Future Choices, a community organization that helps people with disabilities get services, held a conference on accessibility issues yesterday in Muncie. In a round-table style, people had the opportunity to ask experts about accessibility issues.
Mark Rothermel, peer specialist for Future Choices, said the turnout was smaller than he would have liked. Two people, in addition to Rothermel and his co-worker, came to the conference.
"It would be awesome if people showed up," he said. "I'm used to it."
Surveys are done by business, government and educational institutions to ensure their facilities meet requirements of ADA-Indiana. Some of the aspects they look for are how close the building is to public transportation, whether parking is available and main entrance accessibility, among other aspects.
Rothermel said for the most part, accessibility is good in Muncie.
One of the most common problems they find when checking local buildings is with wheelchair ramps, Rothermel said. Sometimes the ramp has a slope that makes it hard to use and it is not close enough to the door, he said.
Narrow isles, bathroom problems and heavy doors are also common issues they come across.
Rothermel, a Ball State alumnus, said accessibility on campus is not as good on campus now as it was when he was here. He said walking over the medians could cause problems. Also, he said it could be hard to find where the busses pull up.
"In my opinion, it's not as easy," he said. "Things always can be better."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
