If You Create Access, They Will Come

ACCESS – In 21st century America, much of our life is spent in its pursuit. We want access to 24-hour news, access to celebrities, access to the world of information through the Internet, even access (for the wealthiest among us) to outer space! The demand for access in these and many other areas of life seems sometimes to be regarded as an entitlement by the general population.
By contrast, basic access for people with disabilities and their families – access to buildings and recreational spaces, to transportation, to information, to disability-related services, to others who share their difficulties and frustrations – is a daily, hard-fought challenge, and one that is often below the radar screen in a community. For those of us who work in the field of Disability Services, access is never assumed or taken for granted. “Opening doors” for individuals with disabilities is both a fulfilling and a selfish goal. The simple truth is that the full and equal participation of all our citizens enriches the community as a whole.
According to current government statistics, more than 54 million Americans have disabilities; more than 38 million of these are over the age of 18. These individuals and their families are participating more actively in their communities and want to patronize businesses that welcome them. In addition, by the year 2030, more than 71 million Americans will be over 65 and will be demanding services and environments that meet their age-related physical needs.
As a result of the ADA legislation, nearly all types of businesses that serve the public are required by the letter of the law to modify their business policies and procedures when necessary to serve customers with disabilities and to communicate effectively with those customers. But as a disabilities blogger has recently reflected, the focus on ADA regulation may have had an unanticipated negative effect. For it seems that much of the business world still regards individuals with disabilities as a compliance and risk management problem, rather than a valuable, largely untapped consumer market.
As the Disabilities person in the Department of Aging & Disabilities Services, I have a good view of the scope of this potential market. At this time of year, my office receives many calls regarding accessibility issues from individuals with disabilities who are planning summer vacations and want to make sure they will be able to enjoy all the recreation and relaxation opportunities Cape May is famous for. Throughout the year, I hear from many local residents who want to patronize some Cape May businesses but are not able to because of barriers to access.
When more in the business community start to recognize individuals with disabilities as valuable customers, all will benefit. “Accommodation” and “accessibility” will no longer be considered compliance issues, but just good business. If you create access, they will come!
DID YOU KNOW??
• The Arc of New Jersey is holding one of its Parent Prep Club meetings on Transition to Adult Living at Middle Township High School’s Media Center March 19 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Lisa Gates, Transition Navigator, at 908-227-8442.
• The Department of Children and Families (DCF), which services youth up to age 21, is now accepting requests from families for financial assistance toward the 2015 summer camp session. Requests must be submitted to PerformCare by April 30, 2015.
• The Care2Caregivers program, operated by Rutgers Behavioral Health Care, provides a variety of free services to caregivers of persons who have dementia. Services available from this program include Caregiver Resources; information on adult medical day programs; professional resources; peer support; newsletters; and general information and referral. For more information, visit the website: www.care2caregivers.com or call 800-424-2494.
Pierson writes from the Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services.