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We’re blessed to live in a friendly community that rolls out a welcome mat for tourists and visitors alike, making them want to visit again or even become local residents themselves. Unfortunately, a small but growing part of our community doesn’t always feel so welcomed.
Title 47 of the U.S. Code, Section 12132 – better known as the Americans With Disabilities Act – is pretty straightforward: “Subject to the provisions of this subchapter, no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.” It’s a shame that it took another law to get some folks equal access, but we have a bit of history with that in our country.
The majority of businesses and government agencies in Cherokee County try to be alert for customers with special needs, and I’ve witnessed employees go out of their way to help. At the same time, I’m reminded of an area retail store that consistently placed items for sale in a spot designated for handicapped parking. And the threat of a federal lawsuit over the lack of handicapped access helped push the county into renovating the courthouse more than a dozen years ago.
Joy Lynn of Murphy has been learning about these things the hard way. Since the senior citizen broke her leg, she has been confined to a wheelchair. As a result, “It’s almost impossible for me to have a life,” she said with a deep sigh.
The challenges have been more difficult than she imagined, as she “tore up” her arm just trying to get inside one doorway. To Joy, even businesses that might be ADA complaint could show more “courtesy and consideration” for people in her condition; according to the U.S. Census, 11.3 percent of county residents were considered handicapped in 2021.
“My money’s as green as anybody else’s,” Joy said, flashing her sense of humor before it quickly departed. “But I can only go where I am welcome.”
Donald Hale of Murphy has been driving Joy around, and as a result he has picked up plenty of ideas on how we as a people can be of more assistance to the handicapped, particularly those in wheelchairs. For starters, why don’t more government agencies, financial institutions and larger businesses have push-button access to opening the front door to their buildings? That alone would be a big help at a relatively small cost.
“Put yourself in their shoes and try to get through without an automatic door opener,” Don said, exasperated at some of the things he has come across in recent months. “Most people don’t think about it unless they’re in that position.”
Other ideas include making first-floor restrooms available, ensuring there are smooth ramps leading into sidewalks and that business districts don’t just have handicapped parking spots in one area, but spread out among the shopping areas. And while those who happen to be handicapped appreciate your compassion, please don’t talk down to them.
“I didn’t break my head, I broke my leg,” Joy said. “Just because I’m handicapped doesn’t mean I can’t think, function and be of service to the community.”
Another thing she would love to see happen is covered drop-off areas at places like Walmart that are large enough to afford it. Because to Joy, being out and about makes her feel “normal.”
“You don’t die when break your leg, it’s just a different way of doing things,” she said, near tears. “It means so much just to go shopping like a normal lady.”
You can read the rules and regulations, or file a complaint, at ada.gov.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. You can reach him by phone, 837-5122; email, dbrown@cherokeescout.com; or on Twitter @daviddBstroh.