The Barrier Free Memphis Society

The REAL MATAplus Rider's Guide

Architectural Barriers Limit Mobility

Inherent in our democracy is the concept of a shared environment, yet we know the concept is not the reality. Whether home, place of worship, office or restaurant, most all begin with a curb or steps, shutting out many persons who have disabilities. Our environment should accommodate everyone -- from the parent pushing a stroller to an elderly person using a cane. This is best accomplished through barrier free design that allows all persons, with or without a disability, young and old, to move freely, independently, safely and conveniently within it. This defines a "barrier free Memphis".

Negative Attitudes Prevent Opportunities

Attitudinal barriers are ways of thinking or feeling, resulting in a behavior which discriminates and limits the potential of people with disabilities to be independent individuals. Consider these attitudes:

• Have you ever parked in a space reserved for people with disabilities?

• When speaking to someone with a disability, do you avoid eye contact?

• When around someone with a mental or physical disability, do you feel uncomfortable?

• Is your business accessible to persons with disabilities?

Attitude is the first barrier to conquer before we can eliminate physical barriers.

The Barrier Free Memphis Society is a group of concerned citizens advocating for an accessible community which is free of negative attitudes toward people with disabilities.

Established in 1992, The Barrier Free Memphis Society consists of people with various types of disabilities as well as advocates who do not have a disability.

The Barrier Free Memphis Society is funded and supported by the dedication of its members and The Memphis Center for Independent Living.

• To eliminate architectural barriers imposed on a large segment of the population (elderly citizens and small children, deaf and hearing impaired, blind or visually impaired, and mobility impaired citizens);
• To explain the full benefits of full accessibility;
• To increase public awareness through education about accessibility laws and standards;
• To provide sensitivity training for government and business associations.

Consider These Architectural Standards:

• Entrances at ground level with free passage for wheelchairs.

• 32-inch door opening widths.

• Level thresholds to buildings and rooms.

• Sloping ramps, instead of stairs (ratio 1 foot to 1 inch of height, or 8.3% of grade)

• Safe wide parking spaces for people with disabilities, close to level walkways with appropriate curb cuts.

• Braille elevators

• Rest rooms with wide stalls for wheelchair users, and grab bars 32-34 inches high.

• Hand rails on all stairways, extending 12 inches beyond top and bottom os steps

• Slip resistant floors, such as carpeting with tight weave and low pile.

• Public water fountains and telephones accessible to wheelchair users.

• TDD's and other hearing devices to assist hearing impaired persons.

All citizens with a physical, visual, or mobility impairment will be directly affected by the increased accessibility in our community.

Anyone with a temporary disability, such as a broken leg;

Aging citizens in our community.

Business leaders and service providers who better serve their customers and demonstrate their commitment by promoting accessibility in their establishments.

Architects, contractors, and building owners who can employ creative designs for accessibility.

All who are proud of Memphis, and want our city to make a comment to provide an equal and fair quality of life for all citizens.