ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA requires that the City of Columbia communicate effectively and provide services to people who have disabilities. The City of Columbia wants to ensure that people with a disability can communicate with, receive information from, and convey information to all departments within the City.
The City will provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. In addition, the City will provide effective communication for companions who have communication disabilities.
If you need assistance in participating in a meeting or event due to a disability as defined under the ADA, please call the City’s ADA Coordinator at (931) 560-1565 or e-mail cetzkin@columbiatn.com at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation. Walk in requests for aids and services will be honored to the extent possible.
CLICK HERE for a printable ADA Complaint Procedure Form.
ADA COMPLIANCE PLAN
City of Columbia TDOT ADA Transition Plan
The City of Columbia has been working on a transition plan that will reflect the results of the survey to determine which the five sections (called Titles) in ADA: Employment (Title I), Public Services and Transportation (Title II), Public Accommodations (Title III), Telecommunications (Title IV), and Other Provisions (Title V) require improvement.
Early work suggests that both programmatic and architectural barriers exist for persons with disabilities interested in accessing the City of Columbia's programs and service. The City has inventoried our facilities, walkways, and streets to compile a list of things that need to be addressed to enable the citizens of Columbia with a disability to be provided the same programs and services as other citizens.
Although a number of steps have been taken to ensure compliance with Title I of the ADA, such as policies and procedures to request accommodations, policies on discrimination and harassment, the establishment of the ADA coordinator, established complaint procedure and training for new employees during the onboarding process, additional steps are necessary. The City has reviewed the recruitment process and written guidelines have been developed and will be widely disseminated to all hiring authorities after Council approves a charter revision. The establishment of an accommodation committee with disabled citizens and more training are currently being worked on. Each aspect of employment must be conducted without bias or discrimination towards disabled individuals.
The City created a task force with representation from each department to perform the study and inventory facilities and program accessibility weaknesses. The ADA Task Force was established and charged with developing a self-evaluation instrument. The Task Force meets regularly as needed throughout the year to monitor compliance issues as identified in this report.
The Parks and Recreation Department offers most of the City's events and programs. They have inventoried all of the 21 parks within the City. The outdoor pavilion at Cook Soccer Park has been completed with ADA accessibility to pavilion and field 5. Completed accessibility to two restrooms and parking at Cook. Splash Pad at Riverwalk Park was made ADA accessible with an outdoor path. In addition, Riverwalk Park, Betty Lee Park and Ridley Park are ADA accessible. Woodland Park playground and playground pavilion is ADA accessible along with the Parks and Recreation office, entrance and parking at the Rainey House (office) Fairview Park has one ballfield accessible and the Fairview Center has an accessible entrance, kitchen and restrooms.
The remaining parks have been assessed and based on what is required, establish a priority list that includes but is not limited to, provision of adaptive equipment, reassignment of services to accessible buildings, provision of auxiliary aids and services, delivery of services at alternate accessible sites, or the alteration of existing facilities.
The following still need to be addressed:
Parks and Recreation
Signage
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Downstairs fitness center at Armory.
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Signage
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Playground and Shelters at Woodland Park
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Ordered and lines painted
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Signage
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Fairview Concession Stand
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Signage
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Unnamed new park behind E.A. Cox school
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Walkways
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Fairview Park
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Walkways
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Cook Park Fields 3 & 4
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|
Walkways
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Tennis Courts at Woodland Park
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Walkways
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Ballfields behind new unnamed park
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Walkways
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Eva Gilbert
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Ramp Instillation
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Downstairs fitness center at Armory.
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Poured in January 2020, waiting on rail arrival and installation.
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Door Closures
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Various sites
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Detectable Warning Signs
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Ridley Park
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ADA Accessibility
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Fitness Center downstairs Armory
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ADA Accessibility
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Restrooms by tennis courts Woodland Park
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ADA Accessibility
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Restrooms at Macedonia Center
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ADA Accessibility
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Restrooms at playground at Fairview Park
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All other City departments have surveyed their buildings and facilities and established a list of areas to be addressed. The codes enforcement department is assisting with this process.
