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Berkeley, which has a long history of firsts in accessibility issues, is among the 10 finalists for the National Organization on Disability’s first annual Accessibility America contest. 

“Berkeley has been on the forefront of disability access issues for a long time,” said Mayor Shirley Dean. “We still have lots to do but if we keep doing a little bit every year, as we have been, we’ll get there.” 

Berkeley and nine other cities were chosen from 65 contest entries. The other cities include Irvine, Cailf., Eugene and Portland, Ore. and Houston, Texas. 

The NOD will present the mayor of the winning community with a check for $25,000, which will used for additional accessibility projects. A panel of five judges will chose the winner on Tuesday. Berkeley residents were among the first in the country to organize.