Letter to the Editor:

I am struggling with the knowledge from the Office of Civil Rights in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that said the federal government has ‘grandfathered’ out the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1991) restroom requirements for those business persons in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who are getting federal funds to rebuild/remodel their flood-damaged businesses.  This is disheartening and frustrates me and others who simply wish to use a restroom after spending our money for lunch at Hacienda Los Glorios on 1st Ave., CR, or buy a beer at Ernies Ave. Tavern in Czech Village.  These rebuilt/remodeled buildings were beautifully redone without handicapped restrooms, because the government said they did not have to meet the guidelines of the ADA with the federal funds they were given.  This is true for all CR businesses rebuilding/remodeling with our federal tax dollars.

 Senator Harkin of Iowa initially sponsored the ADA, and his contact is:   

http://http://harkin.senate.gov/c/’>http://harkin.senate.gov/c/ Anyone in or outside of Iowa can contact Senator Harkins with a short email.  Consider mentioning how the soldiers coming home with amputations and paralyses will be smacked in the face by this outrageousness.  Perhaps our letter should show the absurdity by asking them to require that all businesses that do not meet the ADA requirements post this on their entry doors: ALL PATRONS MAY SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE, BUT ONLY ABLE-BODIED PERSONS MAY USE OUR RESTROOMS.(Very 1960’s). At least THEN we would know in advance not to support that business!

 Those of you outside of Iowa might also contact your own Senators–found by state at the following link.

http://http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm‘>http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Please forward this to all your friends whom you think would be activist enough to take a minute to express concern for the returning vets–and for me.   I’m sure there are untold numbers of businesses across the nation.  People have no idea the frustration it causes to be otherwise ABLE to do what one wants–if only the barriers would be removed.  Most barriers are simple problems to solve–and not as costly and those who refuse to make them would believe.  It will take those of us with disabilites–PLUS our able-bodied friends who care–to show business owners that they WILL lose significant income if they don’t do the right thing.

 I think we need a revolution & picketers on this one! 🙂  Actually, would you boycott these places for a time to make a point?  Consider asking as you go into a business if they have handicapped accessible restrooms–and LEAVE immediately if they don’t!   Again, if they realize a loss in their incomes, they will make the changes.

 They put men on the moon FORTY years ago, and I can’t use a restroom?

 I appreciate anything you are willing to do to help out,

Sharon Campbell

Toledo