Milwaukee Mayor John O. Norquist issued an apology on February 11 to a group of disability-rights activists who are disgruntled at the omission of a wheelchair access ramp at the main entrance of the newly renovated Milwaukee Public Library’s central facility. The meeting between Norquist and wheelchair-using members of Southeastern Wisconsin ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), which took place at the bottom of the steps leading to the central library entrance, coincided with the facility’s open house in celebration of its $10-million renovation, according to the February 11 Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
“This is an open house for people who can walk in but not for people with wheelchairs,” disability consultant Lewis Tyler told the mayor, noting that the elevator located inside the access entrance are often “stopped by an elevator that’s not working. Then we have to leave.”
“The next step in the renovation will include you,” Norquist vowed. “You shouldn’t have to go in a side door at a major public building.”
Posted February 19, 2001.