Slide 1:
Image of US Access Board Logo

Slide 2:
Public Rights of Way Accessibility
DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center Teleconference
May 19, 2009
Lois Thibult, US Access Board

Slide 3:
The Access Board is an independent Federal agency charged to develop accessibility guidelines under several laws.  Our finished work includes guidelines for: buildings and facilities; transportation vehicles; telecommunications, and electronic and information technology.  Several new guidelines are in development.

Slide 4:
The Access Board is the Federal government’s  accessibility specialist.  Our mandate includes responsibility for: rulemaking (developing guidelines); technical assistance and training; research, and

Slide 5:
Enforcement of federal facility accessibility

Slide 6:
Access Board accessibility staff -- there are 13 of us -- include architects as well as specialists in transportation, recreation, historic preservation, and technology and communications. Several are themselves people with disabilities.
Check our website for individual contacts:.  www.access-board.gov/contact.htm
Big Cheese – Masha Mazz
Vessels – Paul Beatty
Recreation/Outdoor – Peggy Greenwell
PROWAC – Scott Windley
Transit/PROWAC – Dennis Cannon

Slide 7:
In the Works:  New Guidelines
The Board’s guidelines are living documents; new applications are always in development: public rights-of-way (Draft 2: 2005); passenger vessels (Draft 2: 2006), and outdoor recreation (NPRM: June 2007).  Transit vehicle guidelines are currently under revision for USDOT/FTA.  

Slide 8:
PROW Accessibility

Slide 9:
The public right-of-way is the network of common space reserved for community mobility.

Slide 10:
Regardless of your mode, you have a right to use of the right-of-way.

Slide 11:
A little PROW history
1992   Proposed Rule for State/Local Government Facilities     
Section 11     Judicial, Legislative and Regulatory Facilities
	Section 12    Detention and Correctional Facilities
	Section 13    Residential Facilities
	Section 14    Public Rights-of-Way
1994    Interim Final Rule
1998    Final Rule (sections 13 and 14 were reserved)
1994    Technical assistance and outreach 
1999    Advisory Committee
2001    Committee report: ‘Building a True Community’
2002    First PROWAG Draft

Slide 12:
PROWAG: Key issues in comment:  
Over 1400 comments were received to the first PROWAG draft (June 2002):   
         --300 came from the highway community;
--almost 800 were submitted by people identifying themselves as having blindness or low vision. 
 The 2005 draft was published to document changes recommended in comment and to develop a cost/benefit analysis.  No comments were sought. 

Slide 13:
We are currently working with industry organizations to develop the required cost/benefit assessment:   
	--regulatory assessment (summer 2009) 
	--OMB review (fall 2009);
	--NPRM (winter 2009/10);
	--public comment (winter 2010);
	--final rule (late 2010).

Slide 14:
 Frequently Asked Questions:
1.  What type of work will trigger the requirement to comply with the PROW?
2.  Will audible pedestrian signals be required at every intersection?
3.  At intersections that have pedestrian signals that display the remaining time before the light changes will that information need to be audible? 

4.  In hilly areas will the sidewalk be required to be at a 1/12 maximum slope?
5.  Will all public sidewalks have to comply with the PROW, residential areas, or just public sidewalks that are part of an accessible route? 
6.  Do these guidelines establish a minimum amount of time to cross a street before the light changes based on the distance from curb to curb? 
7.  Will accessible on-street parking be required in the same numbers required in the ADA standards? 
8.  Are there exceptions for the minimum width of a sidewalk where existing conditions won't allow full compliance with the guidelines? 
9.  What is going on with detectable warnings in this rule?
10.  What type of technical  assistance materials are available on these guidelines to assist designers and public works folks? 

Slide 15:
Accessibility Regulation

Slide 16:
Laws are passed by Congress.  Three laws govern access in the public right-of-way:
- the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA)  EX: Federal lands, NHS                            --the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (‘Rehab Act’ or ‘section 504’)  EX: Federal-aid 	 	  highway funding to States
--the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) EX: State/local governments
Each law is implemented by regulations developed by an appropriate Federal agency to establish legal requirements under the law.

