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Complying with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Planning and Design Resources for Local Agencies

Sidewalk with ground level perspective and a level About 14% of our population has impairments which reduce and limit their mobility. These impairments may be acquired at birth or through accident or disease. Note that many impairments which result in disabilities are associated with aging. This is especially important, as the population as a whole is growing older.

Contact: Community Planning and Development for assistance with accessibility questions.

Meeting new standards may be easier than you think…

The Basic Requirements

  • New construction and altered facilities must be “accessible to and usable by” people with disabilities. (ADA Title II and Rehabilitation Act Section 504) 

  • Transportation providers must evaluate existing facilities, policies, and programs for discrimination and develop a modification or transition plan that includes:
    • Methods and schedule for correction/retrofit
    • Curb ramp installation schedule
      (ADA Title II (28 CFR Part 35.149 and 35.150) 

  • Individual pedestrians must be reasonably accommodated, where necessary (most common request is Audible Pedestrian Signal).(ADA Title II and Rehabilitation Act Section 504)

ADA Standards

Federal Guidance and Resources 

State Guidance and Resources 

Research

The Legal Framework

The Regulations