Prairie Public Broadcasting

An Advocate for Accessibility MOREHEAD (Kentucky Public Radio) - Nearly 20 years after congress passed the Americans With Disabilities Act, many public places and facilities are still not accessible to the handicapped. That's according to an Ashland woman who advocates on behalf of people with disabilities.

Sandi Radford of Independence Place says that's probably because when local governments have a long list of projects that need to be completed, improving the plight of the disabled usually isn't at the top of it.

She says there are many inexpensive and simple things that all cities can do to help people with physical difficulties. For example, she says, making sure sidewalks are built no more than 18 inches high makes a big difference.

Radford also says if bus drivers would announce the stops they're making, the blind would be more likely to use public transportation. Radford praises the city of Ashland for some of its recent actions to expand access for the disabled. She says the city has improved many sidewalks and now has a paratransit van for people in wheelchairs.

© Copyright 2012, Kentucky Public Radio