|
Stronger together: Annual Report spotlights a thriving and resilient northeastern Illinois
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is proud to share its 2023 Annual Report. This reflects our region’s significant achievements over the past calendar year and spotlights a strong, thriving, and resilient northeastern Illinois.
CMAP did not do it alone. Thank you to our partners, stakeholders, and our extraordinary CMAP team. This report and our shared successes demonstrate that we are stronger together.
|
|
New CMAP accessibility trainings coming this spring
CMAP is providing more free accessibility trainings this spring, including new sessions on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), which the U.S. Access Board recently issued its final rule on regarding access to sidewalks and streets, crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, on-street parking, and other components.
CMAP’s accessibility training program is designed for municipal staff, public works staff, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinators, elected and appointed officials, community leaders, and anyone interested in learning about how to make their communities more accessible.
If a representative from your community hasn't attended previous trainings, CMAP will also offer in-person sessions on the ADA, self-evaluation plans, and transition plans. Captioned recordings of previous trainings on these topics, as well as presentation materials and an accessibility resource guide, are available on our website.
Stay tuned for details and registration coming soon!
|
|
|
We are proud to share that Lincoln Edwards, an associate planner in CMAP’s Planning Division, has been appointed to the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) ADA Advisory Committee. Lincoln brings experience from his work on CMAP’s Accessible Communities program and recent Disability Lead fellowship and is passionate about universal design and equity in transit.
|
|
Registration open for the 2024 National ADA Symposium
The National ADA Symposium is a comprehensive conference on the ADA and disability-related laws. This annual event features sessions on a wide array of topics from nationally recognized experts, including representatives from the federal agencies that implement the ADA.
- The virtual conference will be held May 6-8
- The on-site conference will be held June 9-12 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
|
Register for the 2024 Americans with Disabilities Act Virtual Conference
The Pacific ADA Center's 2024 Americans with Disabilities Act Virtual Conference will be held February 27-28.
The conference will help attendees learn how to comply with the ADA, be more inclusive, and provide higher quality services to people with disabilities through expert panels and networking opportunities. Employers and HR professionals, state and local government employees, and ADA coordinators are encouraged to attend.
Early bird registration closes January 31 and standard registration starts February 1.
|
|
Explore interactive map of state transition plans and inventories
The Federal Highway Administration, in partnership with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, launched an interactive website and map featuring information on each state’s department of transportation ADA transition plan and inventory. This data can help planners, policymakers, and the public understand and prioritize accessibility in transportation projects.
|
|
U.S. Access Board videos feature accessibility resources
The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards.
The agency recently released new videos on its YouTube channel covering its online resources, how to file an Architectural Barriers Act complaint, and more – with ASL interpreting, closed captions, and audio description.
|
|
 This reading experience simulates dyslexia, visual processing, and depth perception (courtesy of Minnesota IT Services).
|
|
Experience Lab offers immersive perspective on disabilities and digital technology
Minnesota IT Services’ Experience Lab offers simulations and activities that can help individuals and organizations understand how cognitive, hearing, motor, and visual disabilities impact a person's digital experience. Each disability category also features a helpful “What you can do!” list and links to resources.
|
|
Grant opportunity to support accessibility and mobility research
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is offering nearly $3 million in grant funding through its new Mobility Equity Research Initiative. The program aims to advance research and technologies that expand accessibility and mobility to underserved communities, including people with disabilities, older Americans, and rural and disadvantaged communities. USDOT is seeking applications from institutions of higher education, public research entities, and 501(c)3 nonprofit research entities.
The grant application deadline is March 5, 2024. Questions can be directed to EquityResearch@dot.gov.
Need help understanding USDOT grants? Check out the DOT Navigator, Project Readiness Checklist, and Frequently Asked Questions on Incorporating Accessibility in Transportation Projects.
|
|
Pace Suburban Bus' latest ADA newsletters now online
The winter 2023-24 editions of Pace Suburban Bus’ Chicago ADA News and Suburban ADA News are now available online. Updates in this issue include:
- Free fixed route rides for ADA riders
- New paratransit transfer facility in Schaumburg
- Pace Connect service late-night rides
|
|
Proposed Census change would undercount Americans with disabilities
A proposed change to the way the U.S. Census Bureau defines disabilities would make it more difficult to accurately count Americans with disabilities, according to analysis by the Urban Institute. An accurate count of people with disabilities is important because is used to allocate disability resources and fund research on disabilities.
The National Advisory Committee has recommended that the Census Bureau postpone these changes and "engage with disability advocacy organizations and communities to improve future Census Bureau engagements."
|
|
|
|
|
