Accessibility Guides

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires agencies to make their transportation systems accessible for those with disabilities. ADA and related laws, standards, and guidance affect the design of sidewalks, ramps, street crossings, trails, and the like. Two primary ADA resources are the U.S. Access Board and the Federal Highway Administration.

The U.S. Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. It publishes guidelines, standards, newsletters, and other helpful resources. The Board also has staff who can help with training, provide answers to questions, and more. The Board offers numerous publications. Two resources of particular interest are:

1. Accessible Public Rights-of-Way Design Guide - Notice of availability of the Access Board's November 2005 Draft Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines.
2. Building a True Community: Accessible Public Rights-of-Way

The Federal Highway Administration also publishes accessibility resources. Of particular interest for bicycle and pedestrian planning are:

• Accessible Sidewalks and Street Crossings and Informational Guide  (PDF–644Kb)
• Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access: Review of Existing Guidelines and Practices and Best Practices Design Guide - Provides a review of the State of the Practice in accommodating people with disabilities and recommended design criteria for accessible transportation facilities.

FHWA/FTA Memorandum (September 25, 2000)
The Americans with Disabilities Act Policy promotes universal design and the development of a fully accessible transportation system. This document calls for mainstreaming facilities for people with disabilities in our nation's transportation system.

FHWA Program Administration Policy on Pedestrians and Accessible Design
The Office of Program Administration is concerned with the design of the pedestrian environment in the public right of way for disabled individuals.

Memorandum (November 20, 2001)
Explains the responsibilities of the USDOT in implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).