This petition comes from the heart of a mother of a resilient and courageous little girl who has cerebral palsy which affects her gross motor skills. Recently, our fiercely independent daughter started to walk unassisted after spending her earlier years reliant on a walker and contemplating using a wheelchair. While a massive accomplishment, it also poses unique challenges for us: every step she takes, every curb she encounters, and every uneven pavement she crosses demands more effort from her than it would from a typical child.

We live on Lyon Lane in New Albany, IN, and like any parent, we wish our neighborhood, our community, to be a safe haven for her. A crucial part of this safety would be a repaved, smooth, and even street - a basic right of any citizen and an even more critical requirement for a child with physical impairment like ours.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), sidewalks and community spaces need to be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Yet, our local sidewalks tell another story. These regulations are not just institutional mandates, these potentially enhance or lessen the quality of life for citizens and may directly affect the physical and mental well-being of children like our daughter.

Our plea is simple and humane. All we ask is for our own street to be repaved, for a smooth road where children can play, and a little girl can walk without excess exertion and fear. 

By signing this petition, you are not just supporting one family, or one child. You're advocating for inclusivity, accessibility, and equality for all. Please lend your support and sign our petition for a repaved street on Lyon Lane in New Albany, IN.