Accessibility of Rosa Parks, Helen Keller statues focus of state commission meeting

The Alabama Women’s Tribute Statue Commission Tuesday got an update on the site preparation for statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller and their accessibility for those with disabilities. 

Keith Owens, president of MBA Engineers and charged with completing site preparation for the statues, said he was hesitant to call it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but that “it’s as accessible, as reasonably permitted.”

“It’s some issues that we could not control, that we cannot update because it would be a substantial disruption to the drive around the capital and substantial increase in cost,” Owens said to commission members.

The commission is overseeing the design and installation of statues of Parks, the civil rights icon, and Keller, the disabilities advocate, at the Alabama State Capitol. When completed, the statues will be the first to represent Alabama women on the grounds of the state capitol. 

The commission also considered the costs of an additional plaque for the Helen Keller statue featuring the English alphabet with translation in Braille and American Sign Language (ASL), with an estimated cost of $42,000 to $50,000. Some members expressed concerns about its size and financial feasibility.

“I would love to see the alphabet included, but optically, I have significant concerns,” said commission member Tracey Morant Adams.

Others suggested seeking alternative materials to reduce costs, such as sandblasted granite instead of bronze.

Ultimately, the commission approved the Rosa Parks and Helen Keller plaques but delayed the additional educational plaque featuring the English alphabet translations. A decision on the educational plaque and unveiling date is expected at the next commission meeting.

“We will entertain a motion next month once we have all the necessary information,” said Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, chair of the commission.