Ada

[soonerborn]

About 2 months ago i went to the tag agency and noticed that the ramp was very steep and i had to get a big jump on it to barely make it up this 3 foot long ramp that went up at least 11 inches. Well on the way down the front of my chair dug in and dumped me out of it into the parking lot in front of main street and in front of three other businesses im a t8 and was able to catch myself somewhat with minor scraps and a ton of embarrassment. After some guy picked me back up the store tolled me about an elderly man that had to go to the hospital months before because of the ramp. What i am wanting to know is this something i should get a lawyer for get it changed and if so how do you go about something like this. I am not looking for money although it would help with all my medical and home bills.

[JenJen]

I don't have my copy of the ada guidelines at hand. You can find it online.

The pitch on straight ramps is supposed to rise at 1 foot for every inch of height. So if you need to bridge a 6" step, that ramp should be 6 foot long. Off hand, I cannot remember the guidelines for a switchback ramp. Someone will come along here with that info.

Depending on the size of your town, you may have an ADA compliance officer (prolly the same person who enforces all building code issues). Find that person and discuss the ramp if it is out of compliance.

You may have some luck with All Disabled Americans to find an attorney who handles ADA matters if enforcement is your issue. If you're most interested in recovery for your injury, then any personal injury attorney should be able to take this on. Please do make fixing the ramp a condition of any settlement.

[Susqu]

Try talking with the owner/manager first. explain to them that the ramp is way too steep and is dangerous. They may not know the facts, very few do.

On the other hand if the get an attitude here's the section of the guidelines on ramps,
http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.8

I would tell them about the rules then write a letter restating and following up your conversation. Then if the are still unreasonable talk to an attorney.

Some business are simply without a clue as to what is needed (even after 18 years) while others are just jerks. Also contact your local ILC and see if the might have information specific to your local that might help.

[GoTWHeeLs]

Damn man, I was there like a week after that happened. I was giving those ladies are hard time about that ramp and they told me they were aware of it after they saw your spill. They told me about your fall, I was thinking about how that must of felt considering it's more of a hill than a ramp.

[betheny]

Originally Posted by soonerborn

About 2 months ago i went to the tag agency and noticed that the ramp was very steep and i had to get a big jump on it to barely make it up this 3 foot long ramp that went up at least 11 inches. Well on the way down the front of my chair dug in and dumped me out of it into the parking lot in front of main street and in front of three other businesses im a t8 and was able to catch myself somewhat with minor scraps and a ton of embarrassment. After some guy picked me back up the store tolled me about an elderly man that had to go to the hospital months before because of the ramp. What i am wanting to know is this something i should get a lawyer for get it changed and if so how do you go about something like this. I am not looking for money although it would help with all my medical and home bills.

Hey, I live in Yukon too! My tags are due and I HATE that damned office!! You're talking bout the one next to Subway Sandwiches? Plus I always forget they don't take credit cards, so I have to go twice!

I'm glad you posted. I was procrastinating the tag thing...

[JenJen]

Sounds like the 3 of you should organize and talk to the property or the media (if this is an ongoing issue). Good luck!

PS, I forgot to say this in my first post, sorry you took a spill. I really hope you're OK. The rest of you be really careful!

[betheny]

Originally Posted by JenJen

Sounds like the 3 of you should organize and talk to the property or the media (if this is an ongoing issue). Good luck!

PS, I forgot to say this in my first post, sorry you took a spill. I really hope you're OK. The rest of you be really careful!

Maybe we should invite clc too. You can always count on him for some dramatic episode LOL. If he's in really good form, maybe he'll even break a leg!

No, that's not funny. Bad Beth. He really does have dramatic accidents, though. I got water in my sinuses, water-skiing. He broke a hip!

[soonerborn]

No its the one next to the Sonic on main street or route 66. I was gonna go to that one off vandament next time but if that one is hard to get in and out of I dont know were to go that has easy access. I was talking to my friend who is a C6 and he pushes his own chair and said that something like that would have messed him up because he doesn't have the upper body to catch himself. I have had people tell me to sue because thats the only way you get things changed like telling you your hot coffees hot. If you guys from the area want to get ahold of me or tell me what you guys think because there are a ton of places that piss me off because they dont have proper handicap areas or access. jonathanparke@hotmail.com and let me know.

[betheny]

You know what kicks my butt is the 700 pound doors. I know they have to have them on the outside, for the wind, but why on the interior doors of office buildings?

I don't think you start out suing. You start with management, and litigation is a last resort. I'd be interested in changing it that way...if you'll help me with the management of the Zoo Ampitheatre.

Not a ramp in the whole freakin' PLACE!