House Committee meets to discuss how to make Arkansas more accessible for those with disabilities

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A House Committee at the Arkansas State Capitol heard from multiple state departments on what they’re trying to improve under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On Friday, The House Committee on Aging, Children, and Youth legislative and military affairs held a meeting where Rep. Julie Mayberry (R-Hensley) said the meeting was being held because people came to them wanting more to be improved when it came to accessibility for those with disabilities.

At the meeting, multiple state officials from Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Department of Education and the State Fire Marshal’s Office spoke about what needs to be improved and what they are doing to improve some measures.

“We’re really excited to be able to introduce a new program in Arkansas State Parks and this is an all-terrain wheelchair program,” Arkansas State Parks Deputy Director Jeff King said.

Also in the room were members of Arkansas Girls State like Brooke Booth who gave testimony talking about a bill she and others made that would create an ADA compliance officer position, a compliance board and a grant program to improve accessibility across the state.

“I feel like in Arkansas we don’t have a lot of change and sometimes that’s a good thing but sometimes it’s not so great and I think that everyone should take away that we want to prosper and create more equality in Arkansas,” Booth said.

Booth said the topic of accessibility for those with disabilities is close to her heart.

“I have watched my mom struggle practically my whole life. She got injured when I was 3 years old and it has been a real struggle for me and my family members to watch her struggle with day-to-day life things that everyone should be able to do,” Booth said.

Booth’s mom Audrey Crump, who is also Miss Arkansas Wheelchair 2021, said trying to access almost every building is a struggle and she hopes to spark change.

“Anything that we could do to bring the sidewalks, the doors, the parking situations up to code would greatly benefit so many people,” Crump said.

During the meeting, committee members said they felt like they were educated more on the topic and would try to look at how to move towards making solutions.

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