Every year on July 26th, National Disability Independence Day is celebrated. On this momentous day in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed. This monumental act put regulations in place for businesses and guaranteed certain rights to individuals with both physical and intellectual disabilities.
Here is what President George H. W. Bush had to say on that very day almost two decades ago:
“With today’s signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence and freedom.”
And while the ADA was a huge step towards independence for those with disabilities, we still have a long way to go.
According to a 2015 study by HUD, less than one percent of housing in the United States is accessible for wheelchair users while only about one-third of housing is possibly modifiable for an individual with a mobility disability. This means that while those with disabilities can now access public businesses, homes are another story, which is why we at EZ-ACCESS have dedicated our business to breaking through those barriers.
See how our TRANSITIONS® line helps to bridge the accessibility gap in homes across America:
The TRANSITIONS line of products promotes easy entry. Both the Angled Entry Mat and Modular Entry Ramp work to make homes more accessible by offering a smooth ground-to-sill transition over doorway thresholds.
The Angled Entry Mat seamlessly blends in by providing a “welcome mat” style to match the home’s aesthetic. It is simply set in place and ready to use.
The Modular Entry Ramp creates a sturdy and seam-free surface that helps eliminate potential tripping hazards for wheelchair, scooter, walker, and cane users.
In addition to our TRANSITIONS accessibility products for the home, check out our other reputable accessibility product lines including the GATEWAY® 3G, SUITCASE®, and PATHWAY® 3G.
As you reflect on all of the amazing changes that have come from the American Disabilities Act, be sure to double-check that your space is accessible to everyone. Whether it is through enhancing your home with a quality EZ-ACCESS product, or through a few quick adjustments around the house, there are a variety of ways to give greater independence to individuals with disabilities visiting your own home.