VITALIA Senior Residences at Westlake 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 Senior Residences® at Westlake, an ADA-compliant community that serves several individuals with disabilities, I work every day to keep our building accessible and safe.

Since the implementation of the ADA, life has been made easier and more accessible to things that mobility-challenged individuals could not do before.

To be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act we have pull bars adjacent to toilets and showers, slanted cabinets to allow wheelchair access up to sinks, and larger bathrooms and showers, for easier access. Some of our weekly tasks that take ADA compliance into consideration include making sure door handles are working properly and checking that all ADA necessities are in place.

At home, I make sure all hallways, and egress and entrance areas are clear and free for movement.

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