Getting in to the nail salon is an interesting task, one that I'm currently not able to do without help. Luckily my friend Julie wanted to get her nails done too, and is not intimidated by a friend on a scooter! So we met at OP Nails, which was a safe choice because I already knew it was accessible.
OP Nails is in a strip mall with a small parking lot. It does have a handicapped parking space. I need extra room by the driver's side door so that my scooter can be brought right up next to me. Julie met me in the parking lot. This not being her first time helping me, she came right over to the back of my car and lifted out my scooter. She brought it over to my open door and, very thoughtfully, offered to kick away the slushy snow.
Trying to make the area less slippery!
After the area was less slushy, Julie brought my scooter right next to the door. She helped me get my legs out of the car and positioned so I hopefully wouldn't fall as I transferred from the car to the scooter.
Hop on!
There are two ramps up to the sidewalk in this parking lot. One is right in front of OP Nails, but often many cars are parked in front of it making it unusable. The other ramp was wide open, but it's awkward to use because it ramps up to a very narrow sidewalk. Julie stood next to me, but I feel like if I would have tipped, I would have taken her down with me!
I appreciate the blue lines in front of the ramp.
OP Nails does not have a handicapped door button opener. Thumbs down, OP! I've been told that the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) does not mandate those buttons, only that doors have handles. I'm sure that would quickly change if, even for just one day, everyone had to get around in a wheelchair or scooter! Thankfully, Julie very politely held the door open for me.
So polite!
I had not gotten a pedicure since I've been in my scooter. It's difficult to take off my shoes and socks and then, of course, put them back on before going home. We both wanted pretty toes though, so Julie offered to help me with shoes, socks, and getting into the pedicure chair. The man at OP Nails, however, just kept helping me every step of the way. (I don't know his name, I believe he is the owner? He's Vietnamese and there is a language barrier.) Julie helped too, but he took over and didn't seem put off at all by helping me. He was patient when my stubborn leg wouldn't bend. He helped me get on my scooter to go over to the manicure area. Before I knew it, he was putting my socks and shoes back on for me.
OP Nails = **** (4 out of 5 stars on my accessibility scale)
+ Handicapped parking and two ramps, but one is often blocked.
+ Polite, helpful staff.
+ Shop is all one level, easy to get around in a scooter.
- No button/automatic door.
(Julie = 5 out of 5 on my friendship scale!)
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