How One Absecon Man Helped Make City Hall More Accessible

What a pleasure it is for me to spread the word about the newly improved accessibility at Absecon City Hall.

A public ribbon-cutting ceremony and photo opportunity celebrating the completion of fully accessible, wheelchair-accessible automatic entrance doors at Absecon City Hall and the Absecon Police Department is planned for 6 pm on Thursday, Oct. 15th.

The public is invited to attend at the main entrance doors to Absecon City Hall and the Police Department, 500 Mill Road in Absecon.

The improvement ensures that residents and visitors of every ability can independently enter the building that houses the city’s government offices and police headquarters, whether they are attending a council meeting, conducting city business, or seeking help from local law enforcement.

I know about this because Jacob Hackett, my longtime friend and local accessibility advocate, told me about it.

The improvements are largely because Jacob persistently encouraged the folks in charge in Absecon city government to make these much-needed changes.

For wheelchair users, an inaccessible entrance can mean waiting for help just to get into a public building. Jacob knows that firsthand.

Absecon City Council has invited Jacob Hackett to do the honors, recognizing his persistent encouragement of the city to make the upgrade.

“Whoever said one person cannot make a BIG difference didn’t know our Jacob,” said Evelynn S. Caterson, an Absecon attorney and community supporter.

A Little Background on Jacob Hackett

I met Jacob when he was 4 years old, and he was one of the first players at the South Jersey Field of Dreams in the Pitney Recreation Park in Absecon.

Jacob, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was his grandfather Barry Hackett’s inspiration for building the Field of Dreams -- a baseball field for kids who never got a chance to play.

Jacob Hackett

Jacob Is an Advocate for People With Disabilities

Over the years, Jacob has always been a fan favorite at the South Jersey Field of Dreams, where he now serves as the spokesperson.

Jacob has grown up as a role model for people with and without disabilities.

He excelled in high school, becoming a member of the honor society at ACIT and receiving the school's Red Hawk Award for caring.

He was the 2017 Donald J. Sykes Award recipient, an award presented to individuals in Atlantic County in recognition of their approach to life and personal accomplishments, and for enriching the lives of others.

He has been actively involved with Faces 4 Autism, the Hoops Basketball Program for young people with disabilities, and the Atlantic Center for Independent Living.

Today, Jacob is a devoted community member and advocate for people with disabilities and has demonstrated exceptional leadership and selflessness through his volunteer activities.