The efforts of Barbara Houghtaling, who Gov. Ed Rendell appointed last year to the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council, most recently reached the county level. The county is seeking bids to install handicapped door handles on the county annex building and railings on the second and third floors where the Wayne County Courthouse connects to the annex.
“Well, it took a long time to get them to do it, but I’m glad they’re doing it,” said Ms. Houghtaling, who started petitioning the county for changes about a year ago.
Vicky Lamberton, county chief clerk, said the money for the improvements will come from a portion of the county’s 2007 Community Development Block Grant funding.
Ms. Houghtaling, 60, of Rileyville, began campaigning for ADA improvements after a car accident in October 2004 left her paralyzed. Prior to her accident, she operated Rileyville Daycare, which her daughter, Karen Lorenzen, has taken over.
These days, Ms. Houghtaling focuses on advocacy work. She estimates she’s visited about 100 business in Honesdale and Hawley. The majority of infractions she said she sees are businesses lacking ramps for the disabled to use.
“Most businesses, once I bring it to their attention, make the necessary changes,” she said.
However, she knows she still has work to do.
Ms. Houghalting wants disabled residents to have the choice of shopping along Main Street rather than automatically going to a mall. She doesn’t want the possibility of inaccessible restaurants or shops to keep disabled people at home.
“Oh, I know it’s definitely one of the reasons people stay put,” Ms. Houghtaling said.
She had found support through friends she’s made during her therapy appointments in Honesdale.
“They’re really encouraging,” Ms. Houghtaling said. “They want me to keep after the businesses.” She’s not planning to stop anytime soon.
“Once the weather gets nice, I’ll be going out there again,” she said.
Source: The Times Tribune
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