Carmel, NY – Yesterday, on the 33^rd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne joined Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS) at a ceremony to honor 9 local restaurants acknowledging and their accessibility for those of all abilities. PILS identified these local businesses as having an accessible dining area, having ramps or no steps to enter, and having accessible restrooms.

“In Putnam County, we’re trying to create a culture where we ThinkDIFFERENTLY, where we accept and support those of all abilities. And these businesses should be commended for the steps they’ve already taken to be ADA accessible and welcoming,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “Being accessible isn’t just morally right, it’s good business. These restaurants aren’t just welcoming those with disabilities, they are welcoming their families, their friends to spend their money at their location. Thank you to everyone at PILS for all the hard work they do, and for identifying these businesses.”

ThinkDIFFERENTLY is a call to action to change the way individuals, governments, businesses, and communities think about and interact with those of different abilities. The goal being to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The nine Putnam County based restaurants that met these criteria and received an award were Brooklyn Organic Kitchen, Gaetano Pizza & Café, Red Rooster Drive-in, Carmel Diner, McCarthy’s Grill House, Benvenuto’s Pizza & Restaurant, Dante’s Trattoria, Four Brothers Pizza, and Stonehouse Grill & Market.