Jake Steinman

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The Crowd

The event attendees included ADA coordinators who are mandated by law to ensure their city’s public space and buildings are accessible; professional consultants who conduct ADA audits and provide training; professionally certified trainers who work with city departments (police, fire, etc.) about accessibility and a smattering of advocacy groups. 

Sometimes I Just Can’t Help Myself

I was excoriated during one session. As I listened to several advocates espouse the maxim that everything should be completely accessible to everyone, I commented that, in my limited experience, advocacy is very important to changing laws and I appreciated the passion they exhibited. But, I said, it frightens businesses to the point of paralysis as they realize they can’t possibly be accessible to everyone so it’s just easier to do nothing and roll the dice that they won’t get sued.  

The Blowback

This provoked a lively 20-minute discussion after several people derided me for being critical of advocacy groups. I responded that I was simply relaying an insight based on my personal experience. Finally, someone in the back of the room came to my defense saying she has had a similar experience with what she said was the condescension of ‘insular advocacy groups’. She too was hesitant to work with them.  

The Take-Home Lessons

I’m happy to report I found several excellent accessibility trainers and learned how important the right words are when responding to ADA complaints and applying for budgets. Convincing city managers to include accessibility improvements even when there’s no budget priority for it is tough. Here, you’ll find my Top 13 Takeaways.

–Jake Steinman, Founder, TravelAbility Summit