Module 3: ADA self-evaluation and design standards

Module 3: ADA self-evaluation and design standards

This module provides comprehensive and hands-on training about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluations, ADA design standards, identifying barriers to access, documenting the self-evaluation, and more.

This module is meant for municipal staff, public works staff, ADA coordinators, and anyone seeking to learn more about developing a self-evaluation with a focus on the public right-of-way.

Upcoming training 

 

After Module 3, you will be able to:

  • Name appropriate design standards including PROWAG, ADA standards, and Section 41-6 of the Illinois Department of Transportation Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual.

  • Apply appropriate PROWAG and/or ADA standards for various right-of-way design elements.

  • Guide development of technical guidelines for municipal adoption that comply with ADA standards.

  • Understand how to prioritize, inventory, measure, and analyze public right-of-way components and their compliance status using various methods, technologies, and approaches to collecting data.

  • Identify necessary changes and associated costs (general cost estimates) to comply with ADA standards.

  • Employ a successful public outreach strategy to gather community input during the self-evaluation process, particularly from the disability community, as well as residents in under-resourced, BIPOC, and low-income communities — and understand differing public involvement needs for various phases of the planning process.

  • Know the general time and cost commitments for completing a comprehensive ADA self-evaluation and options for deployment, including use and mobilization of staff, interns, volunteers, and/or consultants.

 

Resources from previous trainings

ADA Self-evaluation and Design Standards Training Slide Deck (November 2023)

ADA Self-evaluation and Design Standards Training Slide Deck (April 2023, corresponds to recording)

ADA construction concurrence form: All new construction is required to meet ADA design standards. If this is not possible, it is important to document the decision making process around the project because concerns may be raised months or years in the future. Municipal staff should use this form to document barriers to full ADA compliance and how the project provides the maximum accessibility possible. The decision maker in charge (e.g. Director of Public Works) signs off on the design decision and this form should be stored with project files. 

Template document: ADA construction concurrence (Word)

Template document: ADA construction concurrence (fillable PDF)

Design stage ADA statement of maximum extent practicable: If full ADA compliance is not possible, municipalities are obligated to design to the maximum extent practicable (MEP), i.e. provide the most accessibility possible. Documenting MEP is important because concerns may be raised months or years in the future. This form helps municipal staff document design decisions, why full ADA compliance is not possible, and alternative solutions considered. The decision maker in charge (e.g. Director of Public Works) signs off on the design decision and this form should be stored with project files. 

Template document: ADA Statement of Maximum Extent Practicable (Word)

Template document: ADA Statement of Maximum Extent Practicable (fillable PDF)

 

<< Module 2: ADA Coordinator Module 4: Transition plans >>

 

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Module 3: ADA self-evaluation and design standards

This module provides comprehensive and hands-on training about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluations, ADA design standards, identifying barriers to access, documenting the self-evaluation, and more.

This module is meant for municipal staff, public works staff, ADA coordinators, and anyone seeking to learn more about developing a self-evaluation with a focus on the public right-of-way.

Upcoming training 

 

After Module 3, you will be able to:

  • Name appropriate design standards including PROWAG, ADA standards, and Section 41-6 of the Illinois Department of Transportation Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual.

  • Apply appropriate PROWAG and/or ADA standards for various right-of-way design elements.

  • Guide development of technical guidelines for municipal adoption that comply with ADA standards.

  • Understand how to prioritize, inventory, measure, and analyze public right-of-way components and their compliance status using various methods, technologies, and approaches to collecting data.

  • Identify necessary changes and associated costs (general cost estimates) to comply with ADA standards.

  • Employ a successful public outreach strategy to gather community input during the self-evaluation process, particularly from the disability community, as well as residents in under-resourced, BIPOC, and low-income communities — and understand differing public involvement needs for various phases of the planning process.

  • Know the general time and cost commitments for completing a comprehensive ADA self-evaluation and options for deployment, including use and mobilization of staff, interns, volunteers, and/or consultants.

 

Resources from previous trainings

ADA Self-evaluation and Design Standards Training Slide Deck (November 2023)

ADA Self-evaluation and Design Standards Training Slide Deck (April 2023, corresponds to recording)

ADA construction concurrence form: All new construction is required to meet ADA design standards. If this is not possible, it is important to document the decision making process around the project because concerns may be raised months or years in the future. Municipal staff should use this form to document barriers to full ADA compliance and how the project provides the maximum accessibility possible. The decision maker in charge (e.g. Director of Public Works) signs off on the design decision and this form should be stored with project files. 

Template document: ADA construction concurrence (Word)

Template document: ADA construction concurrence (fillable PDF)

Design stage ADA statement of maximum extent practicable: If full ADA compliance is not possible, municipalities are obligated to design to the maximum extent practicable (MEP), i.e. provide the most accessibility possible. Documenting MEP is important because concerns may be raised months or years in the future. This form helps municipal staff document design decisions, why full ADA compliance is not possible, and alternative solutions considered. The decision maker in charge (e.g. Director of Public Works) signs off on the design decision and this form should be stored with project files. 

Template document: ADA Statement of Maximum Extent Practicable (Word)

Template document: ADA Statement of Maximum Extent Practicable (fillable PDF)

 

<< Module 2: ADA Coordinator Module 4: Transition plans >>

 

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