George Washington’s home will become more friendly to the disabled through greater access
By APWednesday, July 21, 2010
At George Washington’s home, help for the disabled
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department says George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon will undergo improvements to help the disabled, with accessible walkways, closed captioning for films and sign language and audio tours in the mansion and the grounds for those who are deaf or blind.
The department reached agreement on the upgrades with the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union.
Plans call for a shallower entry ramp and modifications on the route to the ground floor of the historic mansion. There will be an accessible walk to a landing at the entrance for the shops, food court and Mount Vernon Inn.
Controls of interactive exhibits will be modified so they can be used by visitors with impaired mobility.
The agreement comes just before the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
