Wheel Chair Users And Building Accessibility

Imagine if you were called in for the interview of a lifetime

, like a creative role with a major advertising firm. This is your big break, a chance to get your foot in the door. You get dressed up in your best suit, shine and buff your finest shoes. Now imagine that you are a wheel chair user and when you get to the office building where you are supposed to be having your interview in you see a set of 50 of the steepest stairs you have ever seen. You go to the back of the building to find a similar mountain of steps prohibiting your entrance. Even if you were to ask someone who was strong enough to lift you up the stairs for your interview, this isnt a viable option if you were to get the job. You would essentially be restricted from working for that company, and earning a living, because of your wheel chair. This was a reality in the United States until 1990.

In the USA the disability rights movement has made major headway in improving the access for people who use wheelchairs have to public and commercial buildings. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 all public buildings, whether on the federal, state or municipal level, must be accessible to all peoples. Title II of this act applies to public transportation. All people, regardless of disability, must be able to access and effectively use any form of public transportation that a public entity provides. These basic rights for people with disabilities allow for them to have an equal opportunity at accessing the services, goods, types of employment and amenities that able-bodied people are privileged to and often take for granted.

This may seem like a law that should have been on the books forever, but equal rights for people with disabilities wasnt at the top of everyones list during the 20th century. Can you imagine not being able to shop at a store you wanted to go to, or not being able to enter a school because there was no wheel chair ramp you could use? It may seem absurd, but public buildings were not forced to accommodate people who use wheel chairs, or people who cannot see, hear or have any disability for that matter - until 1990.

Many homes and all commercial and public buildings that are constructed today are designed to have entry ways that are accessible by people who use wheelchairs. But there are still restrictions that wheel chair users face on a day to day basis. If your home or office doesnt have a ramp for people who use a wheel chair it is strongly recommended that you keep a spare plank or some type of device that allows people of varying mobility entrance into your home or office. You never know when a brand new client who reaches out to you over the phone and decides to come in for a meeting is a wheel chair user. It can be embarrassing if your building doesnt have equal access for all people, and it can cost you new business.

by: Garaventa Lift

POST COMMENT

Plumbing Problems? Get it resolved by our professional London plumbers Insulin Pumps - Global Pipeline Analysis, Opportunity Assessment And Market Forecasts To 2016 Now Av Gold & Silver: protect your wealth from the ravages of inflation Plumbing In America Inflation Through Deflation How To Get Outstanding Furniture Television Stands Detailed Info Penis Male Enlargement Drugs - Using Them To Your Advantage To Get Wider And Thicker In Secret At Home The Government Offers Cheap Homes With Freddie Mac Foreclosures Marketing Homes For Sale In Manhattan Beach Work from home advertising revealed Foot Problems of Flat Footed People Short Sales In Real Estate: Facts For Buyers And Sellers Low Budget Home Security Tips