My ADA Story: Helping Businesses Become More Accessible

By Jonathan Ellis, former NCCDD Council Member

Jonathan Ellis leads an ADA training about service animals with a stuffed animal sugar glider sitting on his shoulder at the Murfreesboro Public Library in September 2018.

I have cerebral palsy. Most often, cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that you have as a result of a birth injury. CP causes you to have spasticity. It affects your motor functions and sometimes your speech. CP is not progressive, and you have a normal life expectancy.

I use a wheelchair, and I have difficulty accessing businesses. For example, there are often steps leading into a business, which prohibits me from being able to go in stores with my wheelchair. As a person in a rural community, most people with CP do not have access to accessible transportation.

There are lots of stereotypes about people with disabilities. It is hard to even get an interview. Employers do not realize that people with disabilities want and can work. Employers also need to know that people with disabilities are more likely to stay on the job.  I started a small business so employers and community members could learn what people with disabilities can do. I am an ADA trainer and have my ADA Coordinator certification. 

Accessibility improvements typically costs less than $500 and will bring more business to your business. Improving accessibility to your business is important because people with disabilities want to spend money in your business.  

I live in a rural community. I’m thankful there have been many accessibility improvements made in my community. Because of the ADA, I can now visit my downtown area of Murfreesboro, North Carolina in my wheelchair.  There are more curb cuts along with accessible parking, and businesses are becoming more accessible.

Quote from Jonathan:

“Most accessibility improvements typically cost less than $500. That’s a small investment to provide access for people with disabilities who want to spend money at your business.”

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

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