July 29, 2022
July 26th 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 Regional Director of Plant Operations at Hudson Grande Senior Living, an ADA-compliant community that serves several individuals with disabilities, I work every day to keep our building accessible and safe. The ADA makes it easier for people with disabilities to function with their day-to-day tasks.
We install grab bars for extra safety in the residents’ bathrooms and use large transition strips where flooring material changes, to make it easier to navigate. The height of soap and towel dispensers are installed at a height that a person in a wheelchair can easily access them. One of our weekly tasks that take ADA compliance into consideration is door checks, to ensure push buttons function properly.
At home, I usually place things at a height that anyone can reach.
Our goal in everything we do is to continue providing the best possible accessibility opportunities to everyone within our community.
Welcome to University Senior Living, conveniently located near the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. Our vibrant senior living community offers both Assisted Living and Memory Care options, with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. In addition, our community expands beyond our campus as it is close to retail shops, and cultural hubs, and the University of Michigan campus ensures residents have easy access to a variety of adventures and opportunities for engagement inside and outside of the community. Come experience the enriching lifestyle and compassionate care that University Senior Living has to offer. Schedule a tour today and discover why our community is the perfect choice for your retirement journey.