HELENA- Americans with Disabilities Act committee members and volunteers met at the capitol building to kick off their Walk a Mile, Ride a Mile events.
Walk a Mile Ride a Mile is a week-long event put on by Helena’s ADA committee to remind people to check their establishment to make sure it is fully accessible to people with short and long-term disabilities.
Volunteers at the Capitol, City-County building and Helena courthouse will be checking accessibility by going around in a wheelchair and crutches.
Other businesses in the community are encouraged to go around their establishment checking parking, entrances, and flooring.
It is also encouraged to talk to those with disabilities to identify possible barriers to create a removal plan.
Montana Independent Living officials say they hope to continue this event every year.
Joel Peden advocacy coordinator for Montana Independent Living project says “To me community education is key to building and allowing people that independents and freedom and feeling welcomed and that their not a hindrance for to you know to be able to go someplace.”
Businesses are required to have at least one disabled parking space with an access aisle.
The fairgrounds will also be checked this week.
Walk a Mile Ride a Mile check kick off was introduced by the Lieutenant Governor and Helena’s Mayor.
For more information go to www.milp.us.
-Mercedies Pruneda reporting for MTN
