YPG strives for inclusion and accessibility for all

Photo By Ana Henderson | (left to right) Acting Garrison Manger Ronald Rodriguez, Garrison Manager Ronny James, Command Sgt. Maj. Jamathon Nelson, YPG Technical Director Larry Bracamonte, Disability Manager Carolyn Lauzon and Equal Employment Opportunity Director Joeann Bailey, watch as YPG Commander Col. Patrick McFall and Steve Wilson cut the ribbon on the electric doors at one of YPG’s main buildings.  

YUMA PROVING GROUND, AZ, UNITED STATES

11.23.2020

Story by Ana Henderson 

U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground

Yuma Proving Ground’s (YPG) Commander Col. Patrick McFall, Garrison Manager Mr. Ronny James, YPG Technical Director Larry Bracamonte, Command Sgt. Maj. Jamathon Nelson, Acting Garrison Manger Ronald Rodriguez, Disability Manager Carolyn Lauzon and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Director Joeann Bailey gathered to cut the ribbon on YPG’s new automatic doors.

Bailey started looking into the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines after seeing Steve Wilson, also present at the ribbon cutting, struggling to enter ¬a building.
“Why do people have to struggle to get into the ROC when it’s our main headquarters,” thought Bailey.

The ribbon cutting was a proud moment for everyone involved. After the ceremony, McFall told the group about his step-father who used crutches and transitioned to an electric scooter to get around after having polio as a child.

“I am very appreciative to electric doors and the handicap parking spots because I grew up with it. I understand the value of these doors.”

In addition to the doors the restrooms inside the building were retrofitted for wheelchair accessibility.

Bailey urges YPG employees if they see someone with a disability or struggling to get into a facility let the EEO office know. Lauzon is the Disability Accommodation Manager, so they can work to make the location accessible.

YPG has retrofitted others facilities on an as needed based with automatic doors and wheelchair accessible restrooms however Bailey says accommodations could include telephones, desk, and chairs.
“Just let us know and we can assist the person to get what they need to get their job done.”

• Date Taken: 11.23.2020
• Date Posted: 11.25.2020 09:44
• Story ID: 383571
• Location: YUMA PROVING GROUND, AZ, US