The document discusses accessibility issues in Houston and provides examples of barriers encountered. It notes that ADA compliance does not necessarily mean accessibility and describes uneven surfaces, narrow paths, and lack of curb cuts that impede mobility. Specific locations around Houston lacking proper accessibility are highlighted, including municipal buildings, parks, shopping centers, and restaurants. The document urges city leaders to encourage accessibility and ensure new construction considers access for all.

1. Accessibility in the city of houston By: Adele Bosquez, SPT July 21,2009

2. Thoughts on Accessibility “While we look for a cure, we really want to help people living in the here and now. It’s really our responsibility to think, ‘What if it was me in the wheelchair, wouldn’t I want the best?’ “ ~Christopher Reeve

3. Developing a Sensitive Eye ADA compliance ≠ accessibility Clean sidewalks Clear ramps Even surface transitions Signage clearly identifying accessible entrances Surfaces of ramps identified by color change Intersections with curb cuts on each corner Barrier-free paths Light and other pole placement considerations Efficiency of movement

4. Who Needs Accessibility? The 9 year-old with Cerebral Palsy The 13 year-old with a broken leg The 18 year-old with a new Spinal Cord Injury The 23 year-old recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis The 45 year-old battling fatigue during illness and treatment The 54 year-old with arthritis The 78 year-old with balance impairments Our parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors One day….maybe one of us?

5. Following are some examples of accessibility concerns. Around Houston

6. 77030 (District C & D) The Texas Medical Center

7. TMC: Fannin and Holcombe A “ramp to nowhere” lead this individual into the intersection, but he is then trapped in traffic without a curb cut at his destination. Will he make it before the light changes?

8. TMC: Holcombe and Bertner The uncovered hole limited this individual’s ability to maneuver around the VERY tight spot left for him to navigate.

9. TMC: Braeswood and Holcombe The Good: A nice curb cut leading the pedestrian into crosswalks for either direction.

10. TMC: Braeswood and Holcombe The Bad: The “one-way” curb cut forces the user to enter oncoming traffic to navigate the intersection.

11. Municipal Facilities

12. Municipal Court 77002 (I,D,C) Municipal Court entrance with nine 7” steps for entry. Where is the ramp for entry?

13. Municipal Court: Restricted Access (cont.) Restricted Access signs guard the parking lot where ramps and additional handicapped parking can be found.

14. Municipal Court: Restricted Access (cont.) A nice accessible entrance and additional parking is located in this restricted area. Where is the sign by the entrance referring people to this location?

15. Memorial Park: Tennis Center 77007 (G) An uneven entrance and uncovered pipe under the sink make this restroom facility less than ideal.

16. Common Concerns

17. Ramps to Nowhere 77030 (D) 6700 Fannin

18. Ramps to Nowhere 77018 (B) Rosslyn and 43rd One very nice curb cut that leads into a curb.

19. Ramps with Obstacles 77030 (D) Moursund and Braeswood Obstacles on the incline make navigation difficult.

20. Ramps with Obstacles 77021 (D) Near 5400 MLK Poles at the top of the ramp make this corner difficult to negotiate.

21. Ramps with Obstacles 77098 (G) Left: Kirby and Westheimer Right: Shepherd and Westheimer

22. Ramps with Obstacles 77087 (I) Colgate and Park Place Light pole in the middle of ramp.

23. Ramps with Obstacles 77087 (I) Telephone Rd and Park Place Ramp blocked.

24. Sidewalks with Obstacles 77021 (I) Near 5400 MLK

25. Ramps with Obstacles 77005 (C) A ramp leading to two parking spots.

26. Uneven Ramps 77007 (G) Wescott and Memorial

27. Overgrown Areas 77027 (C) Richmond and Weslyan

28. Overgrown Areas 77021 (D) 5400 MLK A 9 inch uncovered utility box in middle of sidewalk with metal pole protruding.

29. Overgrown Areas 77061 (E) Telephone Road

30. Uneven Transitions 77027 (C) Cummins and Richmond Narrow and uneven area does not allow the second wheel to touch the surface. She is stuck with a wheel spinning in air.

31. Uneven Transitions 77027 (C) Although well designed and intentioned, the median concrete slab has settled creating an uneven surface.

32. Intersections without ramps 77006 (C & D) Montrose and Welch

33. Intersections without ramps 77007 (G) Shepherd and Memorial

34. What can city leaders do to encourage change in our “disability-friendly” city? A Local Restaurant

35. Men’s Bathroom *No handicapped stall *Pipes under sink not covered *No Grab Bars

36. Women’s Bathroom *Narrow hallway *No handicapped stall *No grab bars *Entry not possible due to 90 degree turn

37. To access the “accessible” bathroom I had to go outside, down the ramp, through the garbage area, through the storeroom, past the ice machine, past the hot water heater, and through 2 NARROW doors that I had to pull myself through. Once there, I discovered the bathroom was in fact not accessible, as there were no grab bars. Over the river and through the woods…to the bathroom we shall go!

38. What can city leaders do to encourage change in our “disability-friendly” city? A Local Shopping Center

39. Navigating a Shopping Center This outdoor shopping center was largely inaccessible.

40. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act $489 million infused into the Houston region for transportation work Construction is coming to a road near you…but is a ramp? While it may not be realistic to ask that every sidewalk in Houston be rebuilt, this is the perfect opportunity to build with accessibility in mind!

41. Built before 1990…Who Cares? When we, as a society, allow this excuse to justify lower standards of accessibility, we allow a soft bigotry to permeate our society. We send a message to those who depend on these accommodations that we value their time, their access, and their energy less than our own. Over dramatic? Or, simply…the truth?

42. For the next week, be aware. Stop and think. Look around. Are the facilities that you utilize accessible? What obstacles would you face? How would you problem solve? While we can never fully imitate or appreciate the challenges that mobility impairments bring, this can assist in highlighting the importance of accessibility for us all. Is your day accessible?

43. Contact Information Please contact me if you would like further information or assistance. Adele Bosquez, District D Resident Adele.Bosquez@gmail.com