The role of government is to keep citizens safe and provide essential services to ensure some type of quality of life − relatively speaking (for example, water, safe paths of travel, roads, etc.). But if access for people with disabilities isn’t taken into consideration, an entire population is disenfranchised and excluded.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation act of 1973 both require that governments provide equal opportunity for all citizens. To do this, local governments must make every effort to support the citizens they serve. In simple terms, this means ensuring that communications and websites comply with web accessibility guidelines, buildings have accessible entrances, restrooms, and meeting spaces, and all programming is designed to be inclusive for the entire community.
But what can agencies and individuals do?
How agencies can advocate
From the ADA's perspective, government agencies are required to “provide equal access to qualified persons with disabilities for services, programs, and activities, unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of their services, programs, or activities.”
Agencies can support the inclusion of people with disabilities by prioritizing access and incorporating them into the decision-making process. This begins with creating a feedback loop that incorporates persons with disabilities who can help identify problems and create solutions. Many businesses create accessibility teams, and this can work for government as well.
Government agencies are responsible for a great deal, and there are always dozens of moving parts within any program. Creating a committee specifically focused on accessibility centralizes this responsibility, while also allowing it to be handled by a team rather than by one person. This creates accountability and builds in additional support − which typically results in more effective and efficient advocacy.
It isn’t enough simply to create the committee, however; it must be valued and properly staffed. Community-based input groups must be composed of people with disabilities and people who have knowledge about accessibility. Nowhere is the motto of “nothing about us without us” more relevant than in government. Everyone's voice should be heard − an outcome that is far more likely when accountability measures and community-based groups are in place.
What you can do
Accessibility is always a group effort. It is important that disability allies add their voices to any ongoing conflicts to ensure accessibility issues are addressed. Identify the problem, notify the agency, and provide them an opportunity to resolve the issue.
But if it is not promptly addressed, further steps must be taken. Regarding State and local government, it can be difficult to know where to turn when problems arise. Project Civic Access (PCA), a DOJ initiative and task force specifically designed to combat this problem by intervening in accessibility conflicts, provides multiple ways to file complaints. When governments fail to address accessibility violations, advocates can amplify the complaint to groups like PCA.
Don't forget to vote
Being diligent in reporting noncompliance is a great first step, but accessibility, like so many issues in the U.S., is often impacted more by the results at the ballot box. It is important to find out where local representatives stand on accessibility and people with disabilities. Elect leaders that represent people with disabilities. Putting people in power who value the lives and voices of people with disabilities is a great way to effect change.
Fighting for the future
Advocacy takes time, patience, and persistence. For many, even those who work in local agencies, culture change in a large institution may feel more aspirational at times than practical. But change starts at the local level, and government officials and citizens need to be continuously aware of their role and the importance of accessibility. It starts with advocacy and accountability − it starts with you.
Comments