Federal Highway Administration Resource Center

Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility

The U.S. Department of Transportation is one of the chief agencies charged with implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The law requires that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) oversee and implement the regulations for State and local governments. Specifically, the FHWA has the oversight responsibility for pedestrian accommodations in the public right-of-way.

The goal of the FHWA Resource Center Civil Rights Technical Service Team is to heighten the awareness among design professionals and local, State and Federal stakeholders of the FHWA’s responsibility to build pedestrian facilities in accordance with the ADA and the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and further the FHWA’s commitment to safety — an FHWA vital goal.

Anita Elion, the lead Civil Rights Specialist involved with this national initiative, worked with several industry professionals to revise the training materials to produce a product that illustrates more than just the ADAAG minimum requirements. The training Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility, provides information on the legal framework and facility design needs of people with disabilities and the importance of documentation in the transportation decision making process. Planners and engineers are the primary audience, but there are benefits for local, State and Federal stakeholders. After completing the training, attendees should be able to apply ADA accessibility guidelines when designing pedestrian facilities for mobility, independence, and safety; evaluate practices and policies for discrimination; and create a pedestrian environment that is usable for all.

FY 2005 Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility Training Schedule

• FHWA Florida Division Office in conjunction with the Florida Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) at the University of Florida Center for Technology Transfer - May 19-20, 2005, Naples; May 26-27, 2005, Orlando; June 6-7, 2005, Panama City.

• FHWA Oregon Division Office — date to be determined.

For more information, contact:

Anita Elion
Civil Rights Specialist
FHWA Resource Center, (708) 283-3524
anita.elion@fhwa.dot.gov

Deborah Ann Johnson
Civil Rights Technical Service Team Leader
FHWA Resource Center, (410) 962-0089
deborah.a.johnson@fhwa.dot.gov