A SQUEAKY WHEEL GUIDE 20

TO LOCAL ADVOCACY

United Spinal Association’s Accessibility Services program provides consulting services devoted to making the built environment accessible to people with disabilities. 

Vice President Dominic Marinelli has worked as a certified accessibility specialist for over 30 years and knows a thing or two about how to effect change.

“A great example of working directly with City Hall is to establish a relationship with the local code enforcement office,” he says. 

“While building officials and inspectors are not responsible for enforcing the barrier removal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines — for buildings designed for first occupancy after Jan. 26, 1993 — they are required to enforce the accessibility requirements of the local building code and existing building code.”