Slide 17:
Implementing regulations: establish/identify requirements; provide  standards for new construction and alterations; and assign compliance and enforcement 	  responsibilities.   It’s the regulations -- not the standards -- that establish what’s required. 

Slide 18:
Title II of the ADA is an implementing regulation. It has two parts:  DOJ’s Subtitle A (State/Local Governments) and DOT’s Subtitle B (Transportation Facilities and Systems). 

Slide 19:
ADA Title II/Subtitle A 28 CFR Part 35 (DOJ)
Subpart B – General Requirements
35.130 General prohibitions against discrimination.
“No qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity […].”

Slide 20:
ADA Title II/Subtitle B 49 CFR Part 37.5 (DOT)
Section 37.5 Nondiscrimination. 
“No entity shall discriminate against an individual with a disability in connection with the provision of transportation service…. Notwithstanding the provision of any special transportation service to individuals with disabilities, an entity shall not, on the basis of disability, deny to any individual with a disability the opportunity to use a transportation service for the general public, if the individual is capable of using that service.”

Slide 21:
Two parts: the ‘preamble’ or commentary; and the ‘rule’ or regulation.
Two design and construction standards are ‘deemed to comply’: UFAS (1984) and ADAAG (1991); ‘other methods’ are permitted.

Slide 22:
35.130        General prohibitions against discrimination
35.130(7)    Modification in policies, practices, or procedures  (’accommodation’)
35.133        Maintenance of accessible features
35.150        Existing facilities (program accessibility)
35.150(d)   Transition plan/Curb ramps
35.151       New construction and alterations
35.151(c)   Accessibility standards 
35.160(a)   Effective communication

Slide 23:
Regulations set the requirements:
Four principal obligations: 
1.  New construction and alterations must be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities [35.151]; Cost is not a consideration.    
2.  Existing facilities and programs must achieve ‘program accessibility’ [35.150]; Limit: undue burden (administrative or financial).  
3.  People with disabilities must be accommodated where reasonable and necessary for access [35.130(b)(7)].   
4.  Steps must be taken to ensure effective communications [35.160] with people with disabilities. 

Slide 24:
Program accessibility is a broad concept first developed under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  It may have policy, operational, design and construction, or other considerations.  

Slide 25:
Other obligations:  Jurisdictions must evaluate their existing programs and facilities for discriminatory effects and identify and schedule remediation in a Transition Plan.  That plan must include a Curb Ramp Transition Plan [35.150(d)(2). 

Slide 26:
Title II:  Accommodations
35.130  General Prohibitions against Discrimination. 
[…]  (7) A public entity shall make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the public entity can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity.

Slide 27:
Example: Modification in policies…
STOP SIGN

Slide 28:
Title II: ‘Maintenance’ vs Maintain 
35.133 Maintenance of accessible features. 
“This section recognizes that it is not sufficient to provide features such as accessible routes […] if those features are not maintained in a manner that enables persons with disabilities to use them […] This section does not prohibit isolated or temporary interruptions in service due to maintenance or repairs.”

Slide 29:
Maintenance of Accessible Features
Snow
Sidewalk blocked by cars at driveway, temporary obstructions, light poles, etc.

Slide 30:
Federal Highway Administration Stance on Snow Removal:
Image of Department of Transportation Letter to Field Offices regarding Snow removal on sidewalks constructed with federal funds

Slide 31:
Title II: Communications
Subpart E – Communications
35.160 General. 
“A public entity shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are  as effective as communication with others.” 

Slide 32:
Title II Communications
jurisdiction’s dealings with the public must be available to all.  Highway agencies must make sure that people who have sensory disabilities can access the information they provide, have input to its decision-making, and understand the possible effects of agency proposals and projects.

