July 29, 2022
July 26th is National Disability Independence Day, which commemorates the signing of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which happened on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.
ADA compliance means the appropriate and reasonable accommodations are in place for disabled persons. This includes things like large print, interpreters, wheelchair ramps, and allowing service animals.
Statistically, there are over 54 million Americans with a form of disability. When that number is broken down, that’s about 19 percent, or one in every five, Americans. As the population grows and ages, this number will only increase, making these regulations increasingly more important.
As the Plant Operations Director at VITALIA Senior Residences® at Strongsville, an ADA-compliant community that serves several individuals with disabilities, I work every day to keep our building accessible and safe.
Things have changed since the ADA, especially the access to public buildings with the addition of ramps, automatic doors, and wheelchair lifts. Retrofitting these items into existing structures has brought more inclusion into society.
Some of the things we do to be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act are having some urinals installed lower than others. We also have ADA compliant push-button entry and exit doors. Other ADA items we provide are a pool lift, lower elevator controls, and ADA-height door peep holes.
Weekly, I check the pool lift to see if it functions properly and the battery is charged. Also, all our automatic ADA buttons that open doors are tested.
At home, I consciously place items on lower shelves and bins to make them easier for shorter members of my family to reach.
Our goal in everything we do is to continue providing the best possible accessibility opportunities to everyone within our community.
VITALIA® Strongsville in Strongsville, OH offers independent living +, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include Finley’s Restaurant, a 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Conveniently located on State Route 82, residents enjoy a wide range of shopping, dining, attractions, and health service, with a variety of green spaces.
