Disability news, Accessibility Issues, Disability Issues, Accessiblity News

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)

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More than 50 million people in the United States have disabilities, a number that is growing rapidly as the population ages. Experts say disability will soon affect the lives of most Americans. This blog attempts to explore what we know about disability, and to chronicle the efforts of people who are seeking new ways to address familiar challenges.

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