The Americans with Disabilities Act was established to combat discrimination against those with disabilities in our country. It covers issues of employment, housing, public access to buildings and other aspects of everyday life for people with disabilities. The act has specific regulations regarding each aspect of its protection. While there have been great strides since its enactment in 1990, there is still a need for awareness and enforcement.
Public Places
Access to public places is important in order for people with disabilities to meet every day needs that others may take for granted. For instance, normal activities such as, going shopping, paying bills, visiting government offices, going to doctor appointments or simply going out for a nice time become undermined by a lack of access. People with disabilities, their loved and their caretakers are usually the first to spot access issues. This puts them in the unique position of being able to help find solutions by speaking up and explaining the problem.
Reasons for Access Problems
Most business owners and government agencies do their best to follow building codes when they are constructing a new building or when renovating an old one, but there can still be errors. A lack of thorough knowledge of ADA regulations by those involved in the building process results in accessibility problems for people with disabilities. Business who make efforts to improve their buildings to aid access for people with accessibilities will also improve their overall business and profitability. Cost factors cause resistance for some owners, but often there are cost-effective ways to correct problems. Working with someone who knows the regulations will help find better solutions. Addressing the concerns of people with disabilities and the concerns of business owners in the public sector can bring a workable solution to what might otherwise become a stalemate.
Finding someone to help in the process
Access Advocates works with people with disabilities to help correct access problems in the public sector. The process involves helping owners to find and correct problems in an appropriate manner. If you need help finding a solution to an access problem contact us by clicking on the link. We work together to find solutions.