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Disabled Citizens Say Inauguration Events Too Difficult to Attend
posted 12/30/08
3:30 pm
Some are now even saying the committee is doing all it can to discourage the disabled from showing up.
Disabled Action Committee founder Keith Kessler is paraplegic, but that wasn't going to stop him from going to the inauguration. "It is a once in a lifetime event -- it would just be something to see," Kessler said.
After learning how the disabled will be accommodated, he now says he can't help but change his mind. "They're like more or less saying, don't come. you know, there's going to be a lot of people, so don't come," Kessler added.
Just as the Joint Congressional Inaugural Committee is urging parents to reconsider bringing small children, it's also urging the disabled to reconsider what they'll be up against including bumpy surfaces, grassy areas, and public transportation at crush capacity.
The committee notes it will have two drop-off points for the disabled, but those will be blocks from their designated seating area. And as for that seating area -- it comes with no promises that there will be space for everyone who needs it.
Many locals agree that attending the inauguration with a disability would not be an easy task. "I think it would just be logistically a little difficult," said Mary Houser, a Manassas resident.
A spokesperson for the inaugural committee says they are "going to great lengths to make this as accessible as possible." She says, "we're not discouraging anyone from coming. We just want them to have the best information so that they can make the best decision for themselves."
For Kessler who wished to "enjoy the inauguration like anyone else would," his decision now is to watch the inauguration from home.
There will be no parking around the Capitol on Jan. 20 -- this includes vehicles with special disability plates or tags. The committee will outline the two disabled drop-off points closer to the ceremony.
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Latest Comments on "Disabled Citizens Say Inauguration Events Too Difficult to Attend"
posted by: Joelle on 12:50 am on 01/03/09
The ADA codes requires people with disabilities have the same access to public spaces as people with no disabilities. This includes: parking lots, sidewalks, entrances, stairs, elevators, restrooms, and drinking fountains.
But not Inauguration.
But not Inauguration.
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