Iowa policy makers from all levels of government gathered April 28 in Ames to learn about low-cost, no-cost solutions to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Both inspirational and technical, the conference (sponsored by the Iowa Association of Counties (ISAC), Iowa League of Cities and the Iowa Commission of Persons with Disabilities), attracted 300 city, county, and state officials.
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), primary sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, was keynote speaker. Harkin's remarks were motivational, touching on specific cases of people who have been helped by passage of the ADA.
Concurrent sessions provided technical and information on topics such as public transportation, 911 systems, parks, libraries, and jails.
Because one of the goals of the conference was to link city and county officials with as many Iowa resources as possible, there was no charge to exhibit at the conference, and attendees were encouraged to spend time visiting with vendors. Both state agencies and private businesses participated.
Participants also received a considerable package of information to take home - everything from government publications to a list of many disability-related Web sites on the Internet.
One example of a practical, no-cost solution to ADA compliance: approach a high school industrial arts class about building and installing a ramp to a public building (e.g., courthouse, city hall, etc.) entrance.
"Every size of government represented should have taken away the message, no matter what the size or the resources, you can implement the ADA if you approach it with the right attitude and work closely with persons with disabilities," said David Vestal, ISAC general counsel and one of the event's organizers. "Good faith, a little creativity, and a can-do spirit will go a long way toward assuring ADA compliance."
(Fazzini is communications director for the Iowa State Association
of Counties.)