Response to Question 54 by Laura Williams, CDR

Question: 54
Trying to justify denial of access through a "market price" or "willingness to pay" for barrier removal is just plain wrongheaded. Access means that Americans with disabilities are no longer secluded at home, hidden away as though there were shame attached to disability! There can be no measurement that does not recognize the value and worthiness of every single American of every singular ability. The business community would discuss these requirements in a "them" "us" dialog. Disability has been part and parcel of the human condition from the beginning of human existence wherever your credo determines that beginning to be. Using devices to aid in daily activity has also been around for just about as long. Yet, you would ask us to somehow "justify" our existence and desire for an equitable and accessible life as though it is appropriate for humans to design, build and implement a built environment that excludes this major component of human existence. There is no price to high to pay for justice and equality. You need to start at the design schools that still tout steps as a viable way to change level in any environment. You need to cause a sea change by EFFECTIVELY ENFORCING AND MAKING THE MARKET PRICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE TOO HIGH TO ALLOW SCOFFLAWS TO CONTINUE IN BUSINESS!! We are not "them"....we are you. Include every American in every aspect of this human life so that we can all fully participate in our communities..
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