Oklahoma ADAPT members in the city of Norman are angry. At a members’ meeting at Progressive Independence this summer, the passionate but furious members stated that the city of Norman failed to completely include them in the recent Americans with Disabilities Act update.
Did Norman Fail to Inform Oklahomans with Disabilities about the ADA Updates?
According to members of OK Adapt who have disabilities, the contractor never met with stakeholders from the disability community to receive feedback, which is something that most studies and city updates are required to do and include. Some members allege that they schedule meetings in the afternoon purposefully when most of the members with disabilities cannot attend, due to limited public transportation.
Other members believe that they only relied on a single person to speak for the entire disability community in Norman. Many members feel that they have an opinion, but they are never truly heard. There is also overall concern regarding inadequate ADA parking spaces at public events. The new ADA plan does not properly address employment fairness or transportation problems at public parks.
Ricky Anderson, an accessible transportation advocate, believes that a city ordinance should exist that requires taxi and rideshare companies to be completely accessible. They should also have a permitting process that guarantees accessible cabs and ridesharing vehicles are affordable. Other solutions have been introduced to avoid a lawsuit, including hiring a full time ADA coordinator. If changes are not made soon, the city could be sued for not enforcing the ADA.
Our Tulsa disability attorneys at Troutman & Troutman, P.C. can help you understand Oklahoma disability law. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.