Slide 33:
Limits/Measures of compliance: 
Newly-constructed facilities must achieve a ‘high degree of convenient access’.
Altered facilities must be accessible to/usable by people with disabilities to the ‘maximum extent feasible’.
Programs, services, and benefits must be available to people with disabilities, but not all existing facilities need to be altered if other methods are effective in achieving program access. 
Accommodations must be reasonable for both user and provider and are independent of the standards. 

Slide 34:
Title II: New construction
“35.151(a)  Design and construction.
Each facility […] constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall be designed and constructed  in such manner that the facility […] is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities […].” 

Slide 35:
New Construction
“A HIGH DEGREE OF CONVENIENT ACCESS...”(DOJ)

Slide 36:
Title II: Alterations
“35.151(b) Alteration.
Each facility […] altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be altered in such manner that the altered portion […] is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities […].”

Slide 37:
Title II:  Alterations
“35.151(e) Curb ramps.
Newly constructed or altered streets, roads, and highways must contain curb ramps […] at any intersection having curbs or other barriers to entry from a […] pedestrian walkway. Newly constructed or altered […] pedestrian walkways must contain curb ramps […] at intersections to streets, roads, or highways.”

Slide 38:
‘Maximum extent feasible’: 
“[...] applies to the occasional case where the nature of the existing facility makes it virtually impossible to comply fully with applicable accessibility standards through a planned alteration.  
In these circumstances, the alteration shall provide the maximum physical accessibility feasible. Any altered features than can be made accessible shall be made accessible […]”. 

Slide 39:
Changes that affect usability are defined as alterations. Alterations to sidewalks and streets must include curb ramps if there are pedestrian facilities [35.151(e)] 
REPAIR: NO
RESURFACING: YES
RECONSTRUCTION: YES

Slide 40:
Standards

Slide 41:
Our focus today…
We are going to focus more narrowly, on standards for new construction and alterations -- the principal Access Board mandate.  
DOJ (and DOT) oversee program access, existing facility compliance, facility operation, and other provisions of the implementing regulations that prohibit discrimination.

Slide 42:
Title II Standards/Subtitle A
“35.151(c) Accessibility standards.
Design, construction, or alteration of facilities in conformance with UFAS [1984] or with ADAAG [1991/1994] shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this section […].   Departures from particular requirements […] by the use of other methods shall be permitted when clearly evident that equivalent access […] is provided.”

Slide 43:
Title II Standards/Subtitle B
“37.9 Standards for accessible transportation facilities. 
(a) For purposes of this part, a transportation facility shall be considered to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities if it meets the requirements of this part and the requirements set forth in Appendices B and D to 36 CFR part 1191 [ADAAG 2004], which apply to buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, 

Slide 44:
406.8 Detectable Warnings on Curb Ramps in Transportation Facilities 
Added by DOT (Adapted from Previous ADAAG)
“A curb ramp shall have a detectable warning complying with 705.  The detectable warning shall extend the full width of the curb ramp (Exclusive of flared sides) and shall extend either the full depth of the curb ramp or 24 inches (610 mm) deep minimum measured from the back of the curb on the ramp surface.

Slide 45:
Guidelines?  Standards?
Although the Access Board is responsible for developing accessibility guidelines, other Federal agencies , as stipulated in the laws, must adopt or reference the guidelines  to make them enforceable  standards. 
DOJ – ADA Title II Subtitle A   DOT- ADA Title II Subtitle B

Slide 46:
Measuring Compliance
It is the ADA regulations that require new construction, and -- to the maximum extent feasible -- alterations, to be ‘accessible to/usable by people with disabilities’. 
Standards are a measure of compliance with that requirement and a safe harbor for designers -- they are not themselves the ‘requirements’.  Think of them as a recipe for the accessibility that the regulations require.  No provision in the standard?  Access is still required.

Slide 47:
Accessibility Standards are:
a ‘’gold standard’ for new construction;
a ‘goal’ for alterations (meet new construction standards ‘’to the 	 	  maximum extent feasible’);
a ‘’guiding idea’ for program access improvements to existing facilities not 	 	  otherwise being altered, and not applicable to accommodations.

