David Miller (contact) January 25, 2012 11:45:00 AM
sometimes, she has trouble finding a parking spot. Other times, she can’t quite grab what she’s reaching for.
To an able-bodied person, these moments are nothing more than a slight inconvenience. But to people with disabilities, the lack of handicapped parking or soap dispensers placed too high on restroom walls can be time-consuming or unconquerable obstacles.
Those moments are becoming less frequent in the city of Starkville, Beth Anne Ellzey said.
“I’m blessed to be independent,” said Ellzey, who has used a wheelchair for more than 40 years. “And if it weren’t for some of the places here, I wouldn’t be able to do that.”
Ellzey, a member of Starkville’s Commission on Disability, said the city’s efforts to create more accessibility for disabled residents have grown each year since the commission began advising city leaders.
There are more curb cuts and ramps around town, but there’s also greater attention to detail, such as doorway thresholds and the torque needed to open a door.
But there’s always more to learn.
Thursday, the commission will host a workshop — 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design: Are you ready? — in the activities room at the Starkville Sportsplex on Lynn Lane. The workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will feature a member of the U.S. Access Board, the leading federal agency that created the ADA guidelines used to write the new 2010 ADA standards. The cost is $35, which includes breakfast and lunch. continuing-education units from Mississippi State University will be provided for $20.
The commission is a board-appointed advisory group. it advises the city on compliance with federal and state disability laws, and provides assistance with identification of barriers to integration and participation of people with disabilities. The commission also provides information and assistance to community members.
Making progress
“Since the commission was formed in June 2006, the city of Starkville has become progressive when it comes to accessibility,” said Whitney Hilton, past chairwoman for the commission. “Within this six-year span, the city has completed the first four steps for city governments required by the ADA of 1990, designated an ADA coordinator, written a notice about ADA, created a grievance procedure and recently conducted a self-evaluation of city facilities.”