Handicap docks in wolfeboro...

[ishoot308]

Here is what Glendale has at their dock...

[Diana]

"Just exactly how did the person(s) who needs the handicap dock in Wolfeboro get into the boat in the first place?"

As Chachee said, not all disabilities are the same, not everyone with a disability requires lift assistance. Suppose you broke a leg and were in a full leg cast and wheelchair temporarily, but still wanted to get out on the lake, you would be entitled to a space that hopefully would accommodate your chair and give you space to move around to move yourself to the boat safely.
Suppose you had a parent with COPD and on oxygen who can't walk too far, but they could still enjoy a day on the lake. Or a returning veteran with a spinal cord injury, who has excellent use of their upper body but happens to move around in a chair instead of on their legs. None of those people need lifts, just the right kind of space to access their boats safely.
Technology and common sense (universal design) can go a long way to help us not handicap a person who happens to have a disability.

[Orion]

Originally Posted by Diana

As Chachee said, not all disabilities are the same, not everyone with a disability requires lift assistance. Suppose you broke a leg and were in a full leg cast and wheelchair temporarily, but still wanted to get out on the lake, you would be entitled to a space that hopefully would accommodate your chair and give you space to move around to move yourself to the boat safely.
Suppose you had a parent with COPD and on oxygen who can't walk too far, but they could still enjoy a day on the lake. Or a returning veteran with a spinal cord injury, who has excellent use of their upper body but happens to move around in a chair instead of on their legs. None of those people need lifts, just the right kind of space to access their boats safely.
Technology and common sense (universal design) can go a long way to help us not handicap a person who happens to have a disability.

Wholeheartedly agree! But how is ANY of the above solved by the reserved Wolfeboro docks. They serve only one unfortunate unplanned purpose, and that is to create resentment among hundreds of boaters looking for a dock on busy weekends all summer, knowing this is only a "reserved" spot and not a true "handicap" spot.

[BroadHopper]

Did you know the act was initiated by a Vietnam vet that had difficulty getting around not only because of available disability access but because of the inability to get the govt and business attention to his plight? Watch the movie 'Music Within', it is very touching.

If someone with a disability file a complaint with the DOJ, the municipality or business must respond and provide access for the disabled. That is what happen to Wolfeboro. After looking over the provisions of the ADA, it does not clearly spell out what to be done dockside, but the town must have access available. The way I see it they should designate 30' of dockspace for the disabled with a lift. Wolfeboro designated too much dockspace and no lift. Someone can and probably will file another complaint.

Glendale did not designate part of the dock for disability access, but they do provide a lift. The lift been there for several years and it looks like not designating dock space is an issue. Something to think about.

I reach out to business and govt when I get a complaint regarding the use of NH TRS (Telecommunication Relay Service). The DOJ will give the entity a chance to accept relay calls or suffer serious penalties. If you would like more information on telecommunication access for the Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech impaired individuals, don't hesitate to give me a call at 224-1850 x206 or email: relaynh@ndhhs.org

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Glendale did not designate part of the dock for disability access, but they do provide a lift. The lift been there for several years and it looks like not designating dock space is an issue. Something to think about.

B.H.;

Glendale does in fact have a clearly designated area of handicap dock (see below). It is in the same location as the lift. The poles are clearly marked with Handicap signs and no one parks there without a placard. FYI...I have never seen any boat park there.

Dan

[BroadHopper]

I haven't been paying attention to the docks, but I can remember at one time the lift was at the end of the dock open to the public. It looks like they moved it toward the Marine Patrol area. I was not aware of this.

[SIKSUKR]

You would have to be a real fool to park in THAT Glendale space without a placard.

[NoBozo]

That space is reserved for Handicapped MP Officers.

OR: It's intended to be used for removing Injured Handicapped persons from an MP Boat returning from a Island or Boating rescue mission. (Maybe that person weighs 600 pounds.)

Otherwise a Stokes stretcher would be used to transport an injured victim. No need for a crane NB