Question:
Why is it that Dr.'s have doors that open outwards, pharmacy's are the same way?

I have a hard time being in a wheelchair going to my various dr.'s, to some restaurants, even my pharmacy. There someone has to always pick up my medications for me. My orthopedic's door opens outwards, when He has patients on crutches, wheelchairs, and I even saw one patient waiting for artificial arms, how's he to open a door. I got onto my Mental Health area, they now have a button to make the doors open. My PCP's office is in a building along with several of my dr.'s. The outside door has a handicap button, but his office has doors that open outwards. Don't they realize that it's hard to get in with crutches, or a wheelchair? I think all medical, restaurants, and pharmacy's should be made to accomodate the handicaps of our country. There's one restaurant that I can't go in and sit, because of the steps to the door. I have to go thru the drive-in. That's discrimination.    — Kathy Newton (posted on May 13, 2005)

May 13, 2005
I believe this is for fire safety. There was a horrible fire many, many years ago in a New York nightclub and many people who could have gotten out couldn't because the doors opened inwards and people in their panic were so piled up at the door that they couldn't exit. I think this was when it finally became law. A handicap button sure would be nice - and I agree that every place should be able to be accessed by everyone - particularly medical facilities! Have you spoken to your docs and the restaurant? Good luck to you - you have a very valid point!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 13, 2005
Safety reasons...........I believe ALL public buildings are required to have doors that open outward. Not sure if that's the case in every state but it is in many of them.
   — scbabe

May 14, 2005
Kathy, I do not know what to tell you but possibly complain to the ADA about the places that you have experienced that a person with limitations has difficulty accessing. I do not know, maybe there are some places out there that have been "grandfathered" with the ADA law, they may not have to change because they have not done any remodeling to the building so therefore they can keep their establishment the same. Some small businesses are protected under the law to not have to make these changes because of the "grandfathering". I know it sounds aweful that they would not want to help but sometimes these businesses do not have the money to make the changes, they do the bare minimum with for example putting in the required amount of HC parking places and that is it.
   — ChristineB

May 15, 2005
regardless of which way the door opens, you are going to have the same problem either going in or out. Most places will help you if you just ask. some businesses can't afford to make a lot of construction changes, so utilize the one that do accomadate you and write a letter to the ones you don't use and let them know your concerns.
   — **willow**