New Horizons Independent Living Center Director Mack Marsh uses his wheelchair to get around. Marsh says, "I broke my neck diving into the wrong end of the pool". Marsh knows the difficulty disabled people have trying to get around certain places in Shreveport. Marsh says, "Fairgrounds Field". Those difficulties could soon go away.
The U.S. Department of Justice visited Shreveport last year with a list of 50 buildings the city must bring into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. City Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark says, "we have to find someone to do the plumbing. There's a lot of plumbing work that has to be done". Dark says some changes are minor, but some will require major construction. Dark says, "Fairgrounds Field, the Municipal Auditorium, and buildings that pre-date ADA, the Justice Department says we need to bring them into compliance". Some of the changes will even happen here at Government Plaza. Dark says the city must lower the Permits Office counter to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to do business. The city will also install text telephones for the hearing impaired. It will also add spaces in the council chamber for the disabled in wheelchairs.
Dark says, "it means we're going to have to find money from somewhere, we probably have a quarter of the money". Dark believes it will cost the city around four million dollars, but says it's money well spent for disabled residents like Marsh. Dark says, "a person with disabilities, after it's all done, will have an easier time getting around". The City of Shreveport has between six months and three years to complete the projects. Council members will vote on the measure during its next meeting.
