STORES, ARCHITECT CITED FOR DIABILITY AWARENESS

Maryann "Miki" Gudermuth relies on crutches and wheelchairs, and a large dose of optimism.

She contracted polio when she was 9 months old. The disease weakened her legs, making it difficult for her to walk.

Today, Gudermuth is executive director of the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence Inc. (SADI), headquartered in Cape Girardeau.

She knows what it is like to try to maneuver through narrow store aisles, and she appreciates those businesses and individuals that have worked to make their buildings more accessible to the disabled.

Gudermuth believes in giving people a pat on the back. Friday, that pat on the back came when SADI honored two Cape Girardeau businesses and an individual with the first Barrier Freedom Awards.

The awards were presented to Wal-Mart Supercenter, Cracker Barrel restaurant and architect Charles J. Herbst.

Wal-Mart provides motorized carts and regular wheelchairs for disabled customers, and employees will assist them with their shopping upon request.

Cracker Barrel has Braille and large-print menus for customers with visual impairments, and maintains wide aisles to accommodate persons in wheelchairs or who use walkers.

Herbst has worked to make schools, homes and businesses accessible to the handicapped.

Jeff Danhauer, general manager of the local Cracker Barrel, said the restaurant chain follows the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the letter.

Cracker Barrel staff monitor the aisle space, making sure tables and chairs and store displays are spaced far enough apart. The restaurant's restrooms and drinking fountain are accessible to persons in wheelchairs.

Herbst became involved in making buildings accessible to the disabled 15 years ago when he designed a group home for VIP Industries.

Everything from doors to restrooms have to be designed to accommodate people with disabilities. Light switches and mirrors have to be installed lower for those who use wheelchairs.

"Before it was the law, we were just working out of need," he said.

ADA requires public and commercial buildings to be accessible to the disabled.

But Herbst and Gudermuth said it will take time and money before all barriers are removed.

Gudermuth said her organization gladly advises businesses on how to make their facilities accessible to disabled people.

SADI plans to present the Barrier Freedom awards quarterly. Recipients will be considered for statewide recognition.

Fittingly, the Barrier Freedom awards coincide with the celebration of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"America needs the knowledge, skill, talent and productivity of our 49 million people with disabilities to help energize our economy," Gudermuth said.

Gudermuth said many people have disabilities of one kind or another and would benefit from a more barrier-free environment.

"Accidents, aging, muscle overuse, illness and poor health care will all impact our lives somewhere down the road."