Friday, Sept. 24, 2004 | 9:09 a.m.
Do the rules governing access for disabled people apply everywhere except for federal buildings? Members of the Las Vegas-area public trying to find handicapped parking spaces at the George U.S. District Courthouse and Bible Federal Building might answer yes to that question, given their experiences.
The George federal courthouse has 164 parking spaces -- all reserved for government employees. The Bible Federal Building has 196 parking spaces -- also all reserved for government employees. The public, including disabled persons, must use a city parking lot or scramble for the few spaces along nearby streets.
This lack of access was noted by Jack Mayes, executive director of the Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center. In response, the federal General Services Administration said security issues at the George building and city traffic issues around the Bible building preclude any consideration of adding handicapped parking places at the buildings for the public.
We agree with Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., who is asking for a second opinion. "I believe that the federal government should lead by example and accommodate individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to federal buildings," Ensign wrote in a letter to the GSA. We concur, and hope that the GSA comes to its senses and acts in accordance with an old proverb: Where there's a will, there's a way.
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