Norwalk teen pushes for increased handicap access

A local teenager is hoping to improve handicap access in southwestern Connecticut for the good of himself and many others. Fourteen-year-old Austin Wheaton has Spina Bifida, and has been in a wheelchair

News 12 Staff

Mar 5, 2007, 1:17 AM

Updated 6,354 days ago

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A local teenager is hoping to improve handicap access in southwestern Connecticut for the good of himself and many others. Fourteen-year-old Austin Wheaton has Spina Bifida, and has been in a wheelchair since childhood. Now, Wheaton is trying to bring attention not just to accessibility, but usability in buildings. Wheaton says every day he faces major access issues, even in ?handicap accessible? buildings, schools and houses. Wheaton points out, being able to roll up to a door easily doesn?t help if he or anyone else, can?t open the door. Austin is hoping more buildings will install push-button access and elevators. Wheaton?s family says a lift for the home?s staircase would cost $23,000. Wheaton admits his cause is not cheap but hopes others will agree it?s worth it.


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