Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams launches handicapped accessibility program
BY ANNIE KARNI
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Saturday, February 21, 2015, 6:18 PM
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JAMES KEIVOM/NEW YORK DAILY NEWSBrooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on Friday launched Access-Friendly NYC, an initiative promoting a new level of accessibility in public buildings across the city.
Automatic door openers, comfy seats with back rests, wheelchair-accessible water fountains, acoustic absorption for excessive noise — these are all part of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ new guidelines to make public buildings more accessible for the elderly and disabled.
Adams on Friday launched Access-Friendly NYC, an initiative promoting a new level of accessibility in public buildings across the city.
The goal is to push buildings to go beyond simply meeting the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
MICHAEL GRAAE/NEW YORK DAILY NEWSThe motivation is Brooklyn’s aging population. About 12% of Brooklyn residents are over the age of 65, and about 10% have some disability, according to Adams’ office.
The motivation is Brooklyn’s aging population. About 12% of Brooklyn residents are over the age of 65, and about 10% have some disability, according to Adams’ office.
“I am issuing a call to action for every public building in our city, to go above and beyond ADA compliance and meet the accessibility needs of all of our residents,” Adams said. “We must reduce the safety risks that senior citizen and disabled New Yorkers face every day.”
THEJIPEN/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOWheelchair-accessible water fountains are among the guidelines.
Access-Friendly NYC also recommends that public buildings use low-glare lighting, include printed maps of large buildings, and have a receptionist or security guard to greet visitors.
A spokesman said the recommendations are just a first step — Adams plans to look at other legislative measures and incentives that would push buildings to follow the guidelines.
