NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association today requested in a letter sent to the Superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument that the National Park Service provide safe and lawful ferry access for wheelchair users.
James Weisman, President and CEO United Spinal Association, described [in the letter] significant and dangerous problems regarding wheelchair accessibility on the ferry that transports visitors to the national monument.
These problems included transition plates and ramps that are at an unlawful slope, gangways that are too narrow with unlawful handrails and restrooms that are inaccessible and unusable.
Mr. Weisman and his staff at United Spinal drafted significant portions of the transportation sections of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
United Spinal has also successfully fought for access to New York City's mass transit and taxi systems.
"United Spinal Association has fought hard to insure that the built environment is accessible to and usable by wheelchairs users," said Weisman.
"Access to the ferry should be standard not 'created' with an operational solution every time wheelchair users attempt to board and disembark," he added.
Wheelchair using tourists from all over the world are among the 4.2 million people who visit the Statue of Liberty every year.
About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.
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James Weisman - https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=84382
Media contact:
Ahvi Spindell
Spindell Media Relations, LLC
United Spinal Association
(212) 580-4567
[email protected]
Twitter @ahvispin
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SOURCE United Spinal Association
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