Shopping

Public Rights of Way
Sidewalks, street crossings, and other elements of the public rights-of-ways present unique challenges to accessibility for which specific guidance is considered essential. The United States Access Board, referred to as the Access Board, or ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act), continually develops new guidelines for public rights-of-way that address various issues, including access for blind pedestrians at street crossings, wheelchair access to on-street parking, and various constraints posed by space limitations, roadway design practices, slope, and terrain.

New guidelines cover pedestrian access to sidewalks and streets, including crosswalks, curb ramps, street furnishings, pedestrian signals, parking, and other components of public rights-of-way. The Board had developed a draft set of guidelines based on recommendations from an advisory committee it had chartered. The Public Rights-of-Way Access Advisory Committee was comprised of representatives from disability organizations, public works departments, transportation and traffic engineering groups, the design and civil engineering professions, government agencies, and standards-setting bodies. The draft guidelines are being revised based on the input received from the public and will be available for public comment once published.

Learn more about the work of the Access Board here: http://www.access-board.gov

Also learn about new laws proposed by the Access Board for Playgrounds and Recreation Areas on http://www.access-board.gov/index.htm.

Universal Wireless Door Openers—OneLink™ is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to develop, promote and maintain an open standard that will provide for universal wireless access to public, commercial, and private facilities throughout America. The system would not compromise security because the remote control would be disabled when the door is locked. For more information, visit the OneLink™ Web site at: http://www.onelink.org/index.html.

Talking ATM's. Persons with blindness or visual impairments can expect to find more accommodations on ATMs, including Braille and talking ATMs that include voice guidance through the use of a headset inserted into a jack on the ATM. Banks are also making sure their Web sites meet accessibility standards such as having version 4 PDF files so they may be read by electronic screen readers. Customers who use wheelchairs can also find accessible ATMs placed at counter-height.

Go with a winner! Banks vary between what is minimally required under the ADA, and what is most convenient for their customers with disabilities. Your patronage does not go unnoticed; consumers with disabilities (approximately 54 million) represent a huge chunk of commerce, so go with the bank that works hardest to accommodate your special needs.

New Money? Washington, DC (November 29, 2006)—A federal judge ruled that the U.S. Treasury Department is violating the law by not designing and issuing paper money that is accessible to people with vision loss. This was due to pressure from the American Federation for the Blind. The Treasury has since appealed the ruling. However, designs for new, accessible bills varying in size and color (also possible tactile markings) is strongly being looked at by the justice system. In the meantime, please be aware of electronic money readers such as the Note Teller. For information, go to http://www.brytech.com or call 1(800) 263-4095.

E-commerce The computer and Internet has really made shopping a breeze for people with all types of disabilities! For those of us with visual impairments, we can use magnification software or a screen reader to read sizes, price tags, and product descriptions. Shoppers who have mobility impairments don’t even have to leave home. In bad weather anyone can shop from a personal computer. During the holidays or peak shopping months, some online merchants even discount shipping charges or waive them altogether!