Federal law makes physical accessibility a basic right, but when historic buildings are at stake — as is the case in the town of Gettysburg, Pa. — things get complicated.

The issue is front and center in historic Gettysburg, Pa. following a series of complaints filed by Marilynn Phillips, a Maryland woman who uses a wheelchair. Phillips says that many Gettysburg-area businesses are denying her the right to proper access as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act because their buildings are not wheelchair accessible.

For many local business owners in the area, however, making their facilities ADA compliant would mean sacrificing the historic architecture that defines the area and they are none too pleased about complying. But historic importance does not exempt a business from complying with the law, reports The (Hanover, Pa.) Evening Sun. To read more click here.

Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For reprints and permissions click here.