SUMMARY OF RESULTS

Included below are some of the comments, concerns and issues raised during our assessment review and discussion:

• Transportation needs are extreme and felt to be the #1 issue for this DSB simply because of size and distances to be covered, but lack of money as well as coordination among agencies is also an issue.
• In reviewing the responses, our DSB feels that the communities at large are unaware of existing local and state services available to them. (Many did not answer a survey question about assistive technology as they indicated they did not understand this question.)
• Many federal buildings such as post offices are being brought into compliance with ADA, but the public is disappointed with the slow federal response to this legislation
• Many schools, government agencies and especially businesses are being very slow to make public accessibility accommodations that are in compliance with ADA. Problems cited were in Chatham (Pittsylvania County) where the sheriff's office is not accessible because the plywood ramp is too steep. Also in that locality Social Services requires wheelchair users to knock at a back door repeatedly until someone looks out a window and opens the door. Schools are covered under other laws such as IDEA and 504, but still often need public or political pressure to make reasonable accommodations. Businesses such as Shoney's in Danville, don't seem to respond or care about issues raised in regard to accessibility by persons with disabilities.
  

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page