ADA Program – South Carolina Americans with Disabilities
Nearly all locations that are open to the public must comply with federal law under the Americans With Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation (www.ada.gov).
But how many locations that you visit don’t provide adequate handicapped parking or handicap access? Moreover, is the facility designed to accommodate handicapped persons to enjoy all of the same amenities and benefits as those that are not handicapped?
Unfortunately, there is no enforcement of the provisions unless a disabled person feels strongly enough to make a complaint.
The Center for An Accessible Society notes some areas of concern since the ADA was enacted is limited access to voting booths, churches and also school campuses. They firmly believe that the law has not fully delivered on its keys promises to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace and in public accommodations. There is still an overwhelming number of businesses that have failed to meet their obligation to assist the disabled.
In South Carolina, complaints of failing to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act can force compliance and in some cases a civil penalty. You shouldn’t be limited to the places you can visit or the accommodations enjoyed. We will work to bring noncompliance to an end for the benefit of all persons that live with a disability.