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Over the years we have had a growing request for a List of Wheelchair Accessible Businesses - especially Lodging and Restaurants. Part of the mystique of Door County is wrapped in a backdrop of historical buildings and magnificent bluffs but the area we love so dearly can be a real nightmare for anyone dependant upon a wheelchair to get around.

In an effort to do what we can as a business community, the Door County Chamber of Commerce is collecting the names of those businesses that were designed or remodeled to reduce barriers and, ease the navigation of a wheelchair with wide doorways; no stairs and spacious bathrooms. In the Lodging industry we are also looking for accommodations that also offer roll-in and/or sit-down showers, if available, in addition to the elements required by the ADA.

We know that creating a wheelchair friendly environment can be expensive but it's worth it and we would like to acknowledge everyone who has stepped up to the plate to welcome ALL of our guests to Door County.

♦ If you, or someone you know, has made their business accessible to everyone, please let us know - we'll add them to the list!

Here are just a few resources that we have found - we would love to hear about yours.

Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility Guidelines(ADAAG)and Checklists offered On-line

Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines http://www.hud.gov/library/bookshelf09/fhefhag.cfm

If you need a rule of thumb - use this: Could you comfortably enjoy your stay, alone, if you were relying upon a wheelchair? Is there a threshold in the doorway? Is there a seat in the shower? Are the doors wide enough? Can you get your legs under the sink to brush your teeth? Are there any steps?

Note: Accessibility = Independence. If your guest/customer requires assistance to use the public areas/restrooms of your establishment, you probably have not met the minimal standards set by ADA for accessibility. Businesses falling under the ADA Exemptions may be compliant but are not considered "Accessible".

http://www.aapd.com

http://www.catalina.com/access.html#Where

http://www.ada.gov/certcode.htm

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/stdspdf.htm

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/reg3a.html#Anchor-54325

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dlr/guestServices/mobilityDisabilitiesListing?id=MobilityDisabilitiesPage&bhcp=1&

http://www.visitsiskiyou.org/accessible.html

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/6295

http://www.wunago.com/property_view.asp?propertyid=1047

www.doorcountychamber.org Suggestions or Questions? e-mail Phil Berndt at: phil@doorcounty.com