Police Department
Door hardware on police annex is too low
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404.27
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Ramp to annex not slip resistant and is too steep
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302.1, 403.3
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Ramp handrail not compliant
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505.10.1
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Tactile star on elevator door is missing
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407.2.3
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Tactile sign on restrooms is in wrong location
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703.4
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|
Restroom door closing too fast
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40402
|
|
Toilet door not self-closing
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604.8
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Parking for annex is not ADA compliant; stall sidewalk ramp does not have level landing
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406.3, 406.4
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All floors the countertop depth us not deep enough
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904.4
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Restroom door less than 18” from edge of door with no obstruction
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404.2
|
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Toe clearance under lavatory in restrooms not met
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306.3
|
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Fire Station 1
Van accessible stalls
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502.2, 502.6
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Accessible route from parking space
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502.3
|
|
Accessible door not wide enough
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404.2
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|
Door threshold too tall
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402.2
|
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No tactile sign at restrooms
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703.4
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|
Interior doors not wide enough
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404.2
|
|
ADA and non-ADA signage not placed for restrooms
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703.4
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|
Coat hook at wrong height
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603.4
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Grab bar in restroom not compliant
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604.5
|
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Toilet paper in wrong location
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604.7
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Countertop not deep enough (all floors)
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904.4
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Restroom door not wide enough
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404.2
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|
Clearance under lavatory & height in restroom not met
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306.2, 606.3
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Clear floor space around water closet too small
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604.3
|
|
Flush control on toilet in wrong location
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604.6
|
|
Fire Station 2 – Lion Parkway
Front door hardware not compliant
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404.2
|
|
Wrong tactile sign height and background color
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703.5
|
|
Fire Station 4 - Trotwood
Door threshold too high
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402.2
|
|
Protrusion from wall > 4”
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307.2
|
|
Tactile sign for restroom not correctly located.
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703.4
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|
Door hardware not compliant
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404.2
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|
No bench in locker room area
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404.2
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|
No signage for restrooms
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703.4
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|
No coat hook in restroom
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603.4
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|
Disabled parking space ramp – no level landing
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405.7, 403.3
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|
Van accessible space & route not installed or incorrect
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502.2, 502.6, 502.3
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|
No hand rail for ramps higher than 6”
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405.8
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|
Less than 18” with no obstruction for door
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404.2
|
|
Door clearance too narrow
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4.4.2
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|
Restroom in wrong location and wrong size
|
604.5, 609.3
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|
Grab bar clearance not compliant
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609.3
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|
Toilet paper in wrong location
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604.7
|
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Fire Station 5 – Nashville Highway
Door hardware too high
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404.2
|
|
No tactile sign at restrooms
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703.4, 703.5
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|
No ADA sign on restrooms
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216.8
|
|
Coat hook at wrong height
|
603.4
|
|
Towel dispenser at wrong location
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308.2
|
|
Grab bars not compliant
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604.5
|
|
Restroom door not self-closing
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604.8
|
|
Restroom door hardware not compliant
|
604.8
|
|
No van accessible space or route
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502.2, 502.6, 502.3
|
|
Parking spaces and stall sidewalk tramp – no level landing
|
405.7, 403.3, 406.3, 406.4
|
|
Ramp width and handrail not compliant
|
405.5
|
|
Water fountain too high for a greater than 4” protrusion
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307.2
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|
Restroom door less than 18” from edge of door with no obstruction
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404.2
|
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Unprotected pipes under lavatory
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606.5
|
|
Insufficient clearance from wall for toilet
|
604.2
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Restroom clear floor space at fixture
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604.3
|
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Toilet flush control at wrong location
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604.6
|
|
Toilet compartment not 60” wide
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604.8
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City Hall
ADA signage at east door not installed
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216.6
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2020
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Entrance Door closes too fast
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404.2
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2020
|
First floor tactile restroom sign in wrong location.
