LA Fitness Tualatin Upgrades Accessibility

It’s always uplifting to hear about a corporation putting people first. I’m happy to be the bearer of such good news. Since my post, LA Fitness: Why the “LA” Stands for Lacks Accessibility, first aired in February 2018 a lot has happened, good stuff, progress. And without a protest march, petitions or expensive lawyers. A major American corporation, Fitness International, LLC, is working diligently to meet its ADA compliance commitment–in Tualatin, Oregon anyway.IMG_4539

In May 2018, LA Fitness Tualatin installed automatic front door openers.

A grab bar has been installed in the pool hallway shower area, one that I use for safety on every visit.

Adjacent to the handicap bathroom door, a “Priority use for our members with disabilities” sign has been posted. As many non-disabled patrons still continue to use this one and only handicap room,VP, Corporate and Compliance Counsel of Fitness International, LLC, Jeremy H., promises the television monitors will soon broadcast periodic messages asking all members to consider reserving the all gender handicap room for members with disabilities.

Inside the handicap bathroom, a shower curtain has been hung, and a floor guard installed to prevent the entire room from getting wet when someone is showering. Additionally, Tualatin facility manager, Amanda A., is working on retooling the door’s arm closure so that it does not swing shut automatically; and installing a lock for which the front desk will have a key to enter the bathroom should a safety issue arise.

The company is still working to better facilitate ADA passage from the locker room into the pool area at the coded door.

I am grateful for positive steps LA Fitness (Fitness International, LLC) is taking to ensure all members have a full and equally enjoyable experience. Both Jeremy H. and Amanda A. have been in regular correspondence with me, asking for input, seeking solutions, and providing updates. Working with them has been a professional and productive exchange of ideas.

It is my understanding that these accessibility upgrades are just taking place at the Tualatin location, in part due to this focused correspondence. It is my hope that these improvements will eventually be implemented nationwide at all LA Fitness facilities, and similar such public places, through access advocacy continuing to work with the responsive leadership of responsible businesses and local government.
“The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organized, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers that restrict life choices for disabled people. When barriers are removed, disabled people can be independent and equal in society, with choice and control over their own lives.” (By Scope, an organization based in the UK).

Making Accessibility Happen 

The above post was e-mailed the corporate headquarters of LA Fitness (called Fitness International).
Copy sent to: Tualatin building officials, mayor and chamber of commerce, and The Oregonian.
Please join me in voicing your concerns or comments by e-mailing:  contact@fitnessintl.com.

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