Accessibility

Accessibility issues are constant challenges for people living with disabilities. As of 2005 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been in effect for 15 years and the Olmstead Decision was implemented in 1999. Unfortunately much more still needs to be done to make people with disabilities as welcome in society as those without disabilities.

The American with Disabilities Act protects the rights of people with disabilities and states that they have every right to live normal lives in society. The Olmstead Decision states that individuals cannot be forced into institutionalization, if they have the ability to live and function in society.

According to the ADA, the definition of a person with a disability is someone who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities;
2. has a record of such an impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment

The term accessible, as defined in "Tips and Strategies to Promote Accessible Communication", by The North Carolina Office on Disability and Health is:
Buildings, structures, programs, transportation services, public services, etc., which are designed or modified to enable persons with disabilities (physical and/or cognitive) to utilize them without undue difficulty.

The Health Promotion for People with Disabilities Project and Task Force are working with health care providers, government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and community members to raise awareness of barriers that people with disabilities face everyday and how changes can easily be made to make our communities accessible to everyone.

There are organizations that offer low interest loans for business to make accessibility changes to their facilities. The Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA) is a state agency that offers low interest loans to small businesses and non-profit organizations. They also offer loans to people with disabilities for home improvement, equipment, automobile modifications, and a variety of other needs. The Department of Rehabilitative (DRS) offers many services, including assisting people who have been disabled and are looking for employment.

There are companies that will evaluate businesses for physical accessibility. This can be very helpful to the business owner and ensure compliance to ADA laws. Compliance Alliance is a local Richmond company that supplies these services. They are active on the Health Promotion for People with Disabilities Task Force and advice both the task force and project on accessibility issues.

 

 

* For more information about accessibility for people with disabilities, go to the Contact Us or Links page.

 

---

---