I was an intern for ADA Coordinator Richard Meritzer from May through October, 2011.

ADA Coordinator Webpage

THE ONE STEP PROJECT

The One Step Project is designed to encourage businesses to remove one step from the entrance to their business making it more accessible. Lucy Spruill, who conceived of the program, joins Richard Meritzer, Pittsburgh ADA Coordinator.

This is a project of Richard's that was inspired by advocate Lucy Spruill. I helped to develop this project further by updating the One Step Packet with new formatting and updated information. I also helped to introduce legislation to waive city fees for businesses wanting to create a step-free entrance to their business. Both bills 2011-1967 and 2011-1968 were passed by City Council and signed by the Mayor.

THE VISITABILITY MARKETING COMMITTEE

I helped to set up meetings for the Visitability Marketing Committee which markets the Visitability Tax Credit. This is a tax credit for homeowners wishing to make their homes visitable by persons with mobility disabilities. This includes a no-step entrance and a visitable restroom. A packet will be available describing the program.

MAYOR'S 311 REQUEST LINE

I helped Richard respond to accessibility complaints. This often required finding the appropriate code so that I could find the liable party in a situation. If the issue was a responsibility of the city, I would write a memo to the appropriate department. If the issue was the liability of a property or business owner, I would write a letter to them regarding the issue.

CONTEXTUAL DESIGN ADVISORY PANEL (CDAP) AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION

I reviewed upcoming projects for accessibility concerns. Architects for the most part are cognizant of their obligations to persons with mobility disabilities, but one thing I often found was that they are ignorant of people with sensory disabilities or cognitive disabilities. I worked with planners from Zoning to help draft a Universal Design checklist. My goal was to bring these issues and sensitivities to the attention of developers and architects. Work on this is being continued by other interns.

CITY FACILITY INSPECTIONS

I inspected some city owned buildings for accessibility. All city buildings are to receive an accessibility audit by 2014. I helped to standardize the process by which Richard does this.

CITY COUNTY TASK FORCE ON DISABILITIES

I attended meetings to hear the concerns of members of the task force. The task force includes people with all types of disabilities including mobility disabilities, sensory disabilities, and cognitive disabilities.