Slide 48:
Design and Construction standards
Subtitle A (DOJ) of Title II permits covered entities to use ADAAG [1991] , UFAS [1984] or equivalents as a measure of the required accessibility and a safe harbor for designers and jurisdictions;  Subtitle B (DOT) requires use of ADAAG  [2004] for transportation facilities and includes an additional requirement for detectable warnings;  DOJ’s regulation designates DOT to oversee 

Slide 49:
Using ADAAG in the PROW
Because the ADAAG standards adopted by DOJ (in 1991)  and DOT (in 2005) do not yet include provisions specific to the public right-of-way, designers today must  adapt current building standards in order to meet the law’s requirements for accessibility.  
Results? Uncertainty; complaints and lawsuits; court orders to re-do new work.

Slide 50:
But ADAAG isn’t a good PROW fit:
ADAAG was developed for buildings and facilities on sites: 
	--One accessible route per site; 
	--slopes > 5% must be treated as ramps; 
	 --no provisions for signals and crossings;
	--20% path-of-travel requirement;
	--uses architectural rather than engineering ‘language’. 

Slide 51:
How many…?
One route or many…?
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ROUTES IN PROW
Image: Ariel view of a neighborhood showing streets, sidewalks and intersections.

Slide 52:
Which one?
Sidewalk grade:  match roadway or provide accessible route? 
Image:  Switchback ramp at an intersection to link the street to the sidewalk on the side of a hill.   (ADAAG)
Image:  Street that runs on a slope with sidewalk running parallel that is at the same slope as the street. (PROWAG)

Slide 53:
How deep?
Detectable warnings: full ramp length or just 2 feet deep? 
Image:  Detectable warning running the full length and width of the curb ramp (ADAAG)
Image:  Detectable warning running the full width and 2 foot length of the curb ramp (PROWAG)

Slide 54:
Choices:  One curb ramp type or many?
Image:  ADAAG: Perpendicular
Image:  PROWAG: Multiple options

Slide 55:
Thus PROWAG
The Access Board began work on rights-of-way guidelines to supplement ADAAG in 1992:  
	--section 14 (IFR 1994); 
	--sidewalk video and design manual (1997);
	--advisory committee (1999);
	--PROWAAC report (2001);
	--draft guidelines (2002);
	--revised draft guidelines (Nov ’05) 

Slide 56:
How is PROWAG different? 
The PROWAG draft adapts ADAAG to the rights-of-way environment.  The new guidelines are a stand-alone document using rights-of-way measures and language.   
Key differences: 
	--all sidewalks must contain PAR;
	--sidewalk slope may follow roadway; 
	--expanded curb ramp types;
   	--reduced DW area; 
	--no path-of-travel requirement;
	--new signaling provisions, and 
--new provisions for roundabout design.

Slide 57:
2007 Draft PROWAG
R1 	Application and Administration
R2 	Scoping Requirements
R3 	Technical Provisions
	--Pedestrian access route (PAR)
	--Alternate circulation path
	--Curb ramps and blended transitions
	--Detectable warning surfaces
	--Pedestrian crossings
	--Accessible pedestrian signals (APS)
	--Street furniture
	--On-street parking
 R4	Supplementary Technical Provisions  
	(from ADA/ABA-AG)

Slide 58:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: A high degree of convenient access is easiest to achieve in new construction. 

