Concern over Americans With Disabilities Act access to Venice locations

Hello Kathleen and Venice council members,

Today, my husband Jim and I decided to go to the Ringling train car exhibit near the Venice train depot. We were looking forward to seeing it on Memorial Day weekend. Kathleen, as you know, I use a three wheel, motorized scooter due to my disability, cerebral palsy. As we approached the train car, I was looking for the accessible entrance. I saw a sign that says train open today. I discovered that there is a lift for people with disabilities to access the platform to the train. Unfortunately, there is a sign on the lift that says out of service. It looks as if it’s been that way for quite a while because of the debris that has gathered on it. (Picture below) As a person who uses on a daily basis ramps, curb cuts and other ADA accessibility options, the selection of an outdoor lift is one of the last I would recommend to provide accessibility for all. These types of expensive lifts often break down an are especially difficult to maintain in a climate such as ours. Humidity, sand, etc make it difficult to maintain the mechanical operation of the lift. I would recommend replacing it with a ramp because there is plenty of room to do so.

Another ADA issue that has come to my attention is at the south jetty at Humphis Park. People like myself using wheelchairs, scooters, canes and or walkers are having difficulty navigating the walkway and accessing the picnic tables and benches overlooking the Venice inlet. In the past, it was no problem to go up and down the walkway and enjoy the area before entering the jetty. For some reason, after the last hurricane there is now loose rock that has been distributed across this area, which makes it impossible to navigate. My scooter sinks into the loose rocks and I have gotten stuck needing help to get going again. I can only imagine people using canes or walkers would also have difficulty with this material. The only way to reach the jetty (still under construction) is to wheel through the parking lot behind cars, which is dangerous because of cars coming and going. None of the picnic tables are ADA accessible. These types of tables are readily available.

Kathleen, I hope you and the city council will discuss these matters because there are many people that live in and visit Venice who have disabilities. With the majority of seniors in our community accessibility is a must.

These two ADA accessible issues point out the need to have input from people with various disabilities before projects are undertaken. Often this can save time and unnecessary expenses. Many towns and cities have ADA advisory councils that include a majority of persons disabilities. When we moved here 11 years ago, I proposed this, but it never got anywhere. Well intended non-disabled people who think they understand accessibility would be better served with input from those who benefit from the need for it a daily basis.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,

Nancy xxxx