Examples of Barriers to Accessibility
Architectural
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A building has just one entrance that is up a flight of stairs and has no ramp.
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The door to the only public restroom in a building is 28 inches wide.
Policies and Procedures
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Requiring a driver’s license to obtain a library card from the public library.
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A “No Animals” rule (without an exception for service animals) to enter a pie baking booth at a county fair.
Effective Communication
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No assistive listening system for public meetings by a City Council.
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A state’s website that cannot be accessed by blind people using screen reader software or those with low vision using text enlargement software.
A Final Word: Every disability is a disability of one. While some people with a particular disability may not be able to perform a certain task or participate in a particular program, service, or activity, others may be able to do so.
Example: Some people with severely impaired vision can drive safely so long as they use specially prescribed optical aids.
One Man’s Ability – and Disability
Jim Abbott played professional baseball. He was the 15th player to ever debut in the major leagues (and never play in the minor leagues) and had a 3.92 earned run average in his rookie year. Jim Abbott was born with one hand. If his home town had applied a blanket requirement that all little league players must have two hands, Jim Abbott might not have had the chance to develop into the professional athlete that he became.
The key to making correct decisions is an individualized assessment. Avoid blanket exclusions, and evaluate each person based on his or her own abilities.
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