Slide 59:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  In alterations, you may not be able to optimize conditions for every user (follow new construction guidelines to the maximum extent feasible; add curb ramps where needed) 
Image: Street Resurfacing
Image:  Reconstruction of sidewalks/gutters

Slide 60:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Provide a 4-ft-wide pedestrian access route (PAR) within every sidewalk, curb ramp and street crossing; provide a 5 ft passing space @ 200 ft intervals 

Slide 61:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  The running slope of the PAR may match -- but not exceed -- that of the adjacent roadway. 
Image:  sidewalk that follows the slope of the roadway
Image:  sidewalk that exceeds slope of the roadway

Slide 62:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  A PAR carried on structure must meet accessible route requirements. 
Image:  Pedestrian ramp with exaggerated angles and slopes across roadway
Image:  Pedestrian ramp that follows the slope of the existing roadway

Slide 63:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Limit PAR cross slope to a maximum of 2%, measured perpendicular to the PAR centerline. 
Image:  sidewalk under construction where changes can be made to ensure level surfaces
Image:  existing sidewalk with a cross slope that exceeds 2%

Slide 64:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Where two directions of travel intersect at corners (or where a turn must be made), the PAR must be ‘level’ (<2% in both directions) or ’tabled’. (<2% in both directions) or ’tabled’.
Image:  crosswalk path of travel that is level across a roadway
Image:  crosswalk path of travel that crosses a sloped roadway at the same slope as the roadway causing a significant cross slope (greater than 2%)

Slide 65:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Provide accessible/detectable alternate routes when the PAR is detoured; same-side is best, if feasible… 

Slide 66:
Draft PROWAG
 Key Provisions:  Be mindful of protruding objects (4” max) across the whole width of the pedestrian walkway;  elements above 27” and below 80” aren’t detectable. 
Image:  Open stairway that opens into sidewalk which has protruding edges below 80” and above 27” which is not cane detectable.
Image:  Temporary construction sign that protrudes into the clear path of travel
Image:  Sign posted on a lamp post that protrudes into the clear path of travel

Slide 67:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Provide a curb ramp (slope > 1:20) or a blended transition (slope < 1:20) for each crossing.  
Image:  curb ramp that transitions from sidewalk to vehicular pathway/crosswalk
Image:  marked area designating where the sidewalk ends and vehicular pathway/crosswalk begins.  Marked with metal stanchions spaced 36” apart to keep vehicles from driving on the designated pedestrian sidewalk/crosswalk.

Slide 68:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Design top and bottom grade breaks to be parallel (and in-line with travel direction, if possible).  

Slide 69:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Provide a level turning space at the top of a perpendicular ramp, at the bottom of a parallel ramp, and at all corners. 

Slide 70:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Combined ramps slope the sidewalk down in order to shorten the perpendicular run to the street; the turning space is at an intermediate level. 

Slide 71:
What’s wrong with this picture?
If there’s a landing at the top, you can take a run at a ramp, pushing with both arms.  If you have to turn while climbing, you must brake with one hand, leaving only one arm for pushing.   
Image:  Individual in wheelchair making turn on a sloped surface, this is less efficient and individual loses forward momentum
Image:  Turning on sloped surface unsafe with potential for one wheel on a wheelchair to lose contact with the ground surface.

Slide 72:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Blended transitions have a slope of less than 5%;  because they are not ramps, they needn’t have a perpendicular relationship with the street. 
Image:  Sidewalk/crosswalk with blended transition

Slide 73:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Detectable warnings provide notification underfoot of the change from pedestrian to vehicular route
Image:  Crosswalk with detectable warnings at point where crosses vehicular traffic

Slide 74:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Detectable warnings are particularly useful at medians.  New technical specification requires only 24”.
Image:  Image of detectable warnings used at crosswalk

Slide 75:
Question:  Do Driveways need Detectable Warnings?
USUALLY NOT, UNLESS COMMERCIAL AND DESIGNED LIKE STREETS
Image:  Residential street with driveways that intersect with pedestrian path

Slide 76:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Provide adequate time to cross (3.5 fps), measured curb-to-curb. 
Image of crosswalk with signals

Slide 77:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions:  Include pedbutton-integrated APS where pedestrian signals are newly installed. 
Image of pedestrian signals showing various designs commonly found on the market

Slide 78:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Provide clear ground space at pedbuttons within maximum reach ranges (48” V, 10” H).This may require a stub pole.
Images of various mounting “stub pole” for pedestrian signals

Slide 79:
Location, location, location…The APS must be within close range of the departure curb for the vibrotactile feature to work for users.
Image:  Individual who is blind using a pedbutton mounted on a stub pole adjacent to the cross walk.

