, the village's own organization—Ridgewood Community Access Network—prepares for its second annual Access Ridgewood disability awareness weekend in the fall.

"The ADA is extremely important and is one of the best pieces of civil rights legislation ever enacted into law. It addresses today key issues like housing, employment, transportation, and access," said Councilman Paul Aronsohn, chairman of Ridgewood CAN.

The Ridgewood group focuses on community members with "special needs and special gifts" and is in the initial planning stages for Access Ridgewood, which is Oct. 1 to 3.

"The purpose of the weekend is a lot more than just understanding," Aronsohn said. "It gives people a better idea what it's like for people with disabilities. The weekend speaks to the issues and offers different programming for seniors, children, teens and adults."

At last year's inaugural event, each village school participated with in-class activities, movies, or speakers. Aronsohn said the schools will continue that again. Seniors enjoyed healthy tips and exercise information at the Community Center.

On the Saturday, the group will hold its performance arts show in the Ridgewood Public Library's Belcher Auditorium. The new spin on it will be a community barbeque on the village patio. Many disability organizations will be on hand to share information on their groups.

There will be an interfaith service held Sunday, this year at United Methodist Church.

"The weekend addresses this extremely important issue in a way that's relevant to the entire community. Disabilities—whether directly or indirectly—affect all families, and we provide an opportunity for people to learn more," Aronsohn said.

On Monday, Ridgewood CAN will meet in the Village Hall Senior Lounge to continue planning, and residents are encouraged to stop by. Earlier in the day, "Accessers" (as Aronsohn calls them) will attend a special luncheon at Bergen Community College with similar groups and County Executive Dennis McNerney.

Although an informative group, Ridgewood CAN is active, as well. Throughout the year, CAN members help make the village a more accessible place. For example, NJ Transit toured the new ADA accessible train station last month, and the group offered some tips.

"What if one of the elevators break? There's no way to get to the West Side. Now, you'd have to stay on the train and take it to Ramsey and turn around," Aronsohn said, adding NJ Transit is looking to have an emergency ramp available to prevent that scenario from occurring.

Additionally, the Accessers have tried to update the village as best as possible. Aronsohn said a building can receive a permit quicker if it's installing an elevator in a building without ADA access. Also, CAN helped the Parks and Recreation Department's Stable building acquire a grant to improve disability access on its heavy barn doors.

"All the folks in our village departments—the Building Department, Parks and Recreation, the police, whatever—have been so receptive and helpful," Aronsohn said.

Residents may become more involved in Access Ridgewood weekend by e-mailing the councilman at paronsohn@ridgewoodnj.net.