CNMI lags behind in ADA compliance standards

By Marian A. Maraya

Staff Reporter

Organizers lamented yesterday a low turn out to the Americans with Disabilities Act workshop on facility compliance, recording very little participation from business and government entities on an issue that also affects them.

Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc. Programs Coordinator Jim Rayphand expressed disappointment that business/establishment owners did not show up to increase their awareness on ADA-compliancy standards mandated of their agencies.

“Every facility must comply with ADA and it should follow that people running the facility should know about it. I think if there were more lawsuits, there would be more people,” said Mr. Rayphand.

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Director Tee Abraham said she was saddened by the absence of local leaders during the workshop’s kick-off session.

“I see some people from Public Works but I wish there were also representatives here from the Office of the Budget and Mayors because the ADA Title II amendment also includes standards pertaining to small towns and the local government,” she cited.

The ongoing two-day workshop was organized by NMPASI in close collaboration with OVR and the Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council to raise community awareness on Title II and III of the ADA compliancy standards which “public accommodations” in the United States are subject to.

Public accommodations in the CNMI, according to Mr. Rayphand, is still far off from reaching the adequate ADA-compliance standards.

“In terms of facility access, we’re lagging very far behind. If you notice even the parking accommodations, there may be a park sign for individuals with disabilities but then it lacks a ramp…so even if there’s a space reserved for them, they can’t get up over the sidewalk,” he said.

“We’re still on primitive stages in terms of compliance,” he added.

He, however, cited some companies are making the effort towards full-compliance.

“But still, we have a long way to go. That’s why are making this proactive stance in educating people about disability issues and so forth…before they get sued for non-compliance,” said Mr. Rayphand.

ADA classifies public accommodations as private entities that own, operate, lease, or lease to, a place of public accommodation. Places of public accommodation include a wide range of entities such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, retail stores, museums, libraries, parks, private schools, and day care centers, the law states. But private clubs and religious organizations are exempt from the ADA’s title III requirements for public accommodations.

Meanwhile, the workshop is being held as one of the activities slated to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness month.

Ms. Abraham underscored the need to remove common myths that people with disabilities are mere “liabilities” in the workplace.

For the first time, the month-long event will be slated in conjunction with local disability-oriented service providers to be highlighted by a series of public awareness activities.

The public awareness campaign is also eyed to eventually remove barriers that prevent families of individuals with disabilities to full inclusion in community endeavors.

Ms. Abraham underscored the program’s main objective is geared towards establishing the whole CNMI as a place where persons with disabilities are accepted and commended for their ability to contribute to community-building.