Slide 80:
Find the button, push it, find the curb and miss it
Image:  Placement of pedbutton at a location not adjacent to the crosswalk causing the user to backtrack and lose orientation to the curb ramp.

Slide 81:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Provide pedestrian demand signals at  roundabouts where pedestrian crossings are  more than one lane.
Image:  Round about intersection

Slide 82:
Pedestrian Crossings-Roundabouts
HAWK signals have been used in several cities to provide a pedestrian crossing opportunity on demand.  The signal has been approved for the 2009 MUTCD, with a special provision for use at roundabouts -- dark unless activated. 
Image:  Crosswalks in Roundabouts displaying the HAWK signal device

Slide 83:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Separate sidewalks from the curb to provide non-visual wayfinding cues to crossing locations.
Image:  fencing along sidewalk separating sidewalk from roadway
Image: pedestrian path of travel is located outside the scope of the roundabout

Slide 84:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Street furniture must be usable, but not in the way.  
Image:  Accessible water fountain positioned outside the useable path of travel on sidewalk.  Images shows that the water fountain must meet the accessibility standards for water fountains.

Slide 85:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Accessible on-street spaces are scoped like parking lots, based upon total numbers provided on a block. 
Image:  Image of on-street accessible parking space

Slide 86:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Angled (or perpendicular) on-street parking can provide good van access
Image:  Van accessible parking space

Slide 87:
Draft PROWAG
Key Provisions: Facilities provided at bus stops must be accessible: sign, pad, shelters, benches…and a route to get to them (and by them!). 
Image:  Bus stop along street without any marked pedestrian pathway
Image:  Bus stop shelter at curb without a curb cut to allow wheelchair user to access the bus shelter
Image:  Bus shelter with sidewalk leading up to the shelter

Slide 88:
Image:  Technical assistance Letter from US Department of Justice in response to a request for information about the requirements to retrofit a street/sidewalk install a curb ramp to create access to a building.   The following section is quoted from the letter:  “If installation of a curb ramp or pedestrian walkway is necessary to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to a particular State or local program, such as a school…the public entity may in some circumstances be required to install a ramp or walkway where none existed previously.” 

Slide 89:
Case study: Bus stop costs
Cost of providing a bus stop and improving the pedestrian facilities to it:
--$7,000 per stop (post and sign and minor fixing of sidewalks);
--$58,000 per stop (for post, sign, lighted shelter, bench, trash can, trenching for electricity, and replacing/fixing portions of sidewalk). 
[Cost assessment from the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)]

Slide 90:
Cost of providing paratransit to one person (estimate from MD-MTA):
	--$ 77 (per trip)
	--$ 770 (per work week)
	--$ 38,500 (per year assuming a 2 week vacation)
By improving a bus stop so that one paratransit rider can now use it, the transit agency recoups its costs for a basic improvement ($7000) in slightly more  than 2 months.   

Slide 91:
Rulemaking is a 2 step process
The Access Board develops minimum guidelines and under the ADA which then DOJ and DOT adopt enforceable standards consistent with Board guidelines 
Under the ABA, DOD, GSA, HUD and USPS adopt enforceable standards
The Rehab Act Section 504 standards are set by individual agency rulemaking 

Slide 92:
Can I use the 2005 PROWAG now?
Yes! Title II of the ADA and regulations implementing the Rehabilitation Act (‘504’) require new construction to be ‘accessible to and usable by people with disabilities’.    
PROWAG is a well-vetted measure: --title II admits ‘other methods’	--FHWA memorandum (January 2006);   and--DOJ policy letter (1993); --better fit for the PROW.
Most agencies are already using some provisions (DWs, PAR, POT, CRs…), and several States have adopted.

