A civilized society today understands the need to protect civil rights and provide inclusion for disabled individuals.
Through the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, discrimination is prohibited and fundamental rights are protected for people with disabilities so they can fairly and fully participate in our society. Throughout Philadelphia, we see initiatives being implemented widely and successfully in our own city.
Why is Accessibility Important?
Accessibility enables everyone to live as fully and comfortably as possible. This means that we can all navigate and interact with our world, sharing our unique talents, perspectives, and knowledge, so we have a greater understanding and appreciation of each other.
In Philadelphia, we recognize that all disabilities, whether they are visual, auditory, cognitive, physical, or neurological, should be considered when implementing new accessibility measures. When our world is accessible to all, we all benefit.
Philadelphia’s Dedication to Accessibility to Disabled Individuals
Disability initiatives and accessibility have long been a part of life for those who live and work in Philadelphia.
A few years ago, a lawsuit filed against the city of Philadelphia over inaccessible sidewalks and rights-of-way was just one example of the everyday disadvantages that disabled individuals in Philadelphia have faced.
The city is working to ensure that disabled individuals enjoy equality in their environment and employment opportunities and have access to accessible housing, healthcare, education, recreation, the arts, and cultural offerings. Throughout the city, you can see public transportation, commercial and government buildings, hotels, museums, historic sites, and restaurants aligning with the city’s focus on accessibility.
How the City is Working to Make Accessibility a Reality for Disabled Individuals
The Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities continues to further education on the rights of individuals with disabilities by providing referrals and resources to organizations that support them and advocating for new programs and policies that allow for the independence and integration of disabled residents.
In tandem, the Philadelphia Office of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliance focuses on writing laws, policies, and procedures that ensure access for disabled individuals to necessary programs, services, and activities. The office oversees transition plans to evaluate the city’s progress and needs and responds to disabled individuals who feel they have been discriminated against.
Living Space Accessibility
The city is making it easier for eligible individuals to modify their living spaces so they are more accessible.
Housing modifications can be costly for disabled individuals, but with Philadelphia’s Adaptive Modifications Program, eligible properties can get the improvements necessary to make them accessible to those who have physical disabilities throughout Philly. The program is designed for permanently disabled individuals with limited financial resources to modify their homes or apartment for easier mobility and accessibility.
Eligible disabled individuals may benefit from free modifications, including
- Kitchens and bathrooms with lowered sinks, cabinets, and countertops
- Bathrooms on the first floor
- Barrier-free showers
- Widened doorways
- Stairway elevators
- Wheelchair ramps and lifts on the exterior of the building
- Additional railings
Accessible Public Transportation
Getting around can be difficult for many people with disabilities. Most public transportation in Philadelphia, operated by the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, is wheelchair accessible.
Every bus is equipped with a ramp or lift, and rail cars are also wheelchair accessible. All key fare kiosks offer Braille, raised lettering, and an audio function designed to convert screen text to spoken word. Service animals are welcome on all SEPTA transportation. SEPTA provides CCT Connect services for those disabled individuals who cannot use its other forms of transportation.
Keeping Philadelphia Accessible
While both areas have made great strides in improving accessibility for disabled individuals in Philadelphia, it’s important to keep residents and the government focused on these critical initiatives.
Municipal and individually-owned properties must be kept safe for anyone who uses them. Many individuals with disabilities are entitled to important government benefits but have been wrongly denied. If you suffer from a disability and need assistance, getting skilled legal advice is imperative. At Silver & Silver, we have dedicated our practice to people in need. We are committed to helping disabled individuals in Philadelphia and surrounding areas get the access and protection they are entitled to. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or contact us online to schedule a no-cost consultation.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.