Handicap Accessibility Is An Important Part Of Rome, Georgia

Handicap accessibility is an essential aspect of any community. Rome, Georgia is no different. Every person, regardless of disabilities, should be able to access Rome and the downtown area. People with disabilities mustn’t be prevented or discouraged by not having access to storefronts and restaurants.

So what does accessibility mean? Accessibility refers to how an environment is designed that makes it easily usable by people with disabilities. The idea of accessibility should be the design and practice of creating an environment accessible through direct access. That means a person with a disability can independently access an environment without assistance or with minimum help.

In the downtown area, accessible restaurants and storefronts can be suitable for everyone. By including people with disabilities in their business design, business owners access a larger pool of potential customers. Including everyone is more than just the right thing to do. Providing accessibility can be seen as an intelligent business decision overall.

There is evidence of adjustments in the Downtown Rome area, indicating that it has been redesigned or rethought to help people. The dots on the sidewalks help people feel when they are at a crosswalk. If a person uses a white cane, the bumps on the ground help locate crosswalks. You can also feel them under your feet.

Another new design is the crosswalk buttons. They beep when pressed to help let you know they have been activated.

To my knowledge, everywhere in Rome is accommodating to guide dogs, as they should be. Guide dogs are a vital part of our community. They should be treated with the utmost respect. They are working dogs and have a critical job to do. If you see a guide dog, please do not touch, talk to, or feed the dog. It is imperative not to distract a guide dog when it is working. You can tell a guide dog is working when they are wearing their harness or vest. When you see a guide dog make sure you speak to the handler and not the dog, and please never give the dog a command or try to take control in any situation. You can assist the handler but let them control the dog. If you are walking with someone with a guide dog, ask where the best place would be for you to walk or stand. You don’t want to get in the way or be a distraction. The handler and guide dog always have the right of way. Probably the best practice and most respectable approach would be not touching the dog. Some handlers might not mind if you pet the dog, but not touching the dog and focusing your attention on the person would be the most respectable way to interact.

The Center For Independent Living is located on Broad Street and has resources and support for those needing assistance. They are active in the community and constantly advocate for those with disabilities. For more information, visit their website: https://nwgacil.org.

The City of Rome Transit Department is an excellent resource in Rome. Did you know that it offers ParaTransit? ParaTransit is transportation for those who need assistance and cannot ride standard public transit on the fixed bus route. ParaTransit makes special trips and offers assistance on and off. For this service, you must have a reservation 24 hours prior. The cost is $2.50 one way, or you can buy a punch card with ten rides for $22.00. ParaTransit operates Monday through Friday. They are not available on nights, weekends, or holidays. You should keep that in mind and make other arrangements if you need to go out in the evenings or on the weekends. To utilize this service, you must be eligible. Eligibility is decided once an application for the service is reviewed. For more information on how to apply for assistance and a bus schedule, visit their website: https://www.romefloyd.com/departments/transit-department.

When researching this article, I asked what some businesses in Rome that are great for wheelchair accessibility were. One was the Rome Braves Stadium because they have accessible seating where guests can sit, and the view is excellent. Another said Provinos has the perfect ramp. You can easily get from the parking lot to the entrance safely.

Although I have worked with people with disabilities, I am no expert. What do you think about Rome’s accessibility for people with disabilities? Have you experienced a business around Rome that is accommodating? What would help Rome meet the needs of everyone? Let us know in the comments.