Businesses should review disability access

As a senior of advanced age, I'm still able to be upright and mobile. My wife, on the other hand, needs a walker or wheelchair to visit business and clinics. I have become very aware of the hazards.

First, many disabled parking places are a little narrow, so it's tight opening the car door wide enough for a wheelchair. Chances are the curb cut is several spaces over, which means you must go out into traffic to gain access to sidewalks. Oh, and then one may encounter bumpy sidewalks and wide open cracks that catch wheels or legs of the walker.

Not to be out done, some businesses have done just enough to look like they a aware of folks that have disabilities. Like the ramps that are a tad too steep, and doors at the end of the incline that weightlifters find hard to open - some have two doors just feet apart in a tight vestibule. I could name many of the business that have these obstacles, but I won't. Instead I ask businesses re-examine accessibility to their establishments. You could be disabled too. Plus, it's the kind thing to do.

Lee R. Overton

Hiawatha