RS 40:1731

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RS 40:1731

PART V. EQUAL ACCESS TO GOVERNMENTAL AND

PUBLIC FACILITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY OF

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

§1731. Purposes

A. The legislature hereby finds that the disabled community is denied access to much of the built environment and that this denial of access often prevents the disabled community from exercising their rights and privileges as citizens. Denial of access further impairs the ability of the disabled community to secure an education, to find and maintain gainful employment, to live independently, and to otherwise participate fully in society. The legislature further finds that a large proportion of the population is disabled and that this state has a moral interest in securing equal rights for all its citizens and an economic interest in the removal of architectural barriers which keep members of the disabled community on public assistance programs and from becoming productive citizens.

B. It is therefore the policy of this state to bring to an end, as quickly as possible, the undue hardship caused by architectural barriers. The state shall enable persons who are disabled to achieve maximum personal independence, to become gainfully employed, and to use and enjoy all buildings and facilities. It is the intent of the legislature to implement the removal of architectural barriers so that members of the disabled community will share equally in the right to use and enjoy the man-made environment, including but not limited to places of employment, recreation, entertainment, shopping, and education.

Added by Acts 1977, No. 625, §1; Acts 2011, No. 398, §1.