What Do You Think

Reach Out's new column What Do you think, will attempt to address issues affecting people with disabilities. We will address a different subject each issue, and welcome your feelings on the matter. We will print responses in future issues, as well as passing on your input to proper agency. Together we can make a difference.

At the request of one of it's board members, The National Organization on Disability, Hollywood, Florida Chapter is working on a project affecting every person with a disability. The organization feels disabled parking in shopping centers, restaurants, malls, etc., are not properly located. While
the spaces are up-front, they are usually spaced between a roadway & the stores. Most people with disabilities either have difficulty walking or use a wheelchair. This creates the potential tragedy waiting to happen. Suppose that person fell crossing the roadway, and suppose he can't get up on his own? Or suppose a person using a wheelchair has trouble crossing the
roadway? This could be a major inconvenience for everyone, not to mention deadly. Why do some building have disabled/handicap parking in front of the stores, while others have a roadway between the spaces & the store? Sure
there has to be a fire line up-front, but there doesn't need to be an access road for the malls cars

The N.O.D., Hollywood Chapter is proposing that spaces in existing buildings be relocated in front of the stores, and that all new buildings do the same. N.O.D., Hollywood Chapter members realize this plan will be met with opposition - businesses will more likely claim it's to expensive of a project to undertake and is not an ADA compliance issue, however we
feel it is less expensive then a big lawsuit should something horrible happen, or even worse a death cause by the design.

N.O.D., would love to hear from you, with your thoughts, input,
suggestions, ideas, comments, etc. While we are a Hollywood, Florida chapter this is an issue that affects people with disabilities all over the country. Please send your reply to Reach Out, we will choose several in an upcoming issue reach Out, and will also keep names on file, to use as reference.

Sincerely,

Jim Jakubek - Chairman
National Organization on Disability, Hollywood, FL Chapter

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