Vancouver officers invitations neighborhood suggestions on the accessibility of its buildings, providers to individuals with disabilities – ClarkCountyToday.com

Community feedback will be available through October 31st through the city’s Be Heard Vancouver website

VANCOUVER – The City of Vancouver will update its transition plan to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this year, asking residents and customers with disabilities for feedback on the accessibility of their buildings, parks, streets, workplaces, services, programs, and events ahead of COVID-19 -Pandemic.

File photo.

“We are doing a thorough organization-wide self-assessment as part of this process, but we also want to hear from the people we serve to learn more about their experiences in accessing city services and facilities, what obstacles they may face and where? they believe we can do better, ”said Lisa Takach, City Human Resources Director and Acting Risk and Safety Manager / ADA Coordinator.

Community feedback will be received through October 31st through the city’s Be Heard Vancouver website. Visit www.beheardvancouver.org/CityAccessibility to learn more and to leave comments and suggestions.

“The past year and a half has been unusual because the pandemic has forced us to close most of our buildings, suspend many existing programs, and move public gatherings and other services online,” Takach said. “Fortunately, we are now starting to resume normal operations, so we expressly ask people to provide feedback on their experience with accessibility prior to the shutdown of COVID-19.”

Over the years the city has made significant strides in improving access to its buildings and other facilities. That includes adding curb ramps and other ADA road improvements along with its traffic improvement projects and through a separate effort funded by the Community Development Block Grant. In addition, the city has set up a sidewalk program that works with property owners to keep sidewalks accessible and add new sidewalks if necessary, if funding allows. The city has also steadily moved towards providing more online services, an effort accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ADA became law in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including workplaces, schools, transport and all public and private places open to the public. The law requires appropriate adjustments to businesses and public buildings and facilities to remove physical barriers to entry. Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities in all programs, activities, and services offered by state and local governments.

City of Vancouver information.