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Protect the A.D.A. Coordinator effectiveness in Evanston
We’re doing some organizing in Evanston. The Evanston City Council is considering their ADA Coordinator POSITION AS the end of the year. At the Council meeting on October 25, 2010, the council said there were two other staff personnel –other than the chief ADA Coordinator, Brian Barnes – who are designated to handle ADA issues: a staff member in the Park/Recreation Department and a staff member in facilities. From what I understand, the council wants to eliminate the chief ADA position and consolidate the other two positions. This isn’t acceptable!! The chief ADA Coordinator oversees all of the city’s issues. The other two positions won’t have the ability to do that because they are departmentalized.This Saturday, November 6th, the city of Evanston will have a public hearing on its budget. The hearing will be at 9 a.m. at Evanston’s Civic Center, located at 2100 Ridge in Evanston. If anybody lives in or by Evanston, I URGE you to attend this public hearing and testify that Evanston City Council should retain the REAL A.D.A. Coordinator position. It’s too vital of a position to cut!
Larry Biondi
Speak out against budget cuts to Home Services!
The Governor’s budget online does not tell us where the severe cuts he is proposing will fall. But it does allow comments on the budget. I suggest writing and saying how cuts might hurt YOU. Mention if you face cuts in Home Service Program, Link card, Circuit breaker, therapeutic programs, or because of Medicaid Managed Care. Keep it simple and sincere.http://www2.illinois.gov/budget/Pages/Suggest.aspx
New Advocacy efforts coming soon!
Department Store Access
Have you had problems with access at department stores? Generally, stores must meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) unless it would be fiscally burdensome. If merchandise is not accessible, assistance must be provided with a reasonable amount of time to gain access to the items. Likewise, bathrooms and try-on rooms must be accessibile.
According to the ADA, department stores must make the following
alterations:
- Counters with cash registers must have a portion which is 36 inches in length and height above the floor.
- Sales counters should have a portion of the main counter 36 inches in length and height, or an auxiliary counter of 36-inch height in close proximity or equivalent facilitation.
- The general path of travel must have a 32-inch width.
- Any device use to prevent the removal of shopping carts from store premises cannot prevent people in wheelchairs from entering or exiting the building. An alternate entry that is equally convenient to that provided for the ambulatory population is acceptable.
For more information or to report possible violations of the law, contact PCIL Advocate, Larry Biondi at (708) 209-1500, extension 24.