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State of Indiana scores poorly in survey on implementation of ADA
June 20, 2001
NOTE: Complete survey results are available on the Web at http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/~ada/ada_reportcard.html
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- ADA-Indiana and the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University today (June 20) released the results of their Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Needs Assessment Survey at a news conference at the Indiana State House Rotunda in Indianapolis.
Results of the survey indicate that Indiana's cities and towns receive a "C -" on their efforts to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In addition, the groups reported that their findings were consistent throughout the state. Indiana's northern counties and communities, which included Fort Wayne, South Bend and Gary; central counties and communities including Marion County and Indianapolis; and southern counties and the cities of Bloomington and Evansville all received a "C -." However, there was more dissatisfaction with progress in implementing the ADA in the southern counties.
ADA-Indiana Chairman Frank Epperson said he thought the C - grade was a good sign for Indiana. "The grade means Indiana started at zero in 1990 when the ADA was passed and worked up to a C -," Epperson said. "We're moving in the right direction, but we have a long way to go."
In addition to grading their communities, respondents reported that the top three areas needing more attention by their communities were employment, work place accommodations and transportation.
The survey, conducted during the spring and winter of 2001, asked respondents to assess how well their communities were implementing the ADA. Survey participants totaled 430 people with disabilities, family members, advocates and social service staff. Seventy-three of Indiana's 92 counties were represented in the survey.
Copies of the "report card" can be obtained by calling 812-855-6508 or by sending an e-mail to ADAINFO@indiana.edu
(Vicki Pappas, 812-855-6508, pappas@indiana.edu or Frank Epperson, 812-855-7511, fepperso@indiana.edu)