SCI Forum Reports

The Americans with Disabilities Act

February 7, 1995

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, providing equal access for persons with disabilities to employment, public transportation, public accommodations, state and local governments, and telecommunications. "The ADA has created a lot of changes over the last two or three years," said Karen Bermudez of the Washington Coalition of Citizens with disABILITIES (WCCD), an independent living center in Seattle. The new attitude and commitment toward making things accessible are refreshing, but there is still plenty of progress to be made, Bermudez said. To help the changes along, "we encourage consumers to let businesses know if there's a problem."

A dialog is usually the best way to get results with issues of access, Bermudez said. "Most people will be responsive if they're notified." ADA guidelines for accessibility in buildings apply primarily to new construction. "If you've got a problem with a new building, first talk to the managers, then the building code inspectors, before filing a complaint." Where existing buildings are a problem, the WCCD will help businesses find temporary measures to solve accessibility problems before they can be handled definitively with remodeling.

Regarding curb cuts in sidewalks, Bermudez said cities should have a plan in place with a schedule for when the curb cuts will be installed. The City of Seattle will respond to calls about specific places where curb cuts are needed, scheduling the installation as soon as possible. "They're trying to focus on major routes and individual demands."

Persons seeking more information about the ADA may contact the Northwest Disability Business Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-HELPADA (1-800-435-7232) or check out the Americans With Disabilities Act Document Center . The WCCD may be reached at 4649 Sunnyside Ave. North, Suite 100, Seattle WA 98103-6900 (206-461-4550 voice, 206-461-3766 TTY).