Do you have a specific day of the week when you do your laundry? When my kiddos were little, it was an everyday task. Now that it’s just the two of us at home, laundry has become much easier. I don’t mind doing laundry, folding the laundry and putting away the laundry. BUT I really do hate to iron! I try to avoid clothing that will easily crease. But inevitably there is something that needs a touch up, or a full-blown pressing to get those annoying crinkles out. So, out comes the iron, ironing board, and the starch to address the issue.
Sometimes wrinkling can be prevented before the clothes go into the washer, dryer or on the clothesline. There are little tricks that if we take the time beforehand, we might avoid the task of having to fix a problem. I did some online research and was amazed at some of the ideas that people have come up with to minimize the wearisome wrinkling. For example, I would never have thought to add an ice cube into a load of already dried clothes and redry them. The ice cube creates steam and helps remove the creases without ironing. You can also use a damp sock or washcloth if you prefer.
Okay, I’m easily impressed, but wow - did you know this little trick?
So, you’re wondering what ironing has to do with the ADA. I was hoping you would ask!
Accessibility many times is an afterthought. It’s only when there’s a problem that we address the issue. For example, some businesses have not considered that a customer may come in with a service animal. When they encounter it for the first time, the staff may be completely ignorant of what the law says. A scene ensues, and the customer is told to leave the facility with the animal. The customer is angry and upset, the staff is upset, and a client has been lost. The next thing you know, the business owner gets notified that an ADA complaint has been filed against the business. Suddenly the owner is looking for an ice cube to throw into the laundry to get those pesky ‘wrinkles’ out.
Like many things, some planning ahead can make life easier for everyone! Have you done an audit of your facility to ensure that the basics have been met? Such as: Are there the required number of accessible parking spaces at your facility? Are the signs properly identified? Is there an accessible route and access aisle? What are the legal questions that can be asked if someone enters with a dog? Have staff been trained in disability awareness and etiquette?
The good news is that there are valuable resources available to educate yourself and staff. The ADA National Network, of which the Rocky Mountain ADA Center is a member, is here to help answer your questions and provide some resources for conducting an audit and for any type of needed training. This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the ADA National Network, and the Network is ready to help!
Other great resources include the Job Accommodation Network, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Access Board, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Just as getting rid of the wrinkles before they become a problem, ensuring that your services and facilities are accessible ahead of time is the preferred way of dealing with an issue. A little planning ahead of time can make all the difference. Let the ADA Center help you iron out those wrinkles!