Travel Angels Network: Julie-Ann Forcum

Since ACCESS has brought our 18 years of professional architectural building accessibility compliance to the ADA directly to the handicapped community in our "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program, I have come in contact with many who are helping to make things easier for those who are wheelchair bound. 

Last week I spoke to a young lady name Julie Ann, a real firecracker with an over abundance of energy and drive which is mainly focused on her non-profit organization assisting those with disabilities as they travel.  We all can learn and get motivated by Julie-Ann.  I know she was a breath of fresh air for me.  She, in her efforts, is making a difference in helping to make all aspects of handicap traveling more accessible and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The accessible professional architectural services of ACCESS are free to those with disabilities.  So, why not use them?  The bottom line is that more need to be involved, and like Julie-Ann, together we can make a difference.

Today we are focusing on the lodging industry (hotels, motels and time-shares), who for the last 20 years have been "thumbing-their-noses" at getting their buildings ADA compliant, just ask Julie-Ann and she will give you an ear full. 

The services of ACCESS are simple and free (no cost to you).  When planning your travel arrangements, 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.  Outside of the building, take a few photos of the parking lot and overall photos of the building, including the main entrance.  Email all photos and a copy of the hotel bill to ACCESS.  You will be in goods hands, as we do the rest of the work from there.

Once filed, the Federal Judge will order the building to be ADA compliant.  At the end of the audit, I will sign the certificate stating that the building is ADA compliant.  Another good job by ACCESS and the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs".

Make Julie-Ann and many like her proud that you've taken the steps in making more buildings ADA compliant.  Again...together we can make a difference, one building at a time.

For more information on Julie-Ann Forcum and her network, the following are links you can use, or you can find her on FaceBook.

	http://www.grantangelwishesandtravel.org http://www.gawt.info http://www.travelangelsnetwork.com http://www.funventurestravel.com http://www.familynetworktv.com

Any questions or comments you can post them here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/.  You can also call us at (702) 649-7575 and ask for me or Patti; or email me at hfalstad@accessts.net.

Hank