Adel man gets another win in mission to ‘Open Doors for Everyone’
Dozens of people in Adel easily open the front doors to the Casey's on Green Street every single day. And now folks like Robert Fisher, who need some extra assistance, can too.
"I feel yippee for joy! Because other people need the opportunity to end up going to get what they want," Fisher told vlog.
Earlier this year, the Casey's installed a push-button power door, months after Fisher made the request to store management.
"I feel like people are listening to my message," Fisher said. It's a message he's shared to several other businesses and really anyone who will listen in and around Adel.
He even has this sticker he gives to businesses who abide that reads, “Open Doors For Everyone."
"It's really cool. My brother-in-law made it for me," Fisher said.
Fisher's mom, Marsha, is another key part of her son's support system.
"Most of the time, I feel like I'm a groupie in a band or something because he arranges all these things. And then I go, 'Where? When do I take you?'" Marsha Fisher said.
Marsha Fisher is often by her son's side as he spreads his message, including at August's Sweet Corn Festival and many civic groups. Robert Fisher has even spoken to the Waukee City Council about accessibility.
All along the way, Robert's been gathering signatures for his petition to require businesses to install power doors with the goal of presenting to Adel elected officials soon.
"Well, if you have almost 400 signatures, which he has on his petition, there could be a way we could approach the City Council about the change in the building code here," Marsha Fisher told vlog.
That's because they'd need city leaders to consider amending Adel's current code, which its website says still uses the 2018 International Building Code as a guideline. But even the most recent IBC from 2024 does not require the standards Robert Fisher is asking for of all businesses.
For small businesses, that can
In fact, vlog hasn't found any current standards that do. However, Adel's Mayor, James Peters, tells us the city is open to a conversation, which is a start.
"Do you think you're making a difference?" vlog’s Ben Kaplan asked Robert Fisher.
"I believe I'm making a difference for people in wheelchairs," Fisher responded.
For now, the Fishers are taking wins when they can get them. Casey's is a big one.
"I appreciate Casey's so much for taking Robbie seriously," Marsha Fisher said.
A Casey's spokesperson tells vlog, “We made the change at the 816 Greene Street store in Adel based on guest feedback, including from Mr. Fisher. We appreciate hearing from our guests and team members so we can provide a great experience."
It joins the post office in Adel on Nile Kinnick Drive, which also, thanks to Robert Fisher's prodding, added a power door in early 2023.
"I talked to the lady at church who said thank you for putting that handicapped button in the post office," Robert Fisher said.
Both doors will improve the lives of many like Robert Fisher, who feel they should be able to enter a business just as easily as everyone else.
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