We recently celebrated the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a paramount law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of life. Since the ADA was signed into law in 1990, many things around us have changed, and we see its impact all around us. Places are becoming increasingly accessible, and both government facilities and businesses are now more intentional about considering the needs of those living with disabilities.
For those who know me from my previous publications and various community events, my name is Kylie. I am in my 30s and live in Roswell, GA. As a passionate disability advocate, my mission is to make our world a truly inclusive place for everyone. I live with Cerebral Palsy — a condition which affects my movement and speech. To get around, I use a power wheelchair. I am a very social person, and it’s important for me to fully participate in my community while also having fun. To be able to do this, I need the places I visit to be accessible.
I enjoy going out and making the most of life, and I want to help others in the disability community find accessible spots in their towns. This is why, I am launching my new video blog.
The Big Launch…
I am excited to announce my new video blog, “Kylie’s Accessibility Adventures.” I will be visiting places in my hometown of Roswell Georgia, and surrounding areas and evaluate them to see how accessible they are. I will also highlight some of my favorite restaurants, stores, and concert venues that do an excellent job accommodating the disability community. I will share all my adventures in a series of videos and am thrilled to explore my community with all of you while promoting accessibility.
Scoring
How will I be ranking the different places? I have created an accessibility scorecard. The places will be evaluated in five categories ranking each from 1 to 5. The categories include:
- Finding the Place
I will be evaluating criteria such as the ease of finding the place, the accuracy of GPS directions, and how simple it is to enter the parking lot. - Parking
In this category, the accessible parking situation at the place will be examined. Consider will be given as to how many accessible spots the parking lot has, whether these spaces include sections for ramps, the distance of these spots from the entrance, and the number of curb cuts available to reach the sidewalk. - Entrance
What if the place is great, but my wheelchair can’t fit through the door? The accessibility of the main entrance and exploring details will be explored, like whether people with disabilities can access the building through the main entrance, if the entrance is a single door or double doors, and if double doors, whether both open. I’ll also consider whether the doors swing inward or outward, if there are two sets of doors to enter the building, and if the doorframe is accessible for someone using a wheelchair. - Restrooms
I will be examining the number of accessible restrooms and their size, including whether the stalls are wide enough for a person in a wheelchair and a parent or caregiver. Additionally, I’ll assess how close someone in a wheelchair can get to the toilet and whether its height is suitable for a wheelchair user. - Navigating Inside the Place
In this category, I will be looking at things like whether the host addresses the person with a disability when they enter the restaurant or directs their attention to the person accompanying them. Additionally, I’ll assess if there is enough space between tables for a person in a wheelchair to navigate easily, if all the tables are accessible, and if the tables are high enough for a wheelchair user to comfortably sit beneath or if they need to lower their chair. I’ll check whether the menu is available in an online format, if the font on the menu is easy to read, and if there are options for people with visual impairments to access the menu.
First on the Menu
One of the reasons my family and I often go to Lucky’s Burgers and Brew is that it is very close to my home. Convenience, however, is only a small part of the puzzle. While proximity is important, accessibility matters the most.
I have been going to Lucky’s Roswell location for several years now, and it quickly became my go-to spot for family outings and fun gatherings with friends. This is why I chose to feature it first in “Kylie’s Accessibility Adventures.”
How did Lucky’s Burgers and Brew Do?
Finding the Place
Lucky’s was straightforward to locate. When I put it into my GPS, it came up right away. The entrance is clearly marked and has many signs, making it easy to find.
Parking
I can usually find parking at Lucky’s. There are three accessible parking spaces in the lot. The best spot is the one closest to the curb. It is very accessible, and I can let the ramp of my van out directly onto the curb. This spot is also close to the entrance, which is helpful.
Entrance
The entrance to Lucky’s is easy to get into. It has one door that opens into the restaurant. I find this helpful because when a door opens outward, I can have trouble getting around it. The doorframe was wide enough for my wheelchair to pass through. The door seemed lightweight and easy to open.
Restrooms
The restrooms at Lucky’s were very accessible. It was a one-room bathroom where I could easily fit my wheelchair into. There was also room for my mom or caregiver to assist me in the restroom. There were safety grab bars that I could hold on to.
Inside Lucky’s
Lucky’s interior is very open and accessible. The tables were not bunched together, and there was plenty of space between them. I must say the thing about Lucky’s that impressed me the most was the server. He was very patient with me and made a major effort to understand what I was saying. When he greeted us, he was on the other side of the table, but he came closer and bent down to my eye level to better hear me. I was impressed by how much time and effort he put into communicating with me. So, Lucky gets bonus points for that.
Watch my video review.
Kylie Approved!
I had a great experience at Lucky’s Burgers and Brew. The restaurant was extremely accessible and accommodating to my needs. The staff was friendly and took the time to listen to what I needed. I would recommend Lucky’s to my other friends with disabilities and anyone visiting the Roswell area.
