“Text Relay” is a federally funded service that makes equal access a priority. This is free to both the caller and the called party. This valuable communications tool has been added to our web site for those who have a hearing loss or a speech disability. Simply click on link to activate.
On January 26, 1992, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) took affect. The intent of the law was to provide those persons with disabilities, accommodation and access equal to, or similar to, that of the general public. Public entities were required to develop a transition plan to establish how they would comply with the Act. A self-evaluation of buildings and sites also had to be conducted within one year of the law’s passage to determine how well existing facilities met handicap accessibility criteria. Any structural modifications were required to be completed or initiated by January 26, 1995.
Ahead of the Curve
Eleven years prior to the passage of the ADA, Mentor had constructed its Civic Center Pool complete with a ramp and grab bars to allow the physically challenged easy access into the pool. In 1987, the City enlisted the help of a disabled resident in developing Bellflower Park as the City’s first barrier free facility. That facility features a system of paved trails that lead to each of the amenities — a fishing pond and dock, picnic pavilion, tennis courts, basketball court, playground and restroom facilities.
Mentor was also ahead of the curve in conducting a self-evaluation of its buildings. In 1991, the Mentor Municipal Center became more accessible with the removal of a second set of vestibule doors and the installation of automatic door openers at the main entrance. A paved viewing area was built in front of the Amphitheatre at Civic Center Park to allow better access for the physically challenged who attend the outdoor concerts and other activities held on the grounds. The Public Works Department had also begun constructing ramps at intersections throughout Mentor to provide unobstructed access to the City’s sidewalk system.
Complying with the Law
By 1994, well ahead of the January 26, 1995 deadline, the Senior Center, Community Center, Ice Arena and City Hall were in compliance with the ADA requirements. By1995, work had already begun on constructing handicapped accessible restrooms and a lift at Wildwood Cultural Center, and handicapped accessible restrooms at Mentor Beach Park. In 1996, an addition was constructed at City Hall at which time additional ADA accommodations were made. These included: modifications to the elevators and drinking fountains, replacement of door hardware, the addition of handicapped restrooms and the installation of entrance doors with motion sensors.
Over the years, the City of Mentor has made many ADA improvements including the construction of an All People’s Playground at Garfield Park, adding new handicapped accessible restrooms at Garfield Park, constructing barrier free Sprayparks at Bellflower and Morton Community Parks, and renovating the Clubhouse at Black Brook Golf Course with the addition of accessible restrooms. At the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve, the City provides electric golf carts for the physically challenged so they can easily explore the system of trails. In addition, a specially outfitted golf cart is available with hand controls.
During the renovation of Council Chambers in 2006-2007, additional space was designated for wheel chair bound individuals and an assistive listening system was installed for the hearing impaired.
As part of its barrier removal plan, Mentor has also installed internal directional signs that are ADA compliant, designated handicapped accessible parking, installed ramps at sidewalk entrances to public buildings and updated fire alarms with visual strobes.
Barrier-free facilities now include: Mentor Municipal Center, Police Department, Municipal Court, Civic Center Arena and Community Center, Civic Center Pool, Fire Headquarters, Mentor Senior Center, Bellflower Park and Spraypark, Black Brook Golf Course, Eleanor B. Garfield Playground, Mentor Beach Park, Morton Spraypark and Wildwood Cultural Center.
NOTICE:
The City of Mentor does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. The City of Mentor does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.
Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in programs or services of the City of Mentor are invited to contact Bob Zaluski.
