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 Cedar Trails Senior Living, an ADA-compliant community that serves several individuals with disabilities, I work every day to keep our building accessible and safe.
Since the ADA, people with disabilities can no longer be discriminated against. Things such as transportation and jobs can longer be denied to those with disabilities.
Some of the things we do to be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act includes
training staff on being compliant with things such as wheelchairs, walkers, lower peep holes on some room doors, and easy-access power doors.
Our weekly tasks that take ADA compliance into consideration include cleaning pathways, handrails, and emergency strobe lights, for the hearing impaired in case of a fire.
At home, I have an ADA compliant shower chair, lift chairs, and ramps. Our goal in everything we do is to continue providing the best possible accessibility
Cedar Trails Senior Living in Freeburg, IL 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 St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including The Orchards Golf Club, Target, Eckerts Belleville Farm, Braeutigam Orchards, and the Belle Clair fairgrounds & Expo Center.
