The American’s with Disabilities Act is relatively new in the scope of the law and includes, among other regulations, laws that govern building compliance with regard to access by people with disabilities. Unfortunately, something that should have been in place to protect the basic human rights of people with disabilities hasn’t always been the standard.
Disabilities are often overlooked or flat-out ignored. People with disabilities have been the objects of pity and even flat-out prejudice. But one of the more subtle ways that prevent people with disabilities from enjoying the same standards and qualities of life taken for granted are the ways in which they are left to interact with their environments.
The Basics of Building Compliance
Take for instance basic architecture. When designing a building even as recently as thirty or forty years ago, design, cost, aesthetics, and location were the primary considerations. Not so much the question of “How can everyone access this building?” Considerations for people with physical challenges were secondary, or sometimes considered only as an “as needed” basis.
How can everyone access this building?
We all know that access for people with disabilities is imperative and should be considered on the same level as any other standard.
Safety First!
Unfortunately, even architecture of the most recently constructed buildings has a lot of catching up to do. Many buildings are simply not “up to code” — both literally and figuratively — and not only pose an inconvenience to people with physical challenges, but also pose a risk to their very safety.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
As a people who faces these obstacles everyday, you might find yourself feeling unsafe in your environment. What is worse is that you might feel as though you don’t have an advocate to ensure your voice is heard, who will fight to protect your freedoms and rights to enjoy the same quality of life as anyone in the country.
Building compliance is something that is obtainable, even in spite of the age of the structure or the mindset of the people who designed the structure. Anyone who tells you differently is only looking to save themselves money, at your expense…at the expense of YOUR basic human rights.
Contact us if you feel like your rights have been called into question. Together we can start to make things right.