Traveling across the US I have noticed wildly different disability access to public buildings. My Mom is in a wheelchair so I will be looking from that lense specifically, but keep in mind all of us will encounter mobility issues at some point in our lives. Perhaps from knee surgery, age, disability etc. So this is an issue that is or will impact all of us.
Frequently we encounter issues with wheelchair accommodations. Examples are:
*Sometimes the ramp is so steep the wheelchair cannot get up it.
*Handicap stalls do not accommodate chairs so the stall must be left open or it’s completely unusable.
*The ramp to the building is at the far side making the walk longer for those using walkers.
*The buttons to open the door are at a comfortable height to someone standing but not for someone in a chair. Or the button is directly on the door so when it pops open it catches the chair.
*Side walks in front of buildings are too narrow for a chair to pass by especially if an establishment leaves their door open.
*sinks in handicap bathrooms do not accommodate wheelchairs preventing them from washing their hands.
*handicap bathrooms do not have a way for a wheelchaired person to get in and out without assistance.
These are just a few areas that we often struggle with from one place to another.
I understand that certain places will not be able to accommodate such measures and should be given a exemption like historical homes. But public buildings, from federal to shopping centers, should be able to accommodate those with mobility issues.