Members of the Tri-Lakes Center for Independence and the North Country Center for Independence traveled to Albany Monday to discuss disability issues with state leaders as part of the New York Association on Independent Living’s Legislative Day. From left, NCCI accessibility consultant John Farley, TLCIL Executive Director Lauren LeFebvre, Chelsea Scheefer, of NCCI youth transition, NCCI accessibility consultant Nathan Cox, NCCI systems advocate Robert Poulin, New York Senator Betty Little and NCCI volunteer Eleanor Murray. Missing from the photo, but also in attendance at Monday’s meeting was Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward. (Photo courtesy of the Tri-Lakes Center for Independence)

When the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990, people with disabilities saw it as a victory, albeit a small one, it was still something. Amazingly, some things were deemed exempt. I’ll tell you point blank what was not and is not exempt: Any business that serves the public, no matter if it’s a privately-owned business or a huge corporation. There is one huge misconception that even I was guilty of. Businesses that existed right where they are and right as they are prior to the enactment of the ADA are not exempt. There is no “grandfather clause” with the ADA. Every business must be working toward becoming fully accessibility, as it is required by law. Think of it this way, state building code (surprise, surprise) includes ADA regulations. If you are just now surprised by that, someone “in the know” should have clued you in. That someone should not be me.