Snow creates problems with accessibility issues

Accessibility for people with disabilities is a large issue in Cedar Rapids. I know because I work daily with the disabled.

This accessibility problem is especially apparent during the winter months. With all the snow that we have gotten, it makes it even harder for a person with mobility impairment to get around the city. Recently, I discovered an apartment building where several of my consumers live that wasn't accessible during winter. The parking lot was icy and rutted out, since it was not cleared properly. The bus stop was not at all cleared off.

I contacted the city about this problem so my consumers could access public transportation, and they were gracious enough to have it cleared off by the next day.

One other problem I have encountered recently is accessibility at apartment buildings, especially apartments that take leased housing. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that all buildings built after 1990 must be in compliance with ADA Standards. The exception to this rule is public housing units. Because they take federal funds, they must be in total compliance with ADA standards. These standards are not that strict.

I would urge everyone to pay attention to these issues and be conscious of how you can personally make it easier for those with disabilities to navigate Cedar Rapids.

Michael Van Gorder

Marion