VITALIA Senior Residences at Stow Provides for Disability Independence

July 26^th is National Disability Independence Day, which commemorates the signing of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which happened on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.

ADA compliance means the appropriate and reasonable accommodations are in place for disabled persons. This includes things like large print, interpreters, wheelchair ramps, and allowing service animals.

Statistically, there are over 54 million Americans with a form of disability. When that number is broken down, that’s about 19 percent, or one in every five, Americans. As the population grows and ages, this number will only increase, making these regulations increasingly more important.

As the Plant Operations Director at VITALIA Senior Residences® at Stow, an ADA compliant community that serves several individuals with disabilities, I work every day to keep our building accessible and safe.

A lot has changed since the ADA, making accessibility easier for everyone with disabilities.

Some of the things we do to be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act is to make sure when hanging items like soap holders, paper towel dispensers, grab bars, and signs, they are at the designated height.

Our weekly tasks that take ADA compliance into consideration include always making sure hallways are clear of clutter and wet floor signs are not blocking egress of areas.

At home, I also make sure when hanging items, they are at the proper height.

Our goal in everything we do is to continue providing the best possible accessibility opportunities to everyone within our community.