The First National Bank of DeKalb has made its services more accessible to physically disabled persons since the completion of several renovation projects.

Recent construction includes a ramp at the main bank’s entrance, 141 W. Lincoln Hwy. The ramp provides access to the building for those who are not able to use the stairs.

In the bank’s washrooms, door handles were changed, the doors were widened and the partitions were removed to allow room for wheelchairs and other aids in the stalls.

Some of the less extensive projects include a seating area at the rear entrance of the bank and signs and floor mats indicating stairways.

Lori Timberlake, marketing officer for First Dekalb Bank said, “When the building was constructed in the ‘60s, there was not much consideration given to environmental barriers. We are trying to make access to the bank as easy as possible.”

The bank made the renovations by suggestion of the Disabled Access Network at the Family Service Agency. Danielle Strickman, project director of the network said the organization responded to a request by First DeKalb for a consultation to offer suggestions as to how the bank could become more accessible. “We were approached at the end of last year,” she said. “We submitted a report to the bank in February and construction began in April.”

Larry Beaty, president of the bank, said, “As a bank and as a local business, our number one job is to serve people. While their (Disability Access Network) findings don’t indicate any major physical barriers, we are looking for ways to make banking easier for everyone.”

Another program being implemented is the mandatory participation of bank employees in training sessions aimed at learning the best way to treat handicapped employees.

Dick Olson, vice president of the bank, said there is still a number of long-term projects under consideration.