The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities.” Some solutions are accessible public transit or paratransit, designated handicapped parking spaces, and pedestrian access designed for all users. Because people’s abilities vary so widely, transportation planners must take many factors into account and never assume that one size fits all. Always, the person with the disability should be consulted as to what changes will be genuinely helpful. Changes that accommodate persons with disabilities often benefit many other people, as curb cuts have for strollers and bicycles.

Pedestrian and low-speed mobility aids

People using wheelchairs or other mobility aids depend on smooth and clean sidewalk conditions and curb cuts. At intersections, reasonable signal timing & crossing distance are critical and right-turn-on-red traffic can be dangerous. Multiple sensory signals (light, sound, paving texture) and cautionary signage for drivers can help pedestrians with sensory disabilities. Another concern for people with impaired vision is being able to hear quiet electric cars that lack internal combustion engine noise. A Federal Highway Administration project focused on designing sidewalks and trails for access.

Public transit and Paratransit

Some persons with disabilities can use regular public transit while others need “paratransit” which HRT provides as HandiRide. Since HandiRide is restricted to ¾ of a mile of bus routes, there are large parts of Virginia Beach that are not served by either, as this map shows. Service times, routes, rules, and reliability of paratransit services are ongoing issues. The service is subsidized which invites cost and efficiency questions. Some HRT buses are accessible for a wheelchair user and and HRT promises that Norfolk’s Tide will “meet or exceed ADA requirements.” Waiting for either public transit or paratransit can expose persons with disabilities to various threats. And service animals must be accepted in all public accommodations.

Personal vehicles

Laws specify many design aspects of handicapped parking spaces, but do not cover all issues. The location of handicapped parking and its distance from destinations, crosswalks, and curb cuts can raise difficulties. For example, when the exit from a parking garage is distant from the crosswalk, it will encourage jaywalking. The question of cost comes up as on-street metered spaces may be free for vehicles with handicap plates or decals, while parking garage use may not be free. On-street parking may not have sufficient space for wheelchair maneuvering and safe unloading, especially when the person using the wheelchair is the driver. The first handicapped parking space must be sized and posted as van accessible, but many are not. Smooth paving and realistic ramp inclines are critically important to making a handicapped parking space functional. Handicapped parking laws must be continually enforced, but people should not make assumptions about the needs of those whose vehicles are properly marked – not all disabilities are visible.

Additionally, not all gas stations have accessible fuel pumps, and planning for electric vehicles should include accessibility.

Various non-profit agencies offer financial assistance for vehicle modifications. Qualifying for financial help to get a personal vehicle modified to make it more accessible, requires a prescription for Occupational Therapy based on a driver's evaluation to determine what modifications will work best. The cost for this evaluation may be as much as $350.00.

Tags: accessible | ADA | disabilities | handicap | HandiRide | HRT | Paratransit | parking | pedestrian | public transit | wheelchairs