Accessibility Self- Evaluation and Transition Plan Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve December 11, 2015 E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 1

Purpose of Public Participation Describe an accessibility self-evaluation and transition plan and why it is important. Provide an overview of the planning process and its components. Gather feedback from you! E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 2

Why do an Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan? Department of Interior guidance for implementation of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires parks to perform a self-evaluation and prepare a transition plan. Under the Act, the National Park Service is required to 1.Identify barriers that limit accessibility to persons with disabilities. 2.Identify how these barriers can be removed to increase accessibility. 3.Specify when steps will be taken to remove the barriers. 4. Identify the persons responsible for implementing the plan. In addition to identifying barriers and developing strategies for their removal, ORCA is also reviewing opportunities for improving programmatic access. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 3

What are Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plans? An accessibility self-evaluation and transition plan is prepared to provide clear direction for parks as they make changes to existing services, activities, and programs. Doing so will help to remove barriers and improve the accessibility at the park for all visitors. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 4

Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan Process E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 5

Self-Evaluation Step 1: Identify Key Park Experiences Key park experiences are those experiences that are iconic for visitors to understand the purpose and significance of the park. Identifying key park experiences helps determine how to provide visitor access to exceptional or distinctive park areas. Key park experiences for ORCA will be identified based on a comprehensive review of all experiences available to visitors. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 6

Self-Evaluation Step 1: Identify Key Park Experiences Example of Key Park Experiences at Oregon Caves Experience and understand the geology, biology, and adventure of the Cave Experience, appreciate, and comprehend the landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity of the aboveground ecosystem Understand and experience the park’s human history, exemplified by the Oregon Caves Historic District E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 7

Self-Evaluation Step 2: Identify Park Areas The planning team and park staff locate all park areas in which these key park experiences occur. Oregon Caves – geology, biodiversity, and adventure occurs in multiple park areas, including the: Illinois Valley Visitor Center Cave Creek Campground Monument Entrance Main Parking Lot and Picnic Area No Name Trail Guide Shack The Chateau Oregon Caves Visitor Center The Main Cave The Ranger Cabin Preserve Entrance E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 8

Self-Evaluation Step 3: Prioritize Park Areas After the planning team identifies the park areas where key park experiences occur, each area is evaluated using the criteria listed below to determine if it will be further assessed for accessibility improvements: Level of visitation Diversity of services, activities, and programs offered in area Geographic favorability (the park areas that are selected for priority should have a broad distribution within the park) Other unique characteristics of the site Looking at the whole park, this process helps to ensure that each key park experience is represented within the identified priority areas so that all key park experiences will be accessible in some way. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 9

Self-Evaluation Step 4: Identify Services, Activities, and Programs Services, activities, and programs at parks provide information and opportunities to visitors. Examples include: Car parking Accessible routes and walking surfaces Picnic facilities Wayfinding and orientation Audiovisual systems A goal of this process is to modify services, activities, and programs as necessary to make them accessible to all visitors. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 10

Self-Evaluation Step 5: Conduct Accessibility Assessment The planning team and park staff conduct an evaluation of the barriers to accessibility in the priority park areas. Once the barriers are identified, the team develops a list of potential actions to address each barrier. A barrier is an obstacle to accessing, understanding, and experiencing a park. Examples include: Incorrectly sloped walking surfaces between accessible facilities Low contrast and small text on interpretive signs Picnic tables that do not have a wheelchair pull up space E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 11

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 12 When evaluating the barriers and identified draft actions, each barrier is rated on its level of access. The levels of access are identified to understand how usable the existing park program is for people with cognitive, mobility, vision, and hearing disabilities. They are broken into three categories 1.Level 1: The majority of people, including those with disabilities, can fully participate. 2.Level 2: Assistance or modification may be required for full participation. 3.Level 3: It is unlikely that people with disabilities can participate to any extent. Self-Evaluation Step 5: Accessibility Assessment

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 13 At each priority park area: For each barrier identified, a recommended action is provided for removing the barrier and improving access. If other opportunities are identified to further welcome and encourage a greater diversity of visitors, additional actions may be considered. Responsible parties are identified to manage the removal of the identified barriers and carry out the recommended improvements. Transition Plan Step 6: Implementation Strategy

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 14 The transition plan makes specific recommendations to address barriers to accessibility and identifies time frames for the removal of those barriers. Time frames for implementation of a recommended solution are primarily based on level of access of the barrier. Recommendations are broken into three time frames: Short term (0–3 years) Mid-term (3–7 years) Long term (>7 years) The transition plan will also include a thorough review and analysis of barriers within current park policies and practices to be sure that park communications, reservation system, publications, and website are accessible. Training for staff, park standard operating procedures, marketing, and current assistive technologies will be evaluated and modified as necessary. Transition Plan Step 6: Implementation Strategy

What’s Next? Planning ActivityApproximate Timeframe Public input on draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. Fall 2015 Revise draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan as necessary. Winter 2015 Release final Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. Winter 2016 E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 15

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 16 We Want Your Feedback! Comments will be most helpful if submitted by [11/2015] Online (Preferred):

We are excited to be working with you on our ORCA Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan! E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A - 17