Richland New Hope outlines accessibility projects as Richland County proclaims Disability Awareness Month

Richland County commissioners presented a proclamation recognizing Disability Awareness Month and heard a detailed briefing from Richland New Hope about new accessibility projects funded with ARPA dollars.

Troy Smith, public relations for Richland New Hope, told the commissioners the organization is working with dozens of providers to expand community access and supports, saying, “we really, we can't do this alone.” Smith described installation of full‑size adult changing tables at nine county sites — including Circle Park, Ray Melton Park, the fairgrounds, the YMCA and Mansfield Speedway — funded through ARPA grants to give family caregivers a private, dignified place for care that otherwise might happen “in the trunk of the car or in the grass.”

Smith also described an accessible trailer equipped with a hydraulic drop to ground level, an adult changing table, a lift and sanitation facilities that the organization will deploy to public events such as the Belleville Street Fair and the Blueberry Festival. RNI plans a ribbon cutting for the trailer and related facilities on March 25 at about 12:30 p.m., following its board meeting.

The presentation included an overview of a 'Cruiser Kit' for first responders — sensory‑friendly items such as noise‑canceling headphones, communication charts and fidgets — that Richland New Hope said local police and EMS leaders have endorsed as tools to help de‑escalate interactions with people who have communication or sensory needs. "We met with [local chiefs] and they were certainly on board with this," Smith said.

Staff also flagged a recent state law referred to in the presentation as "Keith's law" (House Bill 144), which the presenter said took effect Jan. 19 and allows voluntary entries into a leads database so first responders can see communication or disability‑related information before responding to a scene.

Commissioners signed and presented a proclamation noting that Richland New Hope serves about 1,300 individuals and reaffirming the county's commitment to improving access to education, housing, employment and recreation for people with disabilities. Commissioners and RNI staff exchanged follow‑up logistics; an online participant asked to receive a copy of the proclamation by email.

The board did not take any formal action on RNI's projects beyond the ceremonial presentation; RNI said the trailer will be wrapped and made available for events in early March.