ABOUT AMY SHANNON AND WHY THIS CAUSE IS SO IMPORTANT TO HER

Amy's Story

In the past few years, her injured brain became a functional brain disorder, which basically sends incorrect neurological and pain signals to parts of her body. At first, to maintain a stable balance, she used a four footed cane, then moved up to a walker, when the tremors in both hands made it impossible to hold a heavy cane. She used a rollator walker for a while, until she kept falling on the walker, because her feet would give out. Her son raised a GoFundMe page, where friends from around the world (especially in the author community) raised funds so she could purchase a mobility scooter, to help give her more independence, since she can no longer drive safely.

She bought herself a manual wheelchair, but having to use her hands to move it around, it became almost impossible, so she saved her money and bought herself an inexpensive ($888) electric wheelchair. It is not the best, as it has limited weight distribution, where the heaviest part of the chair is in the back. Recently, she had a fall going up a ramp to the sidewalk in her wheelchair, and the wheels got caught and she fell, the chair landing on top of her. She is still waiting for resolution with the management company because they were aware of this issue, as she raised it over a year ago. There was a gap between the sidewalk and pavement, and her wheels got stuck.

This prompted Amy to starting a video series that shows the right way and the wrong way, to be mobility impaired accessible. Just because the regulations are vague, people should know what it is like to be mobility impaired, and how to use aids, so the disabled can maintain at least some of their independence.

Amy Shannon

Desired new Regulations for public access buildings for easy

Changes made to Architectural Barriers Act

Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968

Currently, USPS is among other federal buildings or federally funded schools, housing and other federally funded facilities that only need to follow the ABA of 1968.

Four Federal agencies are responsible for ABA of 1968 standards:

Department of Defense

Department of Housing and Urban Development

General Services Administration

United States Postal Service

Read the text of the ABA of 1968

Update the American Disability Act (ADA) of 2010

Require public, buildings, facilities, apartment complexes to be mobility impaired accessible.

The definition of “mobility impaired accessible” should be defined, and not be vague. It should be defined as “mobility impaired EASILY accessible”

· To be mobility impaired accessible” means that there are handicapped parking spots, an elevator (or lift) when there are stairs, and that doors can be opened automatically, or with the push of a button. If the building requires security access, the person’s security access would also unlock the building or have the door open automatically.

Read the Text of the ADA of 2010

Require public, buildings, facilities, apartment complexes to be mobility impaired accessible.

The definition of “mobility impaired accessible” should be defined, and not be vague. It should be defined as “mobility impaired EASILY accessible”

Accessible Parking Spots

Accessible parking spots should have non-parking areas on BOTH sides of the parking spots, indicated with the blue stripes, so that mobility impaired drivers or passengers, that use mobility aids, especially wheelchairs or walkers, can get in and out of the car. (Many times, there are spaces between two spots but not on each side of the parking spot, and if a mobility impaired person needs assistance, the side they need to get in and out of the car, is not easily accessible.) Many Handicap spots that are closer to a building have curbs, sidewalks, or some type of landscaping, making it difficult to get out of the car on that side of the parking spot.)

Ramps and sidewalks

Ramps that slope so persons do not have to use a step (such as a sidewalk curb), should be flush with the pavement it, so that it is almost seamless. Any gaps between the pavement and sidewalk can cause injury to a person, when using a mobility aid.

Safe Exits in case of Emergency:

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Technology Consulting

If a person is mobility impaired and the building, they are in has multiple floors, in case of an emergency, such as a fire, elevators cannot be used, and the only exit strategy is stairs. There should be some type of “non-closure” lift that can be used with both a manual use and an automatic use, that does not use electricity.

Public Accessible Buildings

Public Stores (corporation or privately own-run) should be accessible with an automatic door or button that opens the door, on both the entrance and exit. Stores should not have display cases in front of the entrance, so it is easier to maneuver around in a wheelchair or some type of mobility aid, like a walker or mobility scooter.