Celebrating 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (2020)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, and in 2020, we celebrated its 30th anniversary. The promise of the Act is to enable “all Americans with disabilities to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.” The ADA Compliance Division of the Metro Nashville Department of General Services works hard each day to make good on that promise. In honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 30th year, we want to uplift the people who help make Nashville a more welcoming and accessible place for everyone.

Jerry Hall has led our ADA Compliance Division for 20 years. Jerry explains that the goal of his office is to “ensure that all programs, services, and activities of Metro government are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.”

From accessible parks and greenways, to city office buildings, to public schools, to sidewalks and bus stops, the sheer scope and diversity of the Division’s work is impressive. Jerry and his team will soon begin work on the Major League Soccer stadium.

Jerry reflected on his two decades of Americans with Disabilities Act work, and one job stood out as particularly gratifying. Many years ago, Jerry and his team were called in to improve the accessibility of a sidewalk along West End Ave. Prior to the work, assisted living facility residents were unable to access a nearby grocery and drugstore. Jerry was onsite, checking to ensure the work had been done properly, when residents of the facility came outside to thank him personally. They said they were grateful to have access to services they had lacked for so long.

Making a real difference in the lives of Nashvillians and visitors with disabilities – this is the impact of Jerry’s work. Here’s to 20 more years, Jerry!

Shawn Hinton is a Technical Specialist who has been with the ADA Compliance Division since its inception.

Shawn came to Nashville as a kid and his work now connects him even more closely with the city. Each week for the past two years, Shawn has been involved with the renovation of his alma mater – Hillsboro High School. He recalls when he was a student at Hillsboro and the Tennessean featured a photo of him standing in front of the football stadium press box. Now, Shawn is working to ensure that very press box is reconstructed in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations and is accessible to all. Great work, Shawn! Now… for a snack break at Fox’s Donut Den!

Shawn says that a best practice in this work is to get involved with projects from the very beginning – during the planning stage. This includes reviewing plans for new buildings and retrofits, as well as advising on appropriate use of existing buildings that are being repurposed. Shawn says that identifying an Americans with Disabilities Act issue on the front end saves everybody time and money in the long run.

What drives Shawn to do this work? Helping people. He says, “I enjoy feeling like I’m making a difference… what I’m doing will help someone navigate a facility, use a program, or make their life a little bit easier because of the work that I do.”

David Liles is the “third amigo” in this talented team. A Compliance Inspector, David has been with Metro since 1985.

In all his years with the city, he admits that this is an unusual time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he says that construction has not slowed down at all. Currently, David is working on Americans with Disabilities Act projects simultaneously at two Fire Stations, as well as for WeGo, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Metro Public Works!

David’s work includes reviewing drawings and blueprints, corresponding with the project manager, addressing concerns, and moving toward project approval. During the construction phase, David conducts multiple field inspections to ensure compliance.

David’s commitment to his work was deepened by seeing his close friend, paralyzed in a car accident, having to heavily modify his home to be accessible. “Knowing someone personally has made me passionate about ADA and all the work that needs to be done,” reflects David.

To sum up, David says, “Every job should make a difference. We are ensuring that everyone can be heard; that everyone’s voice counts; that everyone has access.”

On the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are thankful for the important work of Jerry, Shawn, and David. They help move us toward a city that is truly inclusive and accessible for all. Learn more about the ADA Compliance Division.