FHWA Perspective on ADA laws and Regulations

ADA Ramps

• 13 million need assistance walking (wheelchair, walker, cane, etc)• 2 million cannot see printed words• 16 million have limited cognitive functions• 17 million have limited hearing

• Users are able-bodied• Users have good vision and good hearing• Users can understand traffic control devices

Out of 300 million people in the U.S.:

The current U.S. transportation system assumes:

Why is Accessibility Needed?

In your lifetime you have a 70% chance to lose the ability to climb stairs

Accessibility Laws, Regulations and Standards

LAWS (establish broad intent): Rehab Act Section 504 (1973)ADA (1990)

REGULATIONS (provide specific requirements):28 CFR Part 3549 CFR Part 27

Standards and GUIDELINES (measure of compliance):ADA Standards for Accessible Design (ADAAG)Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (Draft PROWAG)MDOT Standard Plans and Road Design Manual

How is FHWA/DOT involved with ADA?ADA Title IIFHWA has the authority to ensure states and local governments comply with Title II

Rehab Act Section 504FHWA has the authority to ensure recipients of federal aid comply with Section 504

FHWA

State DOT

Local Government

FHWA agrees that the MDOT Standard Plans meet the ADA requirements and periodically reviews the program to ensure compliance

Transition PlanADA Title II/ Section 504

• Required for public entities with More than 50 employees.

• Document that identifies program barriers and a schedule for their removal.

• All other ADA compliance requirements (including self assessment) still apply regardless of staffing size.

Key points to remember

• Accessibility impacts everyone• It is illegal to subvert these laws• FHWA enforces ADA laws • We can’t write a spec for every situation, use

engineering judgment, focus on the intent of the law and mobility

ADA Resource Listing• Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrain/publications/sidewalk2/index.cfm/

• Sidewalk Assessment Chapter 11http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrain/publications/sidewalk2/sidewalks211.cfm

• Revised Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/streets-sidewalks/public-rights-of-way

• ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) (current requirements)http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards

ADA Resource Listing• U.S. Department of Justice Resources

http://adaptiveenvironments.org/pedestrian/files/federal_doj.html

• MDOT Standard Plans http://mdotcf.state.mi.us/public/design/englishstandardplans/