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The next ADA workshop is scheduled tentatively for June 16th.
To RSVP call the City of Clovis Economic Development Dept at (559) 324-2092.
We'll post more information on upcoming workshops, as they become available, here on ABC30.com.
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Initially the workshops were only for Clovis businesses, but there was so much interest from surrounding cities the workshops were opened up to anyone interested.
The Wednesday workshop is booked with over 50 business owners signed up and another 31 on the waiting list. All this over A.D.A. a complex and long-standing law.
The American with Disabilities Act or A.D.A. was enacted by congress 20 years ago to provide equal access for persons with disabilities. And 20 years later, many businesses still haven't complied.
"You're walking but the day something happens to you you're gonna realize how difficult it is to go to the restroom, go to the handicap parking where you can't even park," said Daniel Delgado.
Daniel Delgado of Madera was so frustrated with the lack of disabled access at local businesses; he and four other plaintiffs -- with the help Of San Jose Attorney Randy Moore -- recently filed more than 50 lawsuits against Central Valley businesses. The lawsuit includes a wide range of businesses from large corporation like Carrows, to locally owned ones like Foster's Freeze in Sanger, to entire shopping centers like Sierra Pavilions in Clovis.
They're alleging discrimination in the form of a lack of signs, improperly configured handicap parking spaces, and illegal ramps.
"I was stunned, to say the least it is accessible, and to have a comfortable eating experience when you're disabled," said Scott Karl with Foster's Freeze in Sanger.
Each A.D.A. violation carries fines of as much as $4,000. For some businesses struggling in these tough times, multiple violations can get too expensive.
El Gallo Mexican Restaurant in Clovis shut down in March -- its owners left a sign that the restaurant was closed pending A.D.A. repairs.
To avoid those kinds closures the Clovis A.D.A. workshops will first, teach business owners about compliance and the risks of non-compliance, as well as offer inspections and loans up to $10,000 for repairs.
Wednesday's workshop begins at 7:30am at Clovis Police and Fire headquarters, but again, it's booked. We'll post more information on upcoming workshops, as they become available, here on ABC30.com.
