VITALIA Active Adult Community – Solon Provides for Disability Independence

July 26^th is National Disability Independence Day, which commemorates the signing of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which happened on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.

ADA compliance means the appropriate and reasonable accommodations are in place for disabled persons. This includes things like large print, interpreters, wheelchair ramps, and allowing service animals.

Statistically, there are over 54 million Americans with a form of disability. When that number is broken down, that’s about 19 percent, or one in every five, Americans. As the population grows and ages, this number will only increase, making these regulations increasingly more important.

As the Plant Operations Director at VITALIA Active Adult Community® – Solon, an ADA-compliant community that serves several individuals with disabilities, I work every day to keep our building accessible and safe.

I think each environment we find ourselves in these days are much safer, in general, as compared to the past, before the ADA came into existence.

Some of the things we do to be compliant is remove trip hazards, ensure clear pathways, and make sure nothing is blocking exits. Our weekly tasks that take ADA compliance into consideration includes testing operation of doors, testing pool chemicals and cleaning the pool, testing hot water temperature, and infection control.

At home, we make sure all exits are clear, the CO2 and smoke detectors are in good working order, as well as remove garbage promptly, storing it in an approved container.

Our goal in everything we do is to continue providing the best possible accessibility opportunities to everyone within our community.