The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed on July 26, 1990, stands as one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It was designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, prohibiting discrimination and mandating equal access in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
The ADA has had a profound impact on numerous fields, but its influence on the engineering and planning industry is particularly noteworthy. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design, a critical component of the law, specify the minimum requirements for accessible buildings and facilities. These standards ensure that new and renovated structures are usable by individuals with disabilities. Parametrix designs projects that meet or exceed ADA standards in many cases. Learn more about a few examples below.
Newport Avenue Corridor Improvements | City of Bend, Oregon
Newport Avenue connects neighborhoods, businesses, an elementary school, and access to the Deschutes River with downtown Bend, Oregon, to the east and the popular Shevlin Park to the west. The route carries passenger vehicles, school buses, freight, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Parametrix designed a new stormwater treatment and conveyance system, new sewer and water lines, pavement reconstruction, improvements to roundabout intersections, sidewalks and curbs ramps, retaining walls, and illumination systems. Creative grading techniques were used to tie into existing grades, reducing the need for permanent acquisitions while prioritizing fully accessible pedestrian facilities. The final result benefits all drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Stewart Avenue Complete Streets | City of Las Vegas, Nevada
Stewart Avenue serves as a main passage for many to reach school, work, essential goods and services, or transit locations. Along the corridor, each census block is designated as an area of persistent poverty, a historically disadvantaged community, or both. With more than 35 percent of all users being pedestrians and bicyclists, the fragmented sidewalks and minimal shade are concerns.
Parametrix assisted the City of Las Vegas in obtaining a $23.9 million grant award through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. This funding will help the city to create a highly functional, inviting, and multimodal space.
The proposed Stewart Avenue corridor will include a protected two-way bicycle track, wider and ADA-accessible sidewalks, upgraded lighting, and bus stop improvements. This project exemplifies the core of the RAISE program by providing mobility for zero-car households; improving safety and comfort for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users; and adding trees to provide shade and help to mitigate the urban heat effect.
Lincoln Street Safety Improvements | City of Port Angeles, Washington
Lincoln Street is a key transportation route through Port Angeles and one of the city’s most active arterials. This project provided several multimodal pedestrian and bike improvements to improve safety through the downtown core. There were many uncontrolled driveways near the commercial core, including a busy grocery store and gas station, coupled with busy transit stops, and poorly marked pedestrian crossings at busy one-way stop-controlled intersections.
Parametrix assisted the city in securing grant funding for the improvements which involve ADA-accessible pedestrian curb ramps, upgraded pedestrian crossings with rectangular rapid flashing beacons, access management, buffered bike lanes, transit stops, and a new signal at the intersection of 3rd Street and Lincoln.
A More Accessible Future
The Americans with Disabilities Act has profoundly influenced the engineering and planning industry, driving the creation of accessible and inclusive environments. Its legacy is evident in the myriad ways that public spaces, buildings, and infrastructure have been designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
While the ADA has significantly advanced accessibility and inclusion, challenges remain. Ongoing advocacy and education are essential to maintaining progress and addressing emerging issues. As our understanding of disability evolves and societal expectations shift, the industry must remain adaptable and committed to creating environments that are truly inclusive.
We look forward to a more inclusive and accessible future for all as we create tomorrow, together.
