By Lionakis Senior Architect, and Director of Accessibility, Michelle Davis

The year 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark legislation that requires all businesses and government agencies to operate in ways that allow people with disabilities the same opportunities as people without disabilities.  At Lionakis, Designing a Better Future means designing inclusive environments for everyone, including our neighbors with disabilities.

If you stop and think about it, designing inclusive buildings and facilities is about as American as any idea gets. We are the nation of refuge, opportunity and dreams. Providing accessible features allows all people to live their best possible life – from giving children in school the same access to education and socialization, to allowing adults real work opportunities and access to civic events and further, by allowing our aging seniors to remain engaged with families and friends.  The ADA is the basic foundation for so much good, so many chances to be a part of something. It is truly a part of the American ideal.

Here are some online resources like this one in Architectural Record, which highlights design strategies to better serve visually impaired clientele and Corada, which is the comprehensive online resource for the ADA.  Also, explore the following links, which can help with further understanding of the variety of abilities we design for:

Braille Translation

Sight Loss Simulator

Hearing Loss Simulator

Disability Etiquette

Let’s celebrate the ADA together! Access is a civil right and everyone has different abilities. How has the ADA helped you or one of your loved ones?

“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.”
Robert M. Hensel