Hillyard Branch Of Library Target Of Handicapped Access Complaint

The complaint is being investigated by the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education.

A Spokane Valley man active in disability issues has filed a complaint with the federal government about handicapped access at the city’s Hillyard branch library.

William Blaine maintains that signs at the library are confusing, that there are no parking stalls for vans, and the width of two disabled stalls does not meet requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

The complaint is being investigated by the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education.

Library officials said they are in compliance with the law and would have explained that to Blaine if he had stayed to listen.

The sign that apparently confused Blaine was for a staff-only entrance and not meant for use by the public.

Officials said the library’s parking stalls do meet federal guidelines. The problem apparently stems from off-center striping, a mistake that makes it look as if one space is smaller than it should be.

“The total area set aside for handicapped usage is there. We exceed the code by an inch or so,” said Dan Walters, director of city libraries.

Hillyard branch manger Pat Bonner said she tried to explain some of this to Blaine when he visited, but he wouldn’t listen.

“It didn’t seem to me he was willing to problem-solve,” said Bonner. “He just said he’d be firing off a letter to the director, and he was very agitated.”

Blaine, whose daughter is in a wheelchair, has taken it upon himself to police ADA standards. He’s filed complaints against the city, Spokane County and such businesses as Smith Furniture Store and Eagle Hardware.

He could not be reached to comment on his concerns about the Hillard library.

, DataTimes