This week, the U.S. Access Board has taken a monumental stride in ensuring equitable travel for pedestrians with disabilities across the nation.
“The Access Board is proud to issue these guidelines as a critical step toward equal access to the public right-of-way for people with disabilities in America,” remarked Executive Director Sachin Pavithran. “Equal access to pedestrian facilities is crucial because pedestrian travel is the principal means of independent transportation for many people with disabilities.”
The accessibility guidelines for public right-of-way pertain to modifications and additions to existing pedestrian facilities, as well as newly constructed ones under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The newly issued rule on accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in public spaces addresses existing barriers. This landmark decision empowers federal, state, and local government agencies to improve the accessibility of sidewalks, crosswalks, shared paths, on-street parking, and more.
The Access Board provides free technical assistance on accessibility guidelines and standards through its helpline at 1-202-272-0080, extension 3, and by email at ta@access-board.gov from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET) weekdays. For technical assistance specifically on accessibility of public right-of-way, including sidewalks, street crossings, and other pedestrian used features, email row@access-board.gov.