HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Sen. William Parkinson is looking to make the island compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act through his most recent bill.
Bill 191-37 aims to make all government-leased office spaces in Guam fully ADA-compliant, Parkinson’s office said Thursday in a press release.
The “Government of Guam ADA Compliance Act of 2023,” if passed, is written to ensure all government, whether it be federal, territorial or local agencies, should be compliant with the accessibility standards and guidelines set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Agencies will be required to come up with compliance plans, which will include timelines for when they will be in compliance, and submit written reports detailing the progress. Agencies will be required to meet compliance standards in 180 days, according to the text of Parkinson’s bill.
The Guam Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities will have authority and investigate complaints regarding noncompliance, Bill 191 states.
Inclusivity
Parkinson explains Bill 191 is being introduced with the goal of fostering a “more inclusive environment.”
“This legislation is a crucial step forward in our commitment to creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can engage and fully enjoy the same opportunities as their fellow citizens,” Parkinson stated in the release.
This is Parkinson’s second bill introduced to ensure compliance with ADA standards on island. The first was Bill 98-37, which seeks to make public schools compliant.
“After hearing testimony on Bill 98, I was angry, disappointed and devastated,” Parkinson said. “I realized that the issue of ADA compliance goes far beyond a few of our public schools not having ramps for students in wheelchairs. The issue of ADA compliance centers around two things: inclusivity and fairness.”
Parkinson concluded the release by saying “our government must set an example.”
Sen. William Parkinson is seen Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at the Guam Congress Building in Hagåtña. Parkinson introduced a bill with the intent to make government offices more accessible to people with disabilities.
