Advocates want to make sure people with disabilities are accounted for this hurricane season. Members of the local Americans with Disabilities Act advisory board are encouraging folks to register with them… even if they DON’T require a special needs shelter.

Board members are putting out the call to 5 counties… Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry. Chairwoman Linda Carter says this includes people with service dogs, those in electric wheelchairs or scooters, and the hearing and visually impaired.

“Follow the evacuation orders to leave. But, if you decide to leave, we want to get you the right help if you need it. If you’re in a house with no power—confined to a wheelchair or power chair—you can’t get around. You’re locked. So, you need some type of assistance to get around.”

Carter says the board is working to create stations throughout southwest Florida where people can recharge their chairs and scooters. People may register on-line at adaboardswfl.org.

The ADA advisory board is hosting a hurricane seminar in North Fort Myers tomorrow two o’clock at the VIP center on Mariana Avenue.