#19 - Americans with Disabilities Act

 

Detroit Premier Academy 2012

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Accessibility Arrangements for Students With Disabilities Review

Summary of Building Review: Detroit Premier Academy was established in 2004, but the building was built sometime in the 1950’s. Detroit Premier’s building is connected to and rented from St. Christopher Parish. Although, the K-5 section of the building was built in the 1950’s, an addition was built in 2005 to create room for a new middle school. Therefore, the older section of the building may not meet all areas of the 1990 ADA Act, but the new section of the building does. Also, renovations have been made to parts of the older structure to meet requirements. 

Building Entrances/Exits: The building has 5 exits to the outside. 3 of the exits are level to the ground and accessible to all, even to students with a physical disability. 2 of the exits are attached to stairs. The 3 main exits that are level are used daily. One of the exits with stairs is part of our emergency evacuation procedure. A plan is in place and practiced to address the stairs for students with disabilities in an emergency. 

Bathrooms: There are two main student bathrooms in the older sections of the building, which do not have accessibility for students with physical disabilities. The older bathroom stalls are very small, and would not accommodate a wheelchair. Fortunately, when the building was remodeled a set of new, student bathrooms were built. The new bathrooms are accessible for students with physical disabilities, such as a wheelchair.  In addition, an employee bathroom was also built, which is accessible for employees with a physical disability. 

Fire Evacuation: The building is two stories. During the new addition, an elevator was built. The elevator is great for students with disabilities during regular school days. Unfortunately, if there was a fire or an emergency evacuation, a student with a physical disability would have to be carried down the stairs. This procedure is practiced during fire drills throughout the year. Students with temporary injuries have been carried down the stairs during an emergency drill. 

Classrooms: Overall, the classrooms are very accessible to all students, even when a disability is present. Accommodations/modifications are made for students when needed. In the past, Detroit Premier has made accommodations/modifications when needed; a microphone hearing device for a student with a hearing impairment, the elevator for students using crutches or wheelchairs, technological devices for students with learning disabilities, paraprofessional assignments for students with severe behavioral or academic disabilities, and much more.

Final Summary:Overall, I believe that Detroit Premier complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We do not discriminate on the basis of a disability in regards to students, parents, or staff. We ensure a free and appropriate education for all of our students, who enter our doors. If we are unable to ensure this, we find an appropriate and free facility which can.