AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ANNIVERSARY RECOGNIZED MONDAY

By Celeste Mayo/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

There was no guarantee that a wheelchair user had access to their favorite stores, that people with a hearing impairment could order pizza over the phone or that a person with a mental disability could distinguish between a uniquely named men's or women's restroom before the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

"We have come a long way (with the ADA) in 14 years, but we still have a long way to go," Billy Altom, executive director of the Delta Resource Center, said.

Monday was the 14th anniversary of the signing of the ADA. More than 30 people gathered at the center to celebrate and talk about the changes stemming from the act.

Though many people associate the ADA with wheelchair users, Altom said, changes required by ADA can help benefit everyone.

A mother pushing a stroller, a child riding a bicycle or someone who has trouble walking up stairs can use ramps or other access tools made possible by the ADA.

"If you build something today and you don't build it accessible, that is inexcusable," he said.

The celebration Monday was also a chance to honor Carolyn Ferguson with the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas. She was presented with the Brenda Braswell Advocacy Award presented to someone who has gone beyond the call of duty to help people with disabilities.

Ferguson spoke of the many programs that the Area Agency on Aging offers to the community.

"Sometimes you really don't have a problem. It is just reaching the right person for help," she said.

The ADA has provided for several programs including wheelchair accessibility, closed captioning and the Arkansas Relay service, and allowed the use of service animals.