Beth McKelvie
What is accessibility? Why is accessibility in Lebanon important for those who are disabled?
Who determines the level of accessibility disabled people should receive? How do those who
are disabled achieve equal access to the programs and policies that Lebanon should provide
to all?
Although Lebanon claims that they have programs and polices available to the public, how do
those with disabilities go about claiming the access that should rightfully and legally be theirs?
Thirty years ago “The Americans With Disabilities Act” was enacted. This is Federal Law; and it
requires new facilities to rigidly and explicitly follow the ADA. Businesses and governments that
have outdated policies and facilities are not exempt from the ADA either. Contrary to popular
belief, there is no such thing as “grandfathered in.” Whether the facility is a restaurant, store,
gym, daycare, doctor’s office, school or municipal building, they must continue to work toward
modifying their policies, procedures and facilities to become ADA-compliant.
Title II entities, like Lebanon City, are not only required to have an ADA coordinator to facilitate
complaints, reasonable modifications and accommodations for people with disabilities, they
are required to post the name of the ADA coordinator, their contact information, and to provide
notice about the rights of people with disabilities and the public entity’s responsibilities under
the Title II of the ADA. Ways to effectively provide this communication should be on their
website, in all their facilities, and in other forms of communication.
When people with disabilities have difficulty accessing facilities or need something like CART
(Communication Access Real-time Translation) to help them understand meetings that are
open to the public, they should be able to reach out to an effective ADA coordinator. Sadly,
there is no ADA Coordinator listed for the City of Lebanon.
Although an ADA coordinator would help in making the necessary changes in existing buildings
and programs to make room for accessibility, removal of barriers to access can only be
enforced through complaints to the U.S. Department of Justice and through civil suits.
If you or your loved one has a disability and has had difficulty with accessing programs,
materials, websites, polling places and/or facilities provided by the City of Lebanon, struggled
to navigate faulty sidewalks, unable to receive translation services, or have had to pay for an
accessible parking space in front of your residence, you can report these civil rights violations
directly to the U.S. Assistant Attorney, Michael Butler, at 717-614-4911 or emailing him at
[email protected].
Lebanon City should provide full and equal access to all its residents, visitors, consumers, and
tourists, not just because it must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, but because
we know that kindness, inclusiveness, and reasonable accommodations and modifications
empowers people with disabilities to be happy and productive members of society. By giving
access to all, we give hope and a future to all.
Over 30 years ago, as George H.W. Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act, he said,
“Let the shameful walls of exclusion come tumbling down.” In a few years when we are looking
back at the City of Lebanon, it would be quite the accomplishment if we could say, “You and I
fought the battle of exclusion. And the walls came tumbling down.
Author: Amaury Abreu
