UTICA, N.Y. – The Resource Center for Independent Living has recognized the cities of Rome and Utica for their efforts to prioritize accessibility.

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and Rome Mayor Jackie Izzo are allocating funds to upgrade bathrooms at each city hall.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and installing upgrades to make the bathrooms accessible will give individuals with disabilities a better opportunity to work for city government.

“This is not so someone who comes to city hall can go to the bathroom - that means somebody can be employed in city hall. Unless there are accessible bathrooms, a person couldn't work here,” said Zvia McCormick, CEO at RCIL.

The bathroom updates are part of Rome’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which also includes plans to build an accessible bus shelter on Liberty Street in Rome.

Palmieri included the bathroom updates into the Utica budget.

Utica Comptroller Bill Morehouse also announced new signage would be displayed in his office, designating a priority lane for seniors and people with disabilities.