Mar03GovtReport

The regulations regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities to amusement rides and devices were finalized late last year. Both IAAPA and the Access Board believe that our work needs to continue so that amusement ride operators are given guidance on providing that access.

One of the ways in which people with disabilities may access a ride is through the use of a transfer device. In January, a meeting was held among representatives of the industry and the Access Board to discuss the possibilities that exist and new ones that may be developed to determine transfer devices. The regulations envision the use of simple devices onto which a person with disabilities may transfer from a wheelchair. The person will move from this device into the ride seat. Over time, new devices may be developed to assist with these transfers.

The next step will be the development of technical assistance materials. The Access Board has drafted a preliminary summary and is working with IAAPA on this document. Detailed technical assistance material will then be jointly developed.

While this guidance material is being developed, it is important that IAAPA members familiarize themselves with the new rule. These steps can be taken by visiting the Access Board’s web site, www.access-board.gov/news/recrule.htm. As has been mentioned before, keep in mind that the ADA has applied to parks and attractions since its enactment, and all IAAPA members are urged to ensure that they are in compliance with its provisions. The new regulations add to the ADA by providing guidance regarding accessibility of rides (as well as other forms of recreation). As additional guidance becomes available, IAAPA will notify its members so they can be fully informed.

European Year of People with Disabilities
On December 31, 2002, European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs Anna Diamantopoulou started the countdown to 2003 by announcing the European Commission’s action plan for the European Year of People with Disabilities in 2003. The European Year aims to drive progress toward achieving equal rights for people with disabilities. Across Europe, attention will be focused on the many areas of European society where barriers and discrimination still exist for the one in 10 Europeans with a disability.

The European Commission is determined to ensure that disabled people drive the year’s activities. “This is a people’s campaign which will be run by disabled people for disabled people,” said commissioner Diamantopoulou. “The European Year reflects the ‘nothing about us without us’ ethos of disabled people.”

The commission, in partnership with the European Disability Forum, an umbrella body representing the 37 million disabled people across the EU, is the organizer of the year on the European level. At the national level, national coordinating bodies have been set up, composed of representatives of disability communities and ministries.

Thousands of activities and events will take place during the year in the various participating countries. They are linked through a specially designed European Year bus that started in January 2003 in Athens and will travel through the 15 EU member states, with disabled people accompanying the bus on its journeys. The disability community in each country will organize events around the bus’s presence in different cities, towns, and villages throughout the EU. These events could include festivals, debates, partnerships, conferences, protests, parties, and lobbying—whatever the local disability community decides is the best way to get their messages across.

The European Commission is providing tools to facilitate the campaign. The Year’s web site, www.eypd2003.org, provides a center for discussion, exchange of ideas, and community building. The commission will provide promotional material—Braille T-shirts, pins, stickers, and postcards (all developed in collaboration with people with disabilities). The commission has provided the European Year bus and equipment, and has appointed a local disability organization in each country to coordinate activities around the bus.

“The European Year offers a unique opportunity for the corporate world to show its commitment to achieving equal rights for people with disabilities,” Diamantopoulou said. She concluded her announcement by saying, “Ninety-seven percent of Europeans think that something should be done to ensure better integration of people with disabilities into society. Let us harness that support and ensure that the European Year is a success.” Please check the web site and see how you can cooperate.