Independence and Accessibility

By Megan DeJarnett

2 min read

Accessibility and independence go hand-in-hand but often times people do not realize that they rely on each other.

Featured Forum

Becoming independent with physical limitations

I have spoken with many parents of children with disabilities like spinal muscular atrophy and know that one of their biggest heart desires for their children is to grow up and be as independent as they possibly can. I believe this is a goal of any parent. But it's even more wonderful for a child who has always lived with physical limitations to figure out life in a way that truly allows them to become independent.

Lack of accessibility

Though this is a great goal, I often find struggles with that even in our everyday public places due to accessibility. It may be a shock to some that even in 2023 public accessibility is not universal.

"It's just one little entrance step"

I was shopping in our downtown Public Square the other day and ran into more than one store that I did not have access to. This is an older part of town and I understand the value of keeping the history and historic buildings alive. However when it comes to not being able to enter into a store due to its lack of accessibility, not only is my shopping experience ruined, but it removes true independence for me. And even more so, not only it did affect me, the business now has left out an entire people group due to a “little entrance step.”

Grandfathered-in accessibility laws

Some may ask what options old historic buildings have, and I believe that every city and even county has different regulations, but I know where we live things are “grandfathered in” and not required to abide by current codes.

I struggle with this concept because where do we draw the line of outdated rule and the progress of growth?

We must keep up with the progress of accessibility!

Considerations for businesses

In my opinion the best two ways to do this is:

Hire a disability consultant: no one is going to know the needs of the disability community better than… The disability community!
Businesses should invest in hiring, professional, DI, and disability consultants to help keep up with that amazing growth and progression of accessibility
Do your research: we have come a long way, there is more growth to be had. However, we are not reinventing the wheel here. To ensure that public spaces are accessible to everyone, it is essential to make accessibility a top priority. This includes ensuring that buildings and public spaces are designed and constructed with accessibility in mind.
It is also important to invest in technologies and tools that can make public spaces more accessible for everyone. This may include installing wheelchair ramps, handrails, and elevators, and improving signage and lighting.

Accessibility is crucial to independence. By working together, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone has equal opportunities for independence and success. It may take time and effort, but every little step we take towards accessibility is a step towards a more inclusive and independent society.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The SpinalMuscularAtrophy.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Donna Member
If the ABA law ( last updated 1992), might not have this problem. USPS has about 1/2 owned and 1/2 leased Post Offices. Doors, which usually are double glass doors to outer lobby and a single glass door to inner lobby only have to weigh 5 pounds. Try and open with a mobility device, especially a power one like a power wheelchair. File a complaint and the PO inspector comes out and weighs the doors. Big deal. If everyone in the US filed a complaint maybe this Unjust, Unequal and Unfair law would be updated . Think of all the moterized devices out there since 1992. Then other Federal, State and County governments would follow suit. Last the private industry. Then just about everywhere would be accessible to all citizens with a disability! Supermarkets in the 1950’s put in automatic door openers as they were having cart jams at the doors or people were buying less. These door openers have been around for nearly 100 years. Jobs would be created and the price come down. Need a petition to get this going and letter writing and protests. I have tried for over 7 years—need to get groups behind this. My son (power wheelchair) will not use his PO because of this (not ask for help—mostly a man thing). I had to use a walker (now cane), broken femur, so know from using my PO (rural area and where get our mail). Please do something. Thank you. Libras Libertas, Donna 
1. Megan DeJarnett Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Donna" user-id="8541716"/> hey Donna. Thank you for the response! I agree that the more we bring the issues to light the more change we will see. I do believe it starts with advocating when we see the issue first hand whether disabled or not. I would love to see Federal, State and County governments as well as private industries make the necessary changes for accessibility.
Donna Member
Will have to take groups and organizations to go after the USPS and updating the ABA law to get real change done. It is wrong that a person with a disability using a power wheelchair or those larger 3 wheel vehicles can’t open glass double doors at a Post Office. I watched a guy with his vehicle keep bumping the doors. I hoped it would break! Darn, someone opened the doors for him. You could pass this along to group leaders and any other groups you know. Till the Feds fix the law to accommodate all the mobility devices that have come into use since 1992, NOTHING ELSE WILL GET DONE much down the road. 
1. abby-schmidt Community Admin
 So so so incredibly frustrating, and you're right! It definitely will take a new level of advocacy and communication to implement large changes like this. Have you ever contacted any government officials about making these types of changes? Would love to hear any advice you may have for someone looking to make these types of connections. Best, Abby (Team Member).
Donna Member
<inline-mention username="abby-schmidt" user-id="3256151"/> tried for years to Post Offices, Government and disability groups. First, if everyone files a complaint with their local Post Offices over the unassesible doors it will cost them money just to send someone out to make sure they don’t weigh over 5 pounds. That is I believe over 40,000 Post Offices. More than 40,000 person could file and keep it up. Plus disability groups going after Congress to update the ABA law. Strength in numbers getting this done! Write your local and national newspapers. TV stations about it, Please. I only have a very small iPhone as a computer. Plus no TV (PBS only here), and I am 74 and tired of doing on my own. I email our Vice President on Fridays about this. Think if thousands did that there too. Something has to happen. I don’t have but one friend here. I can’t get out much, no care and a broken femur. It is up to the disability groups to get this ball rolling. Libras Libertas, Donna
Megan DeJarnett Moderator
Wow great job at the work you’ve done <inline-mention username="Donna" user-id="8541716"/> and you’re absolutely right, there’s strength in numbers. I find so many people willing to help with this subject, but they just don’t know what to do. The simplest thing I have told people is when they notice it to report it. Thanks for sharing! Megan DeJarnett (Team Member)
Donna Member
I only have son and 1 person follow me on FB You Megan could get the word out. Not sure if can file a compliant against the Post Offices online. Do know can get forms (and for friends etc) at a Post Office. This and bugging you Congressperson, Senators and using disability groups along with LTE (let’s to the Editor of newspapers) will really get the ball rolling. Government passed the ABA law and they don’t live up to it. It will creat jobs getting automated door openers in and the price of them come down. Congress refitted a downstairs office for Senator Duckworth. Last weekend she could not see a movie as the elevator was broke at the theater. I have called her office—bet she does not have to go to a post office (they have free postage—plus aides to do it). Bug her office too. And the few others that have disabilities. You are younger and I am not. This is so Unjust. There would be true access and dignity for all. What good is this forum is IF INFO IS NOT PASSED AROUND AND WORKED ON¡!¡ I got a ramp put in at a historic library branch in Bakersfield—dock elevator in back loading area broke a lot. Humiliating to use.