THIS IS WHO WE ARE

Proudly Accessible Dubuque is an independent organization concerned with issues of accessibility for all.

THIS IS OUR MISSION

Proudly Accessible Dubuque builds awareness, educates the public and assists businesses with the goal of improving accessibility for all customers.

THIS IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Proudly Accessible Dubuque believes that by raising awareness and providing practical, reasonable, cost effective information on accessibility improvements and associated tax benefits, we can:

• help businesses reap the benefits of improved customer relations and thereby increase their customer base.
• help everyone access goods and services in the community.
• improve voluntary compliance with accessibility laws. (This reduces the possibility of enforcement through the City of Dubuque's Human Rights and Building Services Departments.)
  

THIS IS OUR INSPIRATION

"The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" was championed by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and signed by President G.H.W. Bush. Since 1992, when it became law, the ADA has protected people with disabilities from discrimination by employers, in public accommodations, and in publicly funded programs. We invite every business in Dubuque to analyze and improve their facilities in order to achieve consistency with the ADA.

The City of Dubuque has adopted, by Ordinance, the Iowa Accessibility Code.

Under the law, any person with a disability who has difficulty entering or navigating a Dubuque business may file a discrimination complaint with the Human Rights Department. It is better to be safe by taking the initiative to check for compliance, rather than sorry because a complaint has been filed by a person with a disability.

THIS IS WHAT YOU WILL FIND HERE

• a survey that can be used by businesses to make accessibility improvements and obtain public recognition as a Proudly Accessible Dubuque business.
• information about common accessibility issues in four general areas: parking, entrances, getting around inside the building/access to goods and services, and restrooms, and a special section for Accessible Lodging.
• information about tax breaks for making accessibility improvements.
• facts about the size of the disability market.
• an effort to encourage good faith efforts towards the spirit of accessibility laws.
• a focus on existing businesses. (This site does not address employment or housing, and does not apply to facilities undergoing construction or renovation.)

THIS IS WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Proudly Accessible Dubuque window clings for your place of business,
• Permission to use the Proudly Accessible Dubuque logo in all your advertising,
• Listing on the Proudly Accessible Dubuque web site,
• Special listing on the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce website,
• Special listing in this year's Dubuque Convention and Visitor's publication,
• Inclusion in Proudly Accessible Dubuque's regular media blitz,
• Increased customer base and improved customer relations.
  
  
  
  • A tax credit of up to $5,000 for small businesses and/or
  • A tax deduction of up to $15,000 per year.

OUR PARNTERS

• Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
• Dubuque Main St., Ltd.
• Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
• City of Dubuque
• Premier Bank

THANKS TO

Hartig Drug	Steve Smith, Asbury Square
Annie's Lil Bits	Dr. Kevin Kane DDS
Dr. Larry Donahue, DDS	Sue Czeshinski
Judy Haley Giesen	Bob Gelms
Kelly Larson	Jan Powers
Kelley Schiesl	Justin Thiltgen
Katrina Wilberding

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Jim Arlen	Jim Jarrard
Barney Bishop	Bob and Carol Lehnhardt
Sarah Davidson	Molly Menster
Penny and Jim Ehlinger	Bob Nesler
Joe Feltes	Lou Oswald
Mary Gassman	Bill Ross
Judy and Jim Giesen

And other members of the Human Rights Accessibility Subcommittee

A TIP O' THE HAT

PROUDLY ACCESSIBLE DUBUQUE would like to recognize a similar effort by a volunteer group in Hermanus, South Africa, who coined the term "proudly accessible." If you would like to visit their website, here is a link. Just click. www.hermanus.co.za/com/proudlyaccessible.

TO CONTACT A HUMAN BEING

PROUDLY ACCESSIBLE DUBUQUE
P.O. Box 902
DUBUQUE, IOWA 52004-0902
563-580-7357
info@ProudlyAccessibleDubuque.com