Governor's Committee Recognizes Accessibility at Business in Lubbock

LUBBOCK - The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities will present two Access for All Decals on Wednesday to two Lubbock businesses - Luskeys Ryons Western Wear and Home Depot of Lubbock. Committee members Brian Shannon and Anthony Jones will make the presentations on Wednesday.

Committee members will be at Luskeys Ryons Western Store, 5034 Frankford Avenue at 10 a.m. to present store manager John David Vaughn with the decal. For information about parking or directions, call 806-795-7106.

At 11 a.m., the Committee will present the decal at Home Depot of Lubbock to manager Janis Hall. The store is located at South Plains Mall at Loop 289. For information about parking or directions, call 806-788-1484.

At each location, the decal will be placed at the front of the business. The decals are approximately four inches square. This disability friendly recognition offers an opportunity for each location to publicly display accessibility to customers with disabilities. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issues the decal indicating compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards. You can view a decal at:
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/disabilities/resources/ada.

The mission of the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities is to further opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy full and equal access to a life of independence, productivity and self-determination. This recognition is in keeping with that mission. Community members with disabilities have easy access to parking, the building entrances, and restrooms. Even issues such as lack of accessible parking can cause people with disabilities to take their business elsewhere.

In October of 2004, TDLR issued its 25,000th certificate of compliance. "It is very important to make sure that everyone has access to the same goods, services and employment possibilities," said William Kuntz, TDLR's executive director. "Eliminating physical barriers in the built environment eliminated potential barriers to employment. We are proud to assist in providing equal access to Texans with disabilities." By spotlighting Luskeys Ryons Western Wear and Home Depot of Lubbock, the Committee hopes to increase awareness that making businesses accessible and welcoming to customers with disabilities makes good economic sense.

According to the National Organization on Disability, individuals with disabilities make a significant contribution to the nation's economy, with an aggregate income of more than $1 trillion and $220 billion in discretionary spending power.

Presentations will be open to the public and photo opportunities will be available. For more information, please contact Pat Pound, executive director, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.