Triumph of Perseverance: Butte Businesswoman Receives ADA Access Ramp Permit After Long Battle

After a long and challenging battle, Butte businesswoman Jamie Decker has finally received permission from the city to build an access ramp to the front of her business. Decker, owner of Top Deck Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, fought tirelessly for this ramp, refusing to give up until she achieved her goal. Her determination and perseverance ultimately paid off as the city granted her the permit she needed.

Decker had been working to secure an ADA access ramp to her business on Granite Street since June of 2023. Initially, her requests were denied due to right-of-way encroachment on the city-owned sidewalk and liability concerns. Despite these obstacles, she continued to advocate for her cause, gathering support and attending City Council meetings to make her case.

At the April 17 Council of Commissioners meeting, Decker was accompanied by dozens of supporters, many of whom had disabilities themselves. Their impassioned testimonies resonated with the commissioners, ultimately leading to the approval of the access ramp permit. The display of strength and grace from the supporters left a lasting impact on many of the commissioners.

Supporters wore T-shirts bearing the message “The Future is Accessible,” underscoring the importance of accessibility for all individuals. Their pleas for the installation of the ramp highlighted the need for equal access to essential services and its positive impact on society. People with disabilities expressed frustration at being excluded due to a lack of accessibility, emphasizing how initiatives like Decker’s are vital in creating a more inclusive and accessible community.

Through their powerful testimonies, they shed light on their struggles and how initiatives like this can help create a more inclusive world that values diversity. By amplifying their voices, Decker was able to better understand how decisions made by city officials affect marginalized communities.

Decker’s victory represents not only a win for Top Deck Medical Aesthetics but also a significant step towards making Butte more accessible for people with disabilities or other special needs.