I have been working with the ADA for the last 18 years as an architect specializing in accessibility compliance, so I have seen some progress with groups like Betty's. In the building area there is much more that can be done. The 50+ staff at the Civil Rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are not capable of enforcing the ADA, this is why congress made the ADA Civil Rights Litigation./ The responsibility of enforcing the ADA is in the hands of the handicapped citizens. That tool is the free Federal Courts filing (no legal fees and attorney fees...no cost to the handicapped individual), the professional archtiectural services of ACCESS are also included in the attorney costs.
The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program uses the Federal Court. It is guaranteed to work because I sign my name to the ACCESS certification that the building is ADA compliant. Today we are concentrating on the lodging industry (hotels, motels and time-shares). By the following these steps, you'll be on your way to your first filing:
- Book an accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower.
- Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and public restrooms.
- Take 2-3 photos of the outside to include the accessible parking lot and overall photos of the building.
- Email photos and your hotel bill to ACCESS at hfalstad@accessts.net.
In the end, what a good feeling for all of us that another building will be ADA compliant. And that's what the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" is really about. Getting things done and making a difference.
Comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home. Or call us at (702) 649-7575 and ask for me or Patti. Or, if you prefer, email me at hfalstad@accessts.net. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hank
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