Course Description:
Communities across the country are making improvement to their road network to provide safe access for all people who need to use them including pedestrians and bicyclists. Often overlooked in these complete streets initiatives is the most vulnerable group, pedestrians with disabilities. There are many different types of pedestrians with disabilities. Some may be blind or have low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, use walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs. When improvements to our communities are planned, we need to look at the entire picture of our roadways to provide access to all.
 
This workshop will assist local governments and their consultants with an understanding of the basic minimum requirements for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure our roadways’ pedestrian network is accessible for pedestrians with disabilities and provide safe access for other road users. These requirements apply to all state and local governments regardless of their size. The workshop will include a brief overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Federal civil rights responsibilities of the public roadway owners, specific Massachusetts requirements, and the 2023 Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) requirements for the pedestrian networks along our roads.
 
The following topics will be covered in this workshop:
• Laws and Regulations and local government responsibilities
• The standards, policies, and guidelines for accessible public streets
• Common complete streets conflicts with ADA and pedestrian
• Basic design criteria for accessible public streets including:
• Sidewalks
• Street Crossings
• Curb Ramps
• Pedestrian signals
• On street Parking

The workshop will include group exercises.
 
Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:
• Identify applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards pertaining to accessibility.
• Identify some of the challenges in the public right-of-way faced by persons with disabilities.
• Identify best practices for the design of accessible pedestrian facilities for accessibility within your communities.

Accommodations for Disabilities: UMTC endeavors to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. If you require special services or arrangements to fully participate in this workshop, please email Stephanie Cottrell or call 413-800-2655 at least 14 days prior to the event. Such services are provided free of charge.

Also, if you have any dietary restrictions, please inform Stephanie at least 10 days prior to the event.