Tag: accessibility

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The ADA 34 Years Later

July 26, 2024 will mark the 34th anniversary of one of the most dynamic and monumental pieces of legislation for people with disabilities in U.S. history. On this date in 1990, then president George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA would prove to be the most expansive piece of civil rights legislation since the 1964 Civil Rights Act. On that historic day President Bush was joined by Evan Kemp, chairman of the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission; Rev. Harold Wilke; Sandra Parrino, chairman of the National Council on Disability, and Justin Dart, chairman of The President’s Council on Disabilities.


The ADA is made up of five separate sections; Title I covers employment, Title II covers public services, Title III covers public transportation, Title IV covers telecommunications and Title V takes on miscellaneous issues.


While the ADA is the most comprehensive example of legislation for and about the 54 million people with disabilities living in the US, still many do know about or understand the ADA.

Employment issues continue to be problematic. While 32% of Americans with disabilities aged 18 to 64 are working, two-thirds of those unemployed would rather be working.


Mays Mission for the Handicapped was born out of the desire to provide jobs for people with disabilities and continues today. Our “on-the-job” training offers employment opportunities to the disabled in areas of press operations, pre-press, lettershop and bindery, data processing and light assembly.

“We are committed to increasing job opportunities to and for people with disabilities,” said Mission president Sherry Niehaus. “Through on-the-job training, our referral service program and direct mail appeals it is our goal to train the disabled and educate the public that, given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.”


Email us today at info@maysmission.org for free brochures on the ADA and “Making Your Community Accessible” that you can distribute in your community. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities and they would appreciate your advocacy. Thank you!

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Programs

Vacation Time

Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of his or her everyday routine. Whether you are working a 40-hour a week job, being a house-mom, volunteering or even retired, we all like to get out and get away from our usual environment and take a vacation. Trips to the big city, camping, theme parks and national and state parks are just a few of the multitude of possibilities for a family vacation.

For people with disabilities, just a smidgen of planning ahead can prevent heartbreak, disappointment and potentially risky situations. Most attractions, such as theme and national parks have made their sites accessible to the disabled thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet, due to a variety of issues and unforeseen circumstances, what is available to the able-bodied individual may vary somewhat from what is available to the disabled traveler.

When making hotel/motel reservations, always ask the manager of the facility to describe “handicapped” rooms. What works for the “average” traveler may not work for you. In my travels across the nation, it’s not uncommon to reserve a room only to find out that my wheelchair cannot get through the bathroom door. There’s no such thing as “over planning.”

If flying, try to take very necessary items with you in your carry-on luggage. Especially remember your essential medications. If your regular luggage should happen to get lost or end up on another flight, you will probably be a little more at ease.

 For more information on vacationing with disabilities, call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for our brochure, “The Disabled Traveler.” Have fun and be safe!

Encourage businesses in you area to hire individuals with disabilities! Call us for brochures to pass out to employers in your community and help us spread the word!

Categories
Programs

Vacation Time

Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of his or her everyday routine. Whether you are working a 40-hour a week job, being a house-mom, volunteering or even retired, we all like to get out and get away from our usual environment and take a vacation. Trips to the big city, camping, theme parks and national and state parks are just a few of the multitude of possibilities for a family vacation.

For people with disabilities, just a smidgen of planning ahead can prevent heartbreak, disappointment and potentially risky situations. Most attractions, such as theme and national parks have made their sites accessible to the disabled thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet, due to a variety of issues and unforeseen circumstances, what is available to the able-bodied individual may vary somewhat from what is available to the disabled traveler.

When making hotel/motel reservations, always ask the manager of the facility to describe “handicapped” rooms. What works for the “average” traveler may not work for you. In my travels across the nation, it’s not uncommon to reserve a room only to find out that my wheelchair cannot get through the bathroom door. There’s no such thing as “over planning.”

If flying, try to take very necessary items with you in your carry-on luggage. Especially remember your essential medications. If your regular luggage should happen to get lost or end up on another flight, you will probably be a little more at ease.

For more information on vacationing with the disabilities, call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for our brochure, “The Disabled Traveler.” Have fun and be safe!

Categories
Programs

Religious freedom for all

Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed and fully implemented in 1992, not all facilities were required to become “accessible.”  The ADA covered “public accommodations” but has no authority over private institutions and organizations. So let’s talk a bit about “places of worship.”

Churches, synagogues, fellowships or whatever a place of worship chooses to be called do not fall under the auspices, rules and guidelines of the ADA.  Because these institutions are private religious organizations, they are not required to become compliant with Title III of the ADA regarding “public accommodations.”

Now, I have been in many places of worship and have yet to find one where I can’t get through the doors.  Yet once inside, many an obstacle has been found.  Probably the most annoying and inconvenient situation is an inaccessible restroom.  Classrooms and the like can easily be made accommodating but once the plumbing is in place it’s difficult to change.

Situations like this can be very discouraging to people with disabilities.  As usual, changes can be made (and should be) but it’s usually a slow process.  Change will not be made until the problem area is brought to the attention of those in authority.

Check out your place of worship for accessibility issues and report your findings to those in authority. Try to get a plan of action to make necessary changes.

In a land that was founded on religious freedom, would it be a shame if we all were not comfortable in our respective places of worship?

If you would like more information or one of our free brochures like “Making Your Community Accessible” or “The Americans With Disabilities Act” to pass out in your community call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission. Thanks and please share in the comments section.