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703.4
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2020
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ADA parking, disabled space sidewalk ramp not on level ground
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406.3, 406.4
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No Van accessible parking space & route
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502.2, 502.6, 502.3
|
|
ADA countertop space not compliant
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306.3
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2020
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Wastewater
No ADA van parking stall sign and wrong height
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502.6
|
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Main door closing too fast
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404.2
|
|
Mats not secured to floor
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303.2
|
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Defibrillator more than 4” protrusion wrong placement
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307.2
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Tactile star on elevator missing
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407.2.3
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Tactile sing on women’s restroom in wrong location
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703.4
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Restroom door hardware not compliant
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404.2
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|
Coat hook too high
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603.4
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Unprotected pipes under lavatory (womens)
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606.5
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Towel dispenser at wrong location
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308.2
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Grab bar wrong location
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604.5
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Toilet paper holder in wrong location
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604.7
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Restroom door not self-closing
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604.8
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|
No door pull on the women’s restroom stall
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604.8
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Front desk countertops not compliant
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904.4, 306.2
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Door less than 18” from edge of door w/o obstruction
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404.2
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Flush controller wrong side
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604.6
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Public Works
Tactile signs not braille
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703.2
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Tactile sign on restrooms in wrong location
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703.4
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Locker room bench does not abut wall or have back
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903
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Restroom signs wrong location and not in braille
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703.4
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Restroom coat hook too high
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603.4
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Grab bars wrong location in men’s room
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604.5
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Toilet paper holder in wrong location (women’s)
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604.7
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No door pull on restroom stall
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604.8
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Parking stall sign too low
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502.6
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Parking stall slope too steep
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502.4
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Disabled stall sidewalk ramp does not have flairs
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406.3
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Restroom door less than 18”from edge of door with no obstruction
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404.2
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Restroom clear floor space at fixture
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604.3
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Flush controller on wrong side
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604.6
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Streets and Sidewalks
Public Works has been bringing projects into compliance upon reconstruction. All established sidewalks are being evaluated for needed improvements. A list of these improvements has been compiled. The prioritized projects are addressed as funding becomes available and based on the schedule provided.
No.
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Street/Intersection Name
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Sidewalks
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HC Ramps
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Tactile Surface
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Estimated Completion
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1
|
Downtown square corners
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Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2020
|
2
|
S Main St & E 8th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
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2020
|
3
|
S Main St & E 9th St
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Y
|
N
|
N
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2020
|
4
|
Woodland St & E 9th St
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2020
|
5
|
Woodland St & Andrews
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2020
|
6
|
Woodland St & E 8th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2021
|
7
|
S Glade St & E 9th St
|
NR
|
N
|
N
|
2021
|
8
|
S Glade St & E 7th St
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2021
|
9
|
Woodland & E 7th St
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2021
|
10
|
Bridge St & E 10th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2021
|
11
|
Polk St & Willow
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2022
|
12
|
E 15 St & S Main St
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2022
|
13
|
E 12th & Glade St
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2022
|
14
|
E 11th & E End St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2022
|
15
|
E 11th & Bridge St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2022
|
16
|
E 11th & Comstock St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2023
|
17
|
E 8th & Bridge St
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2023
|
18
|
E 9th & Mapleash
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2023
|
19
|
E 9th & Bridge St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2023
|
20
|
W 17th & Highland Ave
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2023
|
21
|
High St & W 6th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2024
|
22
|
High & W 8th St
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2024
|
23
|
High & W 5th St
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2024
|
24
|
Woodland & Andrews
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2024
|
25
|
Dunnington & W 7th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2024
|
26
|
Highland & W 14th
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2025
|
27
|
W 9th & School
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2025
|
28
|
Galloway & W 13th
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2025
|
29
|
S Garden & W 10th
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2025
|
30
|
S Garden & W 11th
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
2025
|
31
|
Chapman & Santa Fe Pk
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
32
|
Santa Fe Pk & James Campbell
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
33
|
Santa Fe Pk & Hill St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
34
|
E 11th & Glade St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
35
|
S Main & Depot St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
36
|
S Main & E 10th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2027
|
37
|
S Main & E 12th St
|
Y
|
NR
|
N
|
2027
|
38
|
S Main & W 14th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2027
|
|
*NR - Needs Replacement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Engineering department maintains a pavement management system which contains an inventory of all City streets, and each year determines which projects will be funded.
- and appropriate number of spaces
Projects continue to be addressed as funding is available. Yearly planning for the highest priority projects should continue with the budget process.
Many City buildings were constructed prior to the enactment of access codes and were not originally designed to provide ready access for individuals with disabilities. While facilities constructed in more recent years have differing degrees of accessibility, various features within them are deficient as a result of changing code provisions. Some structures, however, have undergone remodeling and alterations and consequently do comply more fully with current standards. In general with respect to City facilities that were reviewed, there is at least one route into most buildings and a considerable number of the public facilities and programs within them are accessible to some degree by current standards. An evaluation of exterior passage ways among City buildings, including such features as curb ramps, walks and sidewalks, handrails, and contrasting striping on stairs, has revealed some areas that are deficient as accessible routes. Additional work is needed to remove the remaining obstacles to program accessibility found among features such as restrooms and other specialized use areas.
