1. FHWA Perspective on ADA laws and Regulations ADA Ramps

2. 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

3. Accessibility Laws, Regulations and Standards LAWS (establish broad intent): Rehab Act Section 504 (1973) ADA (1990) REGULATIONS (provide specific requirements): 28 CFR Part 35 49 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

4. How is FHWA/DOT involved with ADA? ADA Title II FHWA has the authority to ensure states and local governments comply with Title II Rehab Act Section 504 FHWA 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

5. Transition Plan ADA 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.

6. 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

7. ADA Resource Listing Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrain/public ations/sidewalk2/index.cfm/ Sidewalk Assessment Chapter 11 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrain/public ations/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 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

8. 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/