On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. When it took effect on January 26, 1992, this federal civil rights law was instrumental in changing the ways that businesses, nonprofits, and state and local governments provide services, design and maintain parks and facilities, and communicate with the public. Indeed, it has done so, as companies in all industries have complied with the ADA both because it’s good for business and because it is the right thing to do to provide access to all Americans, whatever their physical needs may be. Every day, the WT Group helps clients implement the ADA, including the examples below:
“These new facilities (quick-serve restaurant/gas stations) comply with state and federal access laws, but more importantly, it’s the right thing to do,” said Chris Kalischefski, Principal-in-Charge, Design & Program Management. Kalischefski knows that accessible, quick-serve restaurants make it easier for people with disabilities to buy lunch, get gas, wash their cars, and do some of the many tasks people do every day.
Shelley Zuniga, Senior Project Manager, Accessibility Practice, said “Playgrounds are subject to the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, and undoubtedly playground surfaces are the problem we see most often.” Playground surfaces must be firm, stable and maneuverable, and impact attenuating in use zones. While most every playground owner and operator “gets it” regarding playground safety surfaces, some lack awareness regarding ADA accessibility requirements. “We help them understand that safety and access can coexist,” said Zuniga.
“We design rooftop pools, HOA pools, YMCA pools, fitness facility pools and local government pools, to name a few,” said Rich Klarck, Principal-in-Charge, Aquatic Engineering. “In all of those cases, we emphasize the use of pool lifts and other means of access specified in the 2010 Standards,” Klarck added.
Jim Glascott leads the Civil Engineering Practice. “Every day and every job” he responded when asked how often WT Group professionals incorporate access into their public right-of-way solutions. Whether it is redesigning curb ramps and sidewalks or helping the Accessibility team prepare a transition plan, the Civil Engineering Practice knows the ADA.
“The WT Group is unique” said John McGovern, Principal-in-Charge, Accessibility Consulting. “Under one roof, we deliver the services of architects, engineers, an attorney that knows the ADA requirements, a Certified Access Specialist, a Registered Accessibility Specialist, and two certified ADA Coordinators. We also have two Certified Parks and Recreation Professionals, and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist,” McGovern added. Since 2008, the WT Group Accessibility Practice has helped more than 500 clients – states, counties, cities, businesses, and park districts – comply with the often complex ADA requirements.
Do you need help identifying your organization’s ADA requirements and responsibilities? Reach us at jmcgovern@wtgroup.com.