Accessibility is not only for individuals with needs related to mobility disabilities, but also for individuals with needs related to speech, cognitive, vision and hearing disabilities. There are many potential barriers to accessibility of City services, and the following are simply a few of the more common examples:
Physical Barriers
|
Program Barriers
|
Parking
|
Building signage
|
Path of entry/travel
|
"Customer" communication and interaction
|
Doors
|
Access to public telephones
|
Service Counters
|
Emergency notifications, alarms, visible signals
|
Restrooms
|
Communication (via internet, public meetings, telephones)
|
Sidewalks and Curb Ramps
|
Participation in events sponsored by the City
|
Physical Barriers
A public entity may not deny the benefits of its programs, activities, and services to individuals with disabilities because its facilities are inaccessible. A public entity's services, programs, or activities, when viewed in their entirety, must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. This standard, known as "program accessibility," applies to all existing facilities of a public entity. Public entities, however, are not necessarily required to make each of their existing facilities accessible.
Criteria for Determining Existence of Impediment
Criteria have been established to determine whether corrective action needs to be
taken at a particular facility. The criterion includes, but is not limited to:
- The nature of unique programs or services. Some facilities and sites are the
only location that a particular program or service may be provided; so there
is limited flexibility to move the program or service to a more accessible facility.
- Facilities already in compliance with ADA accessibility guidelines. Several of the City's major facilities were constructed or underwent major renovations after the effective date of the ADA, including City Hall, the Police
Department, Fire Station #2 and the Public Works Facility.
- Ability to relocate programs from one facility to another accessible facility. Because the City may offer special programs and services at more than one location, consideration was given to distribution of the special programs and services when viewed in their entirety;
- Current state of accessibility. The current condition of each facility in terms of barriers already removed, or planned to be removed.
- Cost. The cost of alternatives to physical barrier removal versus the cost of an alternative corrective action plan; and public use.
f) Population Served. The population served by a particular program or service and whether the public can obtain service from an alternative City location.
31
|
Chapman & Santa Fe Pk
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
32
|
Santa Fe Pk & James Campbell
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
33
|
Santa Fe Pk & Hill St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
34
|
E 11th & Glade St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
35
|
S Main & Depot St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2026
|
36
|
S Main & E 10th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2027
|
37
|
S Main & E 12th St
|
Y
|
NR
|
N
|
2027
|
38
|
S Main & W 14th St
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
2027
|
|
*NR - Needs Replacement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projects are prioritized based on the sidewalks level of use, project cost, and potential to improve overall City connectivity. Sidewalk improvement projects will be implemented as funding is identified, or in association with other City projects that necessitate construction in the City street right-of-way or on City property.
Action Plan
Through these self-evaluations, deficiencies in the City of Columbia's facilities that diminish the ability of disabled persons to benefit from the City's programs, services and activities have and will continue to be identified. For those buildings that have had an assessment, a correction plan or other course of action has been noted for each deficiency, along with a schedule for completion of the correction.
An Action Log has been created for those facilities that have not yet been addressed.
PROGRAMMATIC BARRIERS
The City recognizes not all barriers to the City's programs, services and activities are physical in nature. Other administrative barriers exist that must be overcome to provide complete government services to those who are disabled. The City conducted a self-survey of all City Departments to identify any programmatic barriers that may impact accessibility of City programs, services or activities. Those items identified are included in other established listing for correction.
Survey Results
The City of Columbia conducted a detailed survey to evaluate each department in the City with regard to ADA compliance. The purpose of this exercise was to identify areas where the City falls short in accommodating people with disabilities.
The majority of City departments interact with the public outside the confines of a public facility. For example, the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments generally interact with the public in the field. As a result, the employees in many cases are forced to adapt to situations that arise in the field. For example, in responding to a call or incident, the physical or mental health of the person needing assistance is not necessarily provided through dispatch. As a result, those responding may need to modify the approach for resolving the issue.
The City departments that have the most routine contact with the public at a City facility are Development Services, the City Recorder's Office, Personnel, and Parks and Recreation.
The Development Services Department handles all permitting and inspections in the City and thus has a significant amount of public traffic. The City Recorder's Office handles billing, business licensing, permitting and taxes, which also results in high volumes of people accessing a City facility on a daily basis. It is estimated that a very small percentage of the public that is dealt with on a regular basis has no obvious disabilities. However, each of these departments is committed to providing quality service to all residents in the City and is taking the necessary steps to confirm that they provide their service in a manner that is accessible to all residents.
