The Nacogdoches Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities has selected two businesses for an Accessibility Award. Walgreens has been selected in the for-profit category, and the Nacogdoches Public Library in the non-profit/government agency category. A Rehabilitation Services class in SFA’s Department of Human Services surveyed several businesses, with the focus being accessibility for people with disabilities. The Mayor’s Committee reviewed these surveys and chose the two winners. Mayor Roger Van Horn will present plaques to the winners at the May 15th City Council Meeting. “The City encourages businesses to meet or exceed accessibility for disabled citizens and visitors in our community” stated Van Horn. “I look forward to honoring these businesses by presenting this award at the next council meeting.”
Some of the accessible features surveyed include: Parking, route of travel, doors, and bathrooms. Each accessible parking space must be at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide and shall have an adjacent access aisle. Van-accessible parking spaces must have a 96-inch (8 feet) wide access aisle adjacent to the parking space, and standard vehicle accessible parking spaces must have a 60-inch (5 feet) wide access aisle adjacent to the parking space. The accessible path of travel from the parking space to the building must start from the access aisle. Access aisles are to be kept clear of all obstructions at all times. Doors should be at least 32 inches wide with a threshold no higher than a ½ inch. A person should be able to open doors with a closed fist and no more than 5 lbs of pull. Accessible bathrooms should be clearly marked and provide for an area large enough to hold a five-foot circle to allow a wheelchair 360-degree turns. A wheelchair should be able to roll up to the sink with knee room underneath.
Plans are being made to make annual presentations of this Accessibility Award. Nominations are encouraged from the public, including self-nominations of businesses to be considered on the basis of accessibility to people with disabilities. Anyone can nominate a business by contacting:
Alan Larson, PhD, CRC
Human Services Bldg, rm 211
PO Box 13019, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
larsona1@sfasu.edu
936-468-1150
