Randolph becomes more handicap accessible - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Randolph County officials are trying to figure out the most efficient way to transform their buildings to be more handicap accessible. The Department of Justice is involved to make sure it happens.

Federal officials came down a year ago to look at the buildings after discovering more than a quarter of Randolph County residents have a disability.  The result they say changes must be made.

Many of the buildings in Randolph County were up to date by previous standards on handicap accessibility. But, they recently learned of many small adjustments that must be made.

"Go back now and change the poundage on opening a door," said Jimmy Bradley, Randolph County Commission Chairman. "The height of a paper towel dispenser in a restroom. The new ones, you just rip it out and tear it off. They are too high. A person in a wheelchair can't reach up to rip the paper off."

More than 27 % of people in the county are disabled according to Census data. The management at New Horizons Disabilities Center says they meet with their people often to assess any issues.

"We have team meetings to set up goals and objectives. They have not indicated that there was any problems," said William Giglio of the New Horizons Center.

Some buildings will need new parking. Some will need structural changes.

One example is this wheelchair ramp at the Board of Commissioners office. They have used it for years. Now, the Department of Justice says it is too steep. This is one of the many renovations that is on the way.

Many places that have handicapped parking will need van parking. Giglio doesn't see the need. "We have lift vans that we use. We very seldom have problems with them."

Randolph County will have three years to get the projects done.

 "So what we will have to do is look at the cost and carry these projects out based on what we can pay for. We want know what it will cost until we make a final decision on should we renovate a building or move people into a new building," Bradley said.

Those decisions will be made and put into action soon.  

The Board of Commissioners already set aside $30,000 this year for the renovations. Over three years, the adjustments could cost a hundred thousand dollars.

Even buildings that are just a few years old will have to be renovated. They say they will do whatever it takes to comply with the Disabilities Act.

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