How the ADA influences eastern Idaho
Twenty-five years after the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, some people are saying eastern Idaho still has a ways to go.
A few of the changes include bigger handicap parking spaces, ramps and automatic doors, and they are making a difference.
For more than 30 years, a wheelchair has been Joseph Ross’ way of life.
“I was shot with a 12-gauge shotgun at point blank back in ’84,” said Ross.
He said he’s lucky and every day he is alive is a miracle, even when being in a chair becomes difficult.
“When you got a slant and you’re in a chair and you can’t operate the door and all of that, it don’t work out to well,” he said.
Wheelchair ramps are just one aspect of new regulations by the Americans with Disabilities Act. They are supposed to make things easier, and Ross says often times they do.
Local News 8 reporter Bre Clark even tried moving around in a wheelchair herself, but failed miserably. Simply going up a ramp to open a door or even crossing the street took a lot of effort, even with ADA regulations in place.
Dean Nielson, the executive director of Life Inc., said things have come a long ways in Idaho in the past 25 years, “but we still have a way to go.”
He said over the years he’s advocated for ADA regulations throughout the region.
“Disabilities are a natural part of life, but the problem we have is the attitude of society has toward people with disabilities,” he said.
Nielson said this attitude is changing slowly. More awareness is making its way throughout the community, including local government.
“It’s very important to us to know that we’re in compliance with ADA standards and be able to make improvements along the way if things aren’t up to standard,” said Lisa Farris, grand administrator for the City of Idaho Falls.
Fariss is also the city’s liaison to the ADA Commission.
She has worked with the commission on making improvements around the city like adding more convenient parking, wheelchair ramps and curb cuts in the last few years.
“Those standards have been revised along the way, regulated, mandated and the city has followed those guidelines, so between updated standards and commission members that are willing to volunteer their time and make assessments, I think has been very valuable to the city,” she said.
Since 2007, Idaho Falls has made ADA improvements to the city annex building, downtown parking and curb cuts, as well as the 911 center, activity center and the zoo.
Pocatello has also made major adjustments. Since 2011 the city has upgraded its playground, zoo, water system, airport, transit center and the community recreation center.
Connie Sistrunk has used crutches for 10 years and recently started using a wheelchair when she leaves her home. She said the recreation center is one of the most ADA accessible places in the city with completely automatic doors and a lift for the pool. There are still improvements to be made in other places, she said.
Although Sistrunk said regulations have improved over the years, her biggest concern comes from local retailers who won’t listen to her plea for improvements.
“I pretty much got my head bit off,” she said. “There was some frustration there instead of saying, ‘Thanks, I didn’t realize and we’ll look into it.'”
Sistrunk is often told her requests aren’t required through ADA regulations. But she still feels they are important.
“I just think that if people aren’t in the same situation it’s hard for them to realize just how difficult it could be. … if people would just even sit in a chair that rolls. Get an office chair and go out into your parking lot and see what it’s like to try and get into your building,” she said.
ADA regulations encompass more than physical changes. Under title two of the act, programs and other services are provided.