Slide 93:
Curb ramp design
Many intersection features can be manipulated to optimize the usability of curb ramps set into existing developed streetscapes. 
	--curb radius; 
	--sidewalk setback;
	--curb height;
	--ramp location/directionality;
	--roadway surface;
	--ramp edge conditions. 

Slide 94:
Resources

Slide 95:
Technical assistance from PROWAAC:  http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/alterations/guide.htm
PLANNING AND DESIGN FOR ALTERATIONS: 
WORK-AROUNDS FOR CONSTRAINED CIRCUMSTANCES AND LOCATIONS
Image:  Screen shots from the online guide found at the website above

Slide 96:
Other Resources:
http://www.access-board.gov/prowac
Image:  Screen shot of the Access Board PROW page

Slide 97:
Other resources:
www.accessforblind.org
Image:  Screen shot of the Access For the Blind website

Slide 98:
Other resources:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/prwaa.htm
Image: Screen Shot of the Federal Highway Administration memorandum regarding Public Rights Of Way and applicable guidelines when constructing with federal monies

Slide 99:
Other resources:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sidewalk2/index.htm
Image:  Screen shot of web based resource titled:  Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access:  Part II of III Best Practice Design Guide

Slide 100:
Questions?

Slide 101:
Contact Us Directly
Scott Windley, PROW Team Leader  202/272-0025 (v) or windley@access-board.gov;
Dennis Cannon, Transportation Specialist 202/272-0015 (v) or cannon@access-board.gov;
Lois Thibault, Coordinator of Research  202/272-0023 (v) or thibault@access-board.gov 
Images:  Photo’s of staff referenced above

Slide 102:
Key Usability Features

Slide 103:
1/Top and bottom grade breaks on a curb ramp must be parallel. 

Slide 104:
2/Where a turn must be made to access the crossing (or sidewalk), a ‘level’ turning space (2% B/W) must be provided.  In the roadway, it  must be out of parallel vehicle travel lanes.   

Slide 105:
3/Perpendicular curb ramps may be skewed or in-line with crossing, but in-line ramps give better directional cues.

Slide 106:
4/Flares are not required if ramp edges are shielded from cross traffic…

Slide 107:
5/DWs mark the sidewalk/street boundary and should be installed along and at the back-of-curb as a ‘sign’ for the feet.

Slide 108:
6/When DWs are installed on directional ramps ONLY, panels shall be perpendicular to the path of wheelchair travel.

Slide 109:
Q: Where do Detectable Warnings go?
Image:  various curb ramp configurations

Slide 110:
7/APS pedbuttons must be located close to the departure curb for hand contact, access from a wheelchair, and quiet operation. 

Slide 111:
 8/PAR surfaces should be planar, not warped.  

Slide 112:
Recap

Slide 113:
Recap: Regulations/Standards…
•	new construction must be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities;
•	 ditto for alterations, to the maximum extent feasible;
•	 standards are a measure of the required accessibility; if no standards, research… 
•	existing facilities must achieve program access, requiring self-evaluation, transition planning, a curb ramp retrofit plan/schedule, and accommodation of individuals where barriers to use are encountered. 

Slide 114:
Recap-Curb ramps
wherever a walkway crosses a curb;
 rectangular in plan!
 1:12 maximum running slope;
level landing at turns;
CFS at foot within crosswalk markings; 
flush transitions (no lips);
24” detectable warning at street edge.

Slide 115:
Recap-sidewalks
wide enough for 2-way travel;
containing 1.2 m PAR;
1:50 maximum cross slope in PAR;
 no protruding objects between .6–2.0 m; 
CFS at entrances, pushbuttons, and  other pedestrian features (DF,      telephones, kiosks, ATMs…) 

Slide 116:
Recap-Street Crossing
ped signals w/non-visual information: APS
adequate crossing time (3.5 fps or less);
a curb ramp for each crossing;
‘level’ (2%) corners and crosswalks 
 5% maximum crowning in crosswalk 

Slide 117:
Recap-Temporary Work
maintain pedestrian usability;
same-side alternate routes if feasible (extra crossings increase risk);
 consider audible signage;
cane-detectable barricades;  and
 temporary facilities are also covered  (street fairs, block parties, farmers’       markets...)

