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Register now: Free training on the ADA and its requirements
Interested in increasing accessibility in your community? The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) invites you to join a training about the administrative requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for local governments.
The free, in-person training is Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Frankfort Village Hall, 432 W. Nebraska Street, Frankfort, IL 60423.
This training is intended for elected officials, city administrators, program directors or managers, section leaders, city clerks, communications/media managers, and administrative staff from library, parks and recreation, and other divisions of local government.
If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, please contact Jaemi Jackson, senior planner, by Monday, January 9, at jjackson@cmap.illinois.gov or 312.386.8706.
Space is limited! If we reach capacity or if you are unable to join on January 18, mark your calendar for future trainings on March 1, April 18, and April 19. Stay tuned for more information and registration.
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 The CTA Blue Line Belmont station is one of several to receive federal funding for accessibility improvements.
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CTA and Metra to receive $185 million to make stations more accessible
New federal funding will support making several Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra stations more accessible for riders with disabilities, according to an announcement from the Federal Transit Administration.
The $185 million in funding comes from the new All Stations Accessibility Program, which was established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA provides $1.75 billion to help transit agencies across the country improve station accessibility.
The updates in Chicago will include:
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CTA Blue Line: The Irving Park, Belmont, and Pulaski stations will be made fully accessible with the addition of elevators, ramp upgrades, improved signage, and more.
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Metra: The 59th/60th Street Station and 95th Street-Chicago State University Station will both receive upgrades to improve accessibility, such as platform enhancements, elevators, and audio and visual communication displays.
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Tips to maintain accessibility during winter weather
Unshoveled sidewalks and icy paths can make it difficult for people with disabilities, older adults, and other residents from moving around the region.
Communities and businesses should keep a few guidelines in mind during winter weather:
- Clear snow and ice from all pathways and areas, including:
- Curb ramps
- Landings
- Crosswalks
- Accessible parking spots
- Access aisles (walking path blocked off next to accessible parking spots)
- Bus stops
- Ensure accessible routes are a minimum of 36 inches wide.
- Don’t push snow into accessible parking spots or access aisles.
- Remove ice from handrails so they can be easily gripped.
- Provide doormats that have pile less than ½ inch thick, which are easier for wheels to roll over.
- Offer materials, such as wipes, to remove excess salt and other treatments. Salt pretreatment can be hard on wheelchair tires and service animal paws.
Sources: Great Plains ADA Center, The Ability Center, and Superior Alliance for Independent Living
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New option for Pace ADA paratransit rides
Pace paratransit riders will now be offered an additional option for trips: a service provider called UZURV (pronounced “you-serve”).
When making a reservation for an ADA paratransit trip, riders will be asked if they would accept a ride from a taxi or UZURV vehicle, in addition to Pace ADA paratransit buses.
Learn more about the service.
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