Date: Fri 14-Jun-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

Big-Y-ADA-disabled

Full Text:

Big Y Official Asked To Consider The Disabled

B Y K AAREN V ALENTA

Supermarket checkout aisles, even those assigned for handicapped use, usually

are too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs. Customer service counters, deli

counters and bakery counters are too high for persons in wheelchairs.

These problems, and many others, were addressed this week when a

representative of the Big Y Foods, Inc., came to Newtown to meet with the

local Persons With Disabilities Committee, an ad hoc committee formed to

promote implementation of the American Disabilities Act.

"I don't understand why supermarket designers don't make all checkouts two to

three inches wider to accommodate wheelchairs," committee member Bob Berkins

told Stephen B. Hurwitz, director of real estate for Big Y, the Springfield,

Mass.-based supermarket chain, which plans to construct one of its stores in

the Queen Street shopping center this year.

Wendy Beres, the committee chairman, said the shopping center currently has no

handicapped parking. Curb cuts, to accommodate wheelchairs, face concrete

barriers on the other side of driveways, she said.

"The new site plan has handicapped spots - the ADA is very firm on that," Mr

Hurwitz said. "The store will be built further back on the lot, and some of

the existing stores will be torn down, so there will be a significant increase

in parking spaces."

Mrs Beres said the "biggest problem is letting people know you have

accommodations for the handicapped in your stores. There should be a sign at

the customer service desk."

Bruce Mims recommended a small notation be made in newspaper advertising and

circulars, saying that the store is wheelchair accessible and there is

assistance for the hearing impaired. He said one out of every 10 persons is

hearing impaired and recommended that the store install assisted listening

devices like those which are now in many town offices and the senior center.

Describing himself as the "point man" for the company, Mr Hurwitz said he will

be meeting with the company's management and the architect to discuss the

Newtown group's concerns.

Mr Hurwitz said a manager has not yet been named for the new store, which will

take about six months to build once construction starts in two or three

months.

"We hoped for an opening this year but it now looks like it will be after

Christmas," he said.