Health Law

Sidewalk Project to Help the Disabled

For those living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities getting around town can be far more frustrating and difficult than it is to the average person. One person who experiences trouble each day while out and about is Ben McMullan. When Ben, who is living with cerebral palsy, comes to a curb he can't simply step down for it. Instead it takes many attempts as the motion of stepping his leg down things is hard.
 
McMullan, who is 29, has spent his life living with the disability, cerebral palsy. As a result his ability to move and maintain normal balance and posture is more difficult than for the average person. For the many others just like Ben who are living in the United States with disabilities the curb-cut ramps would reportedly make it easier to cross the street.

Northern California Cities Take Action

In order to accommodate the disabled, the city of Burlingame has reportedly outlined about $400,000 worth of projects to be approved and implemented in the next couple of years in the Northern California area.  According to reports, many cities have already approved the projects, which aim to upgrade sidewalk ramps, curbs and gutters.

Diana Conti, who serves as the executive director for Parca, which is a nonprofit in Burlingame that provides programs and services for those with disabilities and their families, has stated that these new accommodations will ensure safe access throughout the cities for everyone, despite the high costs.

'I know everyone's cutting back and times are tough,' says Conti, 'but this is necessary.'

Disabilities Act of 1990 Calls for Such Projects

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 these projects are called for and required to be implemented throughout the country. This federal law not only prohibits discrimination and requires equal opportunity in the workplace for those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, but it also requires that the disabled have access to public facilities, state and local government services, and transportation.

McMullan is currently employed for the Center for Independence of the Disabled in San Mateo and said was once a resident of Washington, D.C. He claims that California, of all the cities on the West Coast have more accessibility improvements. But, adds, that more still need to be made. 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on October 17, 2009 (boomark / email).