Accessibility
Accessibility is more than being able to enter a building.
- About the issue
- Why does this matter to people with disabilities?
- Are there any proposals that would make a change in this issue?
- Who can I contact with my questions?
- Background Information For This Issue
About the issue: (Top of page)
People with disabilities traditionally have had a lot of trouble being able to access public buildings and public sidewalks. With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1992 this aspect of accessibility was supposed to improve or go away. Public buildings now must have wheelchair ramps, easy to open doors, wider halls and doorways, brailed signs, accessible restrooms, etc. to ensure equal access for people with a variety of disabilities. Sidewalks need to have curb cuts for wheelchairs. Progress has been slow, but steady in this regard.
The ADA also addressed access for people with disabilities in other ways. It states that equal access has to be ensured in services, employment, education, communications, public housing, and public transportation. Employers now need to provide workplace accommodations for people who need them. This might mean specialized computer programs or keyboards, higher or wider desks, or interpreters for those who have hearing impairments.
Besides the ADA there are other laws or court decisions that ensure equal access. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) ensures that elections are accessible to people with disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensures that people with disabilities are not discriminated against. The Olmstead Supreme Court decision ensures that people with disabilities do not have to live in institutions.
Why does this matter to people with disabilities? (Top of page)
Without access to the basics of society, you are not included or connected to society. In order for people with disabilities to fully participate in society, they must have equal access to all of the same things that non-disabled people often take for granted.
Of all of the minority groups in this country, people with disabilities continue to be the most unemployed or underemployed. They continue to live in institutions with little or no access to the community. People with disabilities often are not allowed to make decisions in their lives or live with the consequences of their decisions. They still lack equal access to the community which makes them more like second class citizens.
Are there any bills that would make a change in this issue? (Top of page)
- Assembly Bill 81 - Disability Parking Enforcement
The bill prohibits fraudulent use of a disabled parking card and prohibits the selling of disabled parking cards to individuals not eligible for them. It also increases the penalties for illegal use of the cards. [More on Assembly Bill 81 ]
Outcome: Introduced April 7, 2011 and sent to the Assembly Transportation Committee
Who can I contact with my questions? (Top of page)
John Shaw
Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities
201 W. Washington Avenue
Madison WI 53703-2796
Phone: Voice (608) 266-7707; TDD (608) 266-6660
Email: John1.Shaw@wisconsin.gov
Fax: (608) 267-3906
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