House speaker’s rostrum to be wheelchair accessible
July 9th, 2008
From the Washington Post:
Eighteen years after Congress passed of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the House is reconstructing its podium to make it accessible to people using wheelchairs.
This will make it possible for Rep. Jim Langevin, a Rhode Island Democrat and the only permanently disabled member of the House, to preside over sessions for the first time.
“Yes, I’m the first quadriplegic to serve in House, but I certainly won’t be the last,” said Langevin, who was elected in 2000. “I’m excited for the people after me. It shows once again that people with disabilities can lead and serve just like anybody else.”
The ADA required public facilities to be made accessible for people with disabilities, but the Capitol’s historic status exempts it from many of the law’s requirements.
(Washington Post photo)


