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 Active Adult Community® – North Royalton, an ADA-compliant community that serves several individuals with disabilities, I work every day to keep our building accessible and safe.
With the ADA, people with disabilities can no longer be denied access to any jobs. There are also more promotions and allowance for more training.
Some things that we do to be compliant is the right to accessible transportation. Another thing we do to be compliant is accessible avenues for anybody with disabilities like clear and free walkways. Our weekly tasks are a community walk-through and making sure all doors are operational.
Some things to do at home are to allow for wider hallways or doorways and make them accessible. I also would install more handrails in the bathrooms, keeping plenty of room on all sides.
Our goal in everything we do is to continue providing the best possible accessibility opportunities to everyone within our community.
VITALIA® North Royalton in North Royalton, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Parma Hospital and Southwest General Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Ridgewood Golf Course, Southpark Mall, Sleepy Hallow Golf Course, Cleveland Metro Parks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Heavily Hills Farm.
