The Prevalence of Architectural Barries.
Abstract
One out of every seven people in the United States experiences some limitations in their activities due to chronic health conditions. Many have physical disabilities limiting their mobility and access to goods and services. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted addressing the removal of physical barriers as well as social barriers to employment, services, and goods. Studies published between 1986 and 1994 demonstrated both positive and negative findings. While access in the community has improved since the passage of numerous civil rights legislation, architectural barriers continue to persist within the community at varying degrees (34 to 84.6%). No studies have been published since 1994. A systematic randomize sampling of 200 small business was selected in San Antonio, Texas, for the purpose of determining the prevalence of architectural barriers and compliance with the ADA. Surveys were accomplished on 121 of the 200(60.5%) selected businesses. Only 4/121(3.3%) of the businesses surveyed were in complete compliance with the ADA. Barriers continue to persist in the areas of accessible public restrooms (88.2%), parking (86%), ramps (70.2%), doors/entryways (70.2%), water fountains (51.6%), and telephones (50%). Furthermore, 71.9% of the businesses surveyed had additional obstacles that prevented individuals with disabilities from receiving equal access to services and goods. Finally, ninety percent of the business surveyed had more than one area containing architectural barriers. The lack of compliance with the ADA appears to be universal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 03, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370566
Entities
People
- Chung M. Siedlecki
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology