This May Happen in Your Community

“This May Happen in Your Community” is a new series created to educate the public about physical accessibility and disability rights issues for which Commission staff often receive technical assistance inquiries or complaints. This series can also be used by advocates to recommend needed changes in their communities by highlighting the information they need to present to relevant authorities such as Town Code Officials, Town Supervisors, Village Mayors, County ADA Coordinators, school and hospital officials and state and local governmental agencies. 

Issue 1: Your local shopping center decided to repave/repaint the parking spaces in their off-street parking lot. You notice the accessible parking spots no longer have above ground signs and the access aisles are now 3 feet wide instead of the required 8 feet.  Word or PDF

Issue 2: You have just moved into town, and decide to drive around your new community to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. During this trip, you stop by your assigned polling site and discover it is NOT wheelchair accessible.  Word or PDF

Issue 3: The holidays are here, and you decide to go on a shopping trip with your friend who uses a wheelchair. When you get to your favorite store, you realize you can barely get down the aisles because they are blocked with merchandise and displays. Your friend is afraid her wheelchair will get stuck, won’t risk an attempt, and you decide to shop elsewhere. Word or PDF

Issue 4: Joe and Mary live in Harmony Gardens, a 15 unit apartment complex. Joe, who is Deaf, just took possession of a hearing dog, which was trained by an organization specializing in the training of dogs for individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-blind, or Hard of Hearing. The apartment complex manger has advised Joe of its “no pet” policy, and has given Joe thirty days to vacate the apartment or get rid of his hearing dog.. Word or PDF

Issue 5: To help you manage your mental disability, your therapist suggests that you get a small dog, an emotional support animal or “ESA,” but your building has a strict “No Pets” policy... Word or PDF

Issue 6: You are about to leave for work and discover a small dent in your car door, and a note saying, “Sorry for the dent - call me at 888-555-1234 ~ Mary.”  You call the number, but... Word or PDF