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Date: 8/8/2022
EASTHAMPTON – A comprehensive review of the town’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has revealed several areas that can be improved.
The ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan was done during the spring by the Center for Living and Working (CLW) and funded through the the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
According to Assistant Planner Jamie Webb, the report was first created in 1993 and updated in 2009.
“Now that we have a plan we can start to apply for grants to reduce the problems that we have,” said Webb at the City Council’s hybrid meeting on Aug. 3.
This updated plan provides an assessment of city-owned properties and facilities for ADA compliance and a list of necessary upgrades. The plan also evaluates operations for whether they are accessible to people with disabilities and identifies physical barriers at public buildings, sites, and services.
James Mazik, a subcontractor who worked with CLW, and ADA Access & Advocacy Coordinator Michael Kennedy presented the results of the 250-page study to the council. The report has descriptions of each facility and area of noncompliance and goes into specifics on each issue and the timeframe, feasibility and cost estimate for upgrades. Kennedy suggested posting ADA rules and procedures to the city’s web site and update job listings to include more non-discrimination and inclusive language.
“A lot of job descriptions, even though it’s in an office setting, have ‘candidate must be able to walk,’’ said Kennedy. “A lot of jobs like that you don’t need to walk.”
Mazik said that the city overall was doing well with its compliance, giving a B grade, but cited several areas that could be addressed. This included raising signage, improving access to parking, and updating the opening and closing speeds of automated doors. Drinking fountains were found to be either too high or low for those with disabilities, staff kitchenettes were too high, and grab bars in bathrooms needed to be adjusted.
“Stall doors must open out, not in,” said Mazik. “In some cases locking mechanisms can’t be operated with a closed fist.”
Recreation areas were reviewed as part of the study and found a lack of accessible routes to bleachers and ballfields, and a need for more level areas for wheelchairs. Playgrounds were seen to lack access, as did concession areas. Mazik added that sidewalks lacked curb ramps and there was overgrowth found in some areas. Priority areas were the sidewalks and curbs and better access at the library, parks and pond areas.
While some buildings are grandfathered since they were built before ADA was put into effect, Mazik said there are federal regulations that could lead to complaints being filed.
“As long as you chip away at this, you’ll be safe,” he said.
The city was supportive of the report and agreed that work is needed to address these issues.
“This is very extensive and for those of us who do not have these kinds of disabilities, this stuff is really eye-opening for me,” said Councilor Brad Riley. “That there are all these potential hazards around me and I am just completely ignorant of them.”