I read with interest your article about the new Talarico's Pizzeria & Lounge in the Junction. It sounded like a great new place to eat.

As a full-time wheelchair user, I'm always excited to hear about new restaurants because new usually translates into accessible. I couldn't have been more disappointed by what I found. First, the "ramp" into the place was so steep and uneven that my husband had to push me into the restaurant. I normally sail up most ramps under my own power easily.

Coming back out was even more precarious. Inside, all of the seating is either in raised platform booths or at tall tables with tall barstools. We were seated at their one regular table back in the corner next to the kitchen. The woman seated in the raised booth next to our table was so unaware of our presence that she kept flipping her long hair over the wall into my dining companion's salad. Finally, the restrooms don't contain even one wheelchair accessible stall. The wait staff was totally unapologetic about any of these problems. I saw no evidence whatsoever of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance in this restaurant. Needless to say, we won't be returning to Talarico's.

This is a disturbing trend I'm seeing more and more in new restaurants. There is a similar situation at The Matador as well. They only have one wheelchair-accessible table. All the rest of the seating is in raised platform booths or tall tables.

The owners of these establishments must be oblivious to the fact that a large portion of the population is aging, and more and more people will need to use wheelchairs for mobility. They should be making more accommodations for wheelchairs, not less.

While my wheelchair gives me freedom and independence, my world has shrunk remarkably since my spinal cord injury in 1996. Most of my friends and family's homes are not wheelchair-accessible. I need to be constantly mindful of the availability of ramps, lifts, railings and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

I am not looking for sympathy. I just want to raise awareness of these issues in our community. Thankfully there are other fine restaurants in West Seattle that are completely wheelchair friendly: Azuma Sushi, Lee's Asian, Ephesus, Endolyne Joes, Capers and Coffee to a Tea, to mention a few.

Anne Bostwick

Fairmont