To the editor:

Recently, I visited the entrance and lobby of the expanded LMH cancer center. This facility is a huge community benefit, providing increased capacity and opportunities to participate in clinical trials. I appreciate the foresight and donors who made this expansion possible, and the health professionals who provide cutting-edge treatment.

However, I am disappointed to discover that the registration counter in the entrance area is about the height of my head, as a wheelchair user. The 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design (the current applicable standards to which architects and builders are mandated to follow) require that counters with a forward approach be no more than 36 inches high.

Communicating over a high counter is difficult for anyone using a wheelchair or scooter, or of short stature, Unfortunately, the LMH counter is unwelcoming to a segment of the patient population.

Incorporating accessibility features at the building stage is much more efficient and affordable than renovating later. There are other counters in LMH facilities that are too high, but were likely built under previous standards that did not address counters. However, there is no excuse for a recently built structure to be so. It is disturbing that the leadership of LMH chose not to pay attention to creating accessible environments. I hope that the new CEO of our community health system is more supportive of creating welcoming environments for all.

Dot Nary,

Lawrence