摘要: |
Continuous and accessible pedestrian networks improve mobility and livability for all pedestrians and are particularly important for seniors and pedestrians with disabilities. Pedestrians who use sidewalks may have disabilities and may use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, etc. Others may have visual impairments (blind or low vision) or have hearing impairments (deaf or hard-of-hearing). According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, 28 CFR Part 35, services provided by state and local governments, including features and devices along roadside pedestrian facilities must be �accessible to and useable by� all users, including people with disabilities.
It is often a big challenge for large urban areas to maintain and redesign or repair pedestrian facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It requires a tremendous effort to ensure accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities when these facilities are substandard or poorly maintained. Based on these challenges, agencies are required to develop transition plans to plan and schedule corrections to identified deficiencies. However, planning for the best provisions for accessibility during the process of redevelopment and construction in a number of communities can be challenging. Without readily available and accurate information, pedestrian improvements cannot be easily prioritized. A tool to keep track of pedestrian facilities can assist local agencies in prioritizing investments for pedestrian improvements: repairs, improvements, and new construction projects. To accomplish this, there is a need to develop a software tool that can facilitate this effort. Having a tool available to local agencies can help improve the livability of communities. It can also help identify any safety and accessibility deficiencies that are barriers to senior and pedestrians with disabilities. The main objective of this scope of work is to develop the SAPFIM tool: a web-based software application that local agencies can use for the collection, storage, querying, and reporting of pedestrian facilities. |