The Parks and Recreation Department has the most regular contact with residents in the City. This department provides numerous programs for all ages. This department is similar to other city departments in that there is no formal policy in place for accommodating participants with disabilities. However, the department strives to make programs available for anyone to participate. Generally, each case is handled independently and the appropriate accommodations have been made.
Action Plan
Based on the results of the self-surveys, the City will identify future steps and activities that the City can explore to ensure that people with disabilities have access to City services and programs. The City's future plan must address the following elements:
Communication
Effective communication is essential to providing accessible services in that whatever is written or spoken must be as clear and understandable to people with disabilities as it is for people who do not have disabilities. The City used many
forms of communications with residents including the web site, communications relating to City administration and open public meetings, and other communications regarding the City's programs, services and activities. In order to ensure that all forms of communication are accessible, the City is taking specific actions to improve communications, including the following:
- ADA Grievance Policy and Procedures. The City has developed a formal Grievance Policy and Procedure for ADA compliance. This document will be made available on the City's website and by contacting Personnel.
- Reasonable Modification Policy. The City has will work with individuals to determine an accommodation that meets the needs of the citizen/employee and the City without creating a hardship.
- Public Information. All forms of public communication about City programs and activities must address ADA compliance issues specific to the program or activity. In order to ensure that public communication has the appropriate verbiage/statement regarding ADA compliance, they must be approved by the ADA coordinator.
- Agenda text. The City posts the agenda to the website so that disabled persons can enhance the size of the print, and in the Council Chambers, all agenda items are displayed on large TV screens in a PowerPoint presentation so citizens can more easily read the items.
- Accommodations for participation in Public Meetings. The City will research the feasibility of incorporating equipment, available upon request, specially designed to assist hearing impaired persons to fully participate in City Council Meetings. The City will explore the feasibility of acquiring other aids or services.
- Accessibility of Public Meetings. The City has, as discussed above, already taken substantial efforts toward ensuring public meetings are held in ADA-accessible facilities. The City conducts all public meetings in ADA accessible facilities, and to the extent feasible will make specific accommodations, where necessary, to ensure that meetings among residents and City staff can be held within ADA accessible facilities.
- Accessibility of Phone Communication. All City departments are equipped with TTD phone line (s).
- Interpreter Services -The City will hire an interpreter when advance notice is given and all departments have access to the AVAZA language line.
- ADA Compliance in Legal Documents. The City includes appropriate ADA compliance language in all legal documents including, but not limited to: contracts, request for proposals, requests for qualifications, bid requests, job advertisements, and public notices.
10. ADA Compliance for Hiring Procedures. The ADA Compliance officer will review the application, interview and hiring procedures within each department of the City to ensure compliance with ADA.
Municipally Sponsored Programs
The City is committed to allowing persons with disabilities to participate in municipally sponsored programs. This includes recreation opportunities sponsored by the City's Parks and Recreation Department, community meetings and other events hosted or sponsored by the City. The City will achieve this goal by integrating all of the steps outlined above into these programs, including providing for effective communications and ensuring meeting and events are, to the extent possible, held in ADA-accessible parks and facilities. The City is taking additional specific actions to improve accessibility, including the following:
- Formal ADA Recreational Policy: The Parks and Recreation Department will develop a formal policy for accommodating disabled persons, where feasible. The City will look into adding a handicap accessible lift at the public pool, and has historically allowed disabled children to participate in City sponsored recreational programs on a case by case basis. However, a formal policy has not previously been established. It shall be the City's policy not to discriminate again disabled persons wishing to participate in a City-sponsored recreational activity, and as such, the City will do their best to accommodate all participants.
- Accessible Vehicle Transportation: Departments that operate transportation vehicles for the public include Parks and Recreation and Police. Neither department currently has a handicap accessible vehicle. At least one handicap accessible vehicle should be purchased by the City, or be made available to rent at short notice for use by these departments
- Backdoor Trash Pickup: The city provides backdoor trash pickup for elderly or disabled residents who are unable to bring their bin to the curb. This service is advertised publicly though alternate forms of communication to ensure that disabled residents are aware of the service.
Training for City Staff on ADA Compliance
In order to ensