Evesham Township

One in 10 Evesham residents has a disability, totaling more than 4,000 people. Yet, planning documents that have guided the community’s growth over the past 40 years have not incorporated inclusive policies beyond what is mandated by state and federal law. This has created a policy-making structure that does not prioritize inclusivity or incorporate the voices of residents who experience disabilities.

With this 18-month Inclusive Healthy Communities project, Evesham Township his addressing barriers for those who experience physical disabilities, as well as individuals who experience autism or various learning or developmental disabilities. The township is woking toward a municipality in which all individuals have the same access and opportunities.

In phase one, the township is utilizing a data analysis organization and a planning firm to administer a community-wide survey and hold community meetings to collect baseline data to be analyzed and presented to the township and all project partners.

In phase two, the township focuses on planning that will lead to the development of a permanent Inclusion Component of the Evesham Township Master Plan, allowing Evesham residents with disabilities to benefit from an “inclusion-in-all-things” approach to community leadership.

In phase three, the township will implement pilot initiatives to test advances in inclusivity based on the recommendations from the prior phases of the project. Pilot initiatives may relate to walkability/accessibility at recreational sites, signage and communication improvements, expanded employment opportunities, enhanced emergency response systems, and more.

This project will also expand the township’s network of local partners with an active role in creating a healthy inclusive community. The project includes all municipal departments as well as Evesham’s Disability and Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee, Economic Advisory Council, Special Needs for Adults Program, Sports Unity Program for children of all abilities, The Collaborative NJ, The Council on Quality and Leadership and Resources for Independent Living, as well as local community members, businesses, schools and organizations.