Slide 118:
“Q: When a project contains existing sidewalk at 10%+ grade, how practical is it to limit new curb ramps to ADA standards? “

It’s the gutter/ramp angle that is key -- and it’s critical to getting out of the street.  PROWAG sets the sum of the gutter counterslope and the ramp slope at 13%;  advocates prefer 11%.

Slide 119:
“Q: Can we use  exposed aggregate for the curb ramp surface?"
We’d rather you didn’t….

When VDOT made exposed aggregate their standard for curb ramps (in lieu of detectable warnings) they found it to be very slippery when wet.

Research shows that textured surfaces adversely affect rollability, requiring extra pushing energy and triggering painful spasms in some wheelchair users who have spinal cord injuries.

Slide 120:
Best Practices

Slide 121:
The ideal relationship: smooth for    pedestrians, rough for cars…

Slide 122:
www.pedestrians.org
Image:  Screen shot of web page from www.pedestrians.org which provides examples of accessible design

Slide 123:
Best Practices:
Key Issue – Driveways
Useable route across a driveway

Slide 124:
Best Practices:
Key Issue- Driveways
RAMP SIDEWALK DOWN, IF NEEDED

Slide 125:
Best Practices:
Key Issue-Driveways
Or go around it

Slide 126:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Accessible Entrances
Sidewalk ramp eliminates steps
SPLIT SIDEWALK CONTINUES AT GRADE ON OTHER SIDE OF WALL

Slide 127:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Accessible Entrances
NEW GRADING ELIMINATES STEP AND WOODEN RAMP

Slide 128:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Accessible Entrances
Two steps replaced by Ramp/stairs
Work with the grade

Slide 129:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Obstructions in the PAR

Slide 130:
Best Practices:
Provide a level landing where a turn is required

Slide 131:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Consider Bulb outs
ADDS LEVEL SIDEWALK SPACE FOR RAMP, SHORTENS CROSSING

Slide 132:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Curb Ramp Directionality
RETURNED CURB GIVES GOOD CUE TO CROSSING DIRECTION

Slide 133:
Best Practices:
Key Issues: Dry at toe…and less SW space needed, too
GUTTER PAN SLOPED TO EXTEND RAMP LENGTH, MEET STREET GRADE AT HIGHER POINT

Slide 134:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Retrofit (Raised Crossing)
A good solution for narrow sidewalks

Slide 135:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Raised Sidewalks
Image of RAMP AT INTERSECTION SERVING  RAISED SIDEWALKS IN SILVER CITY, NM

Slide 136:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Surfaces
Use texture sparingly as decoration

Slide 137:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Detours and Temporary Signs
Audible message triggered by a proximity switch

Slide 138:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Pedestrian Crossings
Full width curb ramp
Good directional cues, shortest crossing distance

Slide 139:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Pedestrian Pushbutton Locations
Using the Vibrotactile Feature

Slide 140:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-On-Street Parking
Access Isle can be on either side of car

Slide 141:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Temporary curb ramps
Image-wooden ramp with railings
Image-wooden ramp

Slide 142:
Best Practices:
Key Issues-Temporary Routes
Audible and detectable

Slide 143:
Best Practices:
Key Issues: Information at Intersections  [HAWK Signals at Roundabouts]

Slide 144:
For more information:
Regional DBTAC/IT Center: www.adata.org
800.949.4232
US Access Board: www.access-board.gov
Technical assistance:  row@access-board.gov; 
800.872.2253 (v); 800.993.2822 (tty)
Access Board Publications: 
--accessible sidewalks design manual
--accessible sidewalks video on DVD
--synthesis on detectable warnings
--troubleshooting APS