At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we care deeply about the disabled community. We work to help people get the Social Security Disability benefits they are owed. We work with victims with serious injuries to get compensation that can help them move forward with their lives. We also believe that the state of California could be taken further actions to make the streets safer and easier for disabled members of the community.
- Curb Ramps Are an Essential to Create an Accessible Community
- Pedestrian Signals Need to Be Accessible
- Accessible Parking is Necessary
- Restrooms Must be Updated
Most cities and towns throughout the United States that are not in compliance with ADA rules lack required curb ramps. This makes it nearly impossible for a person in a wheelchair or other mobility aid to get around safely. Curb ramps should be installed on all sidewalks as well as on both sides of all center islands.
All pedestrians signals need to be updated so that they are accessible to people with visual impairments. This requires that a sound cue alerts pedestrians when they can cross safely and when the signal is changing. California has these at many intersections but newer technology takes it a step further: Vibrotactile is a type of vibrating walk that also indicates the signal changes for pedestrians who are both deaf and blind.
Another common accessibility issue is parking. ADA guidelines require that at least one out of every eight handicap parking spots at public facilities is van accessible. If a building is only required a single space, then it must be van accessible – and all signage and striping the ADA stipulates should be there as well. This is intended to ensure that wheelchair lifts can be used. All accessible parking spaces should have extra-wide access to allow a person in a wheelchair extra clearance.
It is equally essential that we have ADA-compliant bathrooms in California. Many buildings that are considered historically significant are grandfathered in and not required to have ADA-compliant bathrooms. This is unacceptable – new bathrooms can be built if necessary. For a bathroom to be accessible, it must have a certain amount of floor space, grab bars, and a maximum mounting height of 48 inches for trash cans and other accessories.
If you have been injured in an accident and now require some of the things on this list then you understand how serious this issue is. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we are proud to stand with the disabled while they work to get the benefits and condensation they are owed.
