County Offers Businesses Free Evaluation To Become ADA Customer Friendly

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Contact: Betsy Tolbert Luecking, 240-777-1246 Voice, 240-777-1236 TTY
For Immediate Release: February 18, 2000

COUNTY OFFERS BUSINESSES FREE EVALUATION
TO BECOME ADA CUSTOMER FRIENDLY

The Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities is seeking 100 local businesses that would like to have their facility evaluated for being "Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Customer Friendly."

The free one-hour, on-site evaluations will be done by members of the Washington metro chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The evaluation will include areas such as accessible entryways, public restrooms and parking areas, and availability of large print materials.

"The goal of the program is to help businesses better market their goods and services to people with disabilities," said Connie Caldwell, chair of the Commission, "and it will help people with disabilities identify businesses that are accessible."

Latest available census figures show an estimated 120,000 Montgomery County residents, ages 15 and older, who are disabled. The group's estimated annual discretionary income totals $43 million.

When the evaluation is complete, ASID members will advise the business whether it meets standards. The business can then promote its accessibility through advertising.

Evaluations will be done from April through June 2000. To request a free evaluation, please call the Commission on People with Disabilities at 240-777-1246 Voice and 240-777-1236 TTY.

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