Promising Directions - Mississippi

LIFE of Mississippi AmeriCorps Members Conduct ADA Site Surveys in Local Communities

Background of ADA Site Surveys

In October 2007, LIFE of Mississippi, the Southeast DBTAC Mississippi State Affiliate, provided a training to their 2007-2008 AmeriCorps members that included an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and extensive information on the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Members were also trained in how to use the ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal to conduct site surveys in local communities. The AmeriCorps members at each LIFE office had a site survey kit purchased with Southeast DBTAC funds and a standard survey form, developed by the LIFE Americorps members.. The members introduced themselves to pre-selected site survey facilities, provided information about the ADA, and obtained permission to conduct a site survey and follow-up

Who was Surveyed

Local area businesses in both urban and rural locations were surveyed. Federal, state, city, and educational facilities were also surveyed. The targeted sites, both public and private, were those frequently used by people with disabilities, including those transitioning from nursing facilities back into the community.

Seventy initial site surveys and follow-ups were completed across the state (20 in South Mississippi, 21 in Central Mississippi, and 29 in North Mississippi). Each AmeriCorps member completed 2-3 initial site surveys, provided recommendations to the appropriate person, and conducted follow-up surveys to determine if access had increased. Initial site surveys were completed by the end of January 2008, and the follow-up surveys were completed by the end of April 2008.

Sites Surveyed (70) and Areas Examined for Access by Individuals with Disabilities

Initial Survey Results

Of the 70 locations where initial site surveys were conducted, nine facilities (or approximately 13%) were already in compliance with ADA Standards for the areas examined: 2 convenience stores/gas stations; 1 restaurant (met all Guidelines); 2 Discount and Retail Chain Stores; and 2 Hotels and 1 of the Other Commercial Facilities met all Guidelines. One of the Hospitals/Doctors Offices already complied, as did 1 of the Educational Institutes, 2 of the City Offices/Buildings, one of which met all Guidelines as did Federal Government Office; 1 of the City/State Parks and 1 of the Private Non-Profits.

Follow-up Survey Results

The follow-up surveys revealed eight additional sites (or 11%) followed through with the AmeriCorps Member’s recommendations and are now in compliance with ADA Standards for the areas surveyed. As a result, currently 17 (or approximately 24%) of the 70 sites surveys are now in compliance. The follow-ups further revealed that another 11 sites (or approximately 16%) have either completed partial modifications, are in the process of making modifications, or re-locating to a more accessible facility. If the modifications are completed at these 11 sites, then 40% of the 70 sites surveyed will be in compliance. Looking at the facilities overall that have yet to take action to come into compliance, the greatest resistance to complying, for whatever reason, comes from Convenience Stores/Gas Stations (10 out of the 12 surveyed are still out of compliance) and Other Commercial Facilities (8 of the 11 surveyed have taken no action, although 2 have made improvements and 1 was already in compliance). Even without a great amount of change in these last two categories, the survey results overall represent a substantial improvement for individuals with disabilities across Mississippi in being able to access services and their community as a whole.

Contact For More Information:

AmeriCorps ADA Community Project
Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE) of Mississippi
1304 Vine Street
Jackson, MS 39202
1-800-748-9398 (v/tty) [Mississippi Only]
601-969-4009 (v/tty)
Fax: 601-969-1662
Email: lifeofms@aol.com