Comment NumberOL-100016
OrganizationAccess Ability
Received11/03/2004 11:06:10 PM
Commenter
First NameLast NameState/Province
SuzanneSewellWA
AgencyU. S. Department of Justice
Docket IDCRT Docket No. 2004-DRS01
RuleNondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services; Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities
AttachmentsNo Attachments

CommentsAnswers to Specific Questions

General Comments
As a person with a disability, and a wheelchair user, I have become increasingly concerned about the needed revision of ADAAG. Since the initial passage of the ADA, some motorized wheelchairs have become larger, heavier, and more sophisticated. The existing guidelines often seem to be quite inadequate for some access issues. I have found that though a given instance may meet existing code, it is quite difficult to maneuver through certain areas. (Very often, "code is not enough"). Another issue is that in existing restrooms, the flush handle to the toilet is very often placed on the side of the toilet abutting the wall. When this happens one has to either flush the toilet while sitting upon it or lean out of ones chair across the toilet, neither of which is an acceptable option. I hope that this along with careful scrutiny of all access issues will occur before new guidelines are established. I most strongly urge, that you involve the disabled community, who know better than anyone what their needs are. This should include all types of disabilities, physical, sensory, emotional, and learning. Signage affects people with all types of disabilities and needs to be especially carefully scrutinized. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Suzanne Sewell.