antiquity
12-17-2002, 04:17 PM
ADA compliance in D.M. rapped
The city has failed to meet federal disability requirements, an advisory group says.
By JASON CLAYWORTH
Register Staff Writer
12/16/2002
A group that monitors the city's compliance with federal disability laws says Des Moines has not fully complied with the Americans With Disabilities Act, more than a decade after the government ordered that all public buildings be made accessible.
The Access Advisory Board, appointed by city leaders, says it's ready to blow the whistle on the many city-owned buildings that lack wheelchair ramps, wider entrances and other requirements. The City Council is expected today to hire a consultant who will map out all the spots that require work. The plan could cost millions.
The problems range from restrooms that are too cramped and drinking fountains that are too tall to a lack of handicapped parking spaces.
"Sometimes I won't even go into some of the buildings because I know there are accessibility problems," said Jeff Jasper, a 23-year-old Des Moines man with cerebral palsy.
Advisory board members have threatened to report the city's shortcomings to federal officials. That has prompted a council vote today on whether to spend $75,000 for a review of nearly 80 buildings.
Parks and Recreation Director Don Tripp said city leaders outlined a plan a decade ago to fix many of the deficiencies.
"It's been, to some extent, followed," said Tripp, who represents the city on the advisory board.
"Our hope with this plan is that it's more complete."
The Americans with Disabilities Act, pushed by U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia., protects people with disabilities from discrimination in employment, public accommodations, state and local government services, telecommunications and transportation. About 10 percent of Iowa's population has some type of physical disability.
Cities of more than 500 people were to outline needed updates by the end of 1992, with completion within five years.
"There are some tremendous deficits that still exist in city buildings," said Robert Jeppesen, executive director of the Central Iowa Center for Independent Living.
Des Moines is not alone.
"There's been a lot of action taken already, but I'm sure there are those who say we haven't gone far enough," said Tom Bredeweg, executive director of the Iowa League of Cities. "Generally speaking, I don't see a lot of litigation."
Des Moines doesn't face fines for its failure to meet federal requirements, but inaction could open the door to a slew of lawsuits, Bredeweg warned. He said many Iowa cities continue to wrestle with accessibility issues and tight budgets don't help the matter.
Studies in 1994 and 1996 by Peter Blanck, co-director of the University of Iowa Law, Health Policy and Disability Center, showed that most accommodations cost cities, states and businesses less than $1,000. Costs typically are related to the age of the building. For example, Iowa taxpayers spent about $2.7 million to make the Capitol Complex in Des Moines
handicapped-accessible.
Judy Hoit, coordinator of Ms. Wheelchair Iowa, a nonprofit advocacy group, said the problem is national in scope.
"Somebody has missed the boat somewhere, because they're not following through with plans," said Hoit, whose group in July will host for the first time in Iowa the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. The event will bring competitors from as many as 30 states to Des Moines.
The study will take about four months and include cost estimates and a completion date, Tripp said.
City Councilman Frank Cownie said the city has no choice but to bite the bullet, even amid a budget crunch that has forced layoffs and proposed increases in fees from parking rates to zoo admissions.
Talk about it
The Des Moines City Council will meet at 4:30 p.m. today at City Hall, 400 E. First St.
http://www.dmregister.com/news/stories/c4780932/19999293.html
The city has failed to meet federal disability requirements, an advisory group says.
By JASON CLAYWORTH
Register Staff Writer
12/16/2002
A group that monitors the city's compliance with federal disability laws says Des Moines has not fully complied with the Americans With Disabilities Act, more than a decade after the government ordered that all public buildings be made accessible.
The Access Advisory Board, appointed by city leaders, says it's ready to blow the whistle on the many city-owned buildings that lack wheelchair ramps, wider entrances and other requirements. The City Council is expected today to hire a consultant who will map out all the spots that require work. The plan could cost millions.
The problems range from restrooms that are too cramped and drinking fountains that are too tall to a lack of handicapped parking spaces.
"Sometimes I won't even go into some of the buildings because I know there are accessibility problems," said Jeff Jasper, a 23-year-old Des Moines man with cerebral palsy.
Advisory board members have threatened to report the city's shortcomings to federal officials. That has prompted a council vote today on whether to spend $75,000 for a review of nearly 80 buildings.
Parks and Recreation Director Don Tripp said city leaders outlined a plan a decade ago to fix many of the deficiencies.
"It's been, to some extent, followed," said Tripp, who represents the city on the advisory board.
"Our hope with this plan is that it's more complete."
The Americans with Disabilities Act, pushed by U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia., protects people with disabilities from discrimination in employment, public accommodations, state and local government services, telecommunications and transportation. About 10 percent of Iowa's population has some type of physical disability.
Cities of more than 500 people were to outline needed updates by the end of 1992, with completion within five years.
"There are some tremendous deficits that still exist in city buildings," said Robert Jeppesen, executive director of the Central Iowa Center for Independent Living.
Des Moines is not alone.
"There's been a lot of action taken already, but I'm sure there are those who say we haven't gone far enough," said Tom Bredeweg, executive director of the Iowa League of Cities. "Generally speaking, I don't see a lot of litigation."
Des Moines doesn't face fines for its failure to meet federal requirements, but inaction could open the door to a slew of lawsuits, Bredeweg warned. He said many Iowa cities continue to wrestle with accessibility issues and tight budgets don't help the matter.
Studies in 1994 and 1996 by Peter Blanck, co-director of the University of Iowa Law, Health Policy and Disability Center, showed that most accommodations cost cities, states and businesses less than $1,000. Costs typically are related to the age of the building. For example, Iowa taxpayers spent about $2.7 million to make the Capitol Complex in Des Moines
handicapped-accessible.
Judy Hoit, coordinator of Ms. Wheelchair Iowa, a nonprofit advocacy group, said the problem is national in scope.
"Somebody has missed the boat somewhere, because they're not following through with plans," said Hoit, whose group in July will host for the first time in Iowa the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. The event will bring competitors from as many as 30 states to Des Moines.
The study will take about four months and include cost estimates and a completion date, Tripp said.
City Councilman Frank Cownie said the city has no choice but to bite the bullet, even amid a budget crunch that has forced layoffs and proposed increases in fees from parking rates to zoo admissions.
Talk about it
The Des Moines City Council will meet at 4:30 p.m. today at City Hall, 400 E. First St.
http://www.dmregister.com/news/stories/c4780932/19999293.html