Main speaker talks about standing wheelchair and accessibility issues
QUINCY, ILL. -- It's been 20 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law and Thursday, July 15th the West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living celebrated that anniversary.
Booths were set up at the Quincy Senior and Family Resource Center to inform people about different products and services that are available.
The main speaker was Mitchell Swanson of the Standing Wheelchair Company.
He spoke about the product that he uses and sells, as well as his own story.
But he also wanted to bring awareness to certain accessibility issues.
"The funny thing is, in 1990 the ADA was passed and that was exactly the same time we started experiencing the disappearance of full service gas. What we have now is a self service environment. Well that leaves a big question mark for an individual like myself who cannot remove the gas cap off the car, or use the credit card machine or operate the pump," said Swanson.
Swanson says not only does a standing wheelchair give people with disabilities more opportunities, but it is also healthier for people in wheelchairs to be able to stand upright.
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