Rochester unveils ADA plan to deal with 65,000 journey boundaries for disabled residents

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The metropolis of Rochester launched the ultimate draft of its ADA Right of Way Transition Plan, aiming to enhance accessibility by eradicating boundaries that hinder individuals with disabilities. The plan comes after a winter with greater than 100 inches of snowfall, which has posed important challenges.

News10NBC’s Chris Fortune reported from the Center for Disability Rights on State Street, the place he spoke with residents who face difficulties navigating town. Josh, who makes use of a cane, expressed concern about potholes and their influence on individuals with disabilities.

“I just can’t stand to see anybody in a wheelchair or any mobile device getting stuck in a pothole,” mentioned Josh.

The metropolis’s evaluate lined 25 % of its sidewalks, totaling 220 miles, and recognized greater than 65,000 boundaries. Bruce Darling, CEO of the Center for Disability Rights, highlighted the group’s involvement in addressing these points.

“To put this into perspective, for non-disabled people, if every 18 feet you had to step over a 1.5-foot thing blocking your path, you would be annoyed,” mentioned Darling.

Susan Stahl, who makes use of a wheelchair, shared her experiences with blocked sidewalks as a consequence of snow. “Right now that’s a huge issue. Just because it’s winter time, it’s winter time right now, and that makes it incredibly difficult,” mentioned Stahl.

Stahl expressed hope for town’s plan however emphasised the necessity for tangible outcomes. “The ADA is over 30 years old. Not a whole lot has changed, but I’ll be hopeful that maybe something will change,” she mentioned.

Residents have the chance to supply suggestions on the ultimate draft of the ADA Transition Plan, which will be discovered on the City of Rochester website here. Comments might be accepted till March 5.

The plan is about to be finalized on the finish of March.