Protecting Pedestrians on Public Sidewalks and Crosswalks

There are so many types of barriers to a disabled persons use of the public right-of-way which prevent independent travel. We need curb ramps and blended transitions. Detectable warning surfaces and accessible pedestrian signals are important. Let’s be sure on-street parking and public transit stops are accessible. And what about when a sidewalk or cross walk is closed for construction or maintenance? These barriers affect people who have trouble walking or use wheelchairs, as well as those who have low vision or are blind. The US Access Board has recently issued accessibility guidelines for the pubic right-of-way that is covered by Title II of the ADA (for state and local government facilities), the Architectural Barriers Act (for federally funded buildings), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (for any program receiving federal financial support). For information on the new requirements, including videos about sidewalks which highlight some of the common accessibility issues, please see this link below:

https://www.access-board.gov/prowag/other/accessible-sidewalks-video-series/