How to Encourage Property Owners to Increase Wheelchair Accessibility

People with disabilities want to move about in society with the best access possible. Fortunately, both law and social conscience are moving toward increasing access for all citizens.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Work With Business Owners

1. Learn what the law requires in the way of public accommodations.
2. Ask for voluntary action on the part of the business owner.
3. Point out that voluntary action to increase accessibility may be less expensive and less apt to entangle the business in bureaucratic red tape.
4. Urge simple modifications, such as curb cuts and wheelchair ramps, as an initial effort.
5. Make clear that lack of accessibility reduces business traffic and sales.
6. Encourage a business owner to understand that increased accessibility is relatively inexpensive.
7. Point out that costs can be absorbed by increased business sales.
8. Take part in the activities of your local zoning and equal opportunity commissions.

Work With Residential Landlords

9. Know your rights.
10. Make clear the need for accessibility options. The need for some modifications may not be self-evident.
11. Approach the landlord with facts about the necessity for modifications, the cost, the increased market for his rental property and the spirit of the law emphasizing increased access.
12. Point out how simple, inexpensive modifications such as lever-type door handles work for everyone.
13. Work for long-term solutions by appearing at meetings and by lobbying members of local housing and zoning boards and commissions.

Tips & Warnings

• Pressure applied pleasantly may gain better results than threats of legal action.
• There's a time for activism and a time for reasoned discussion.
• Settling for less than proper access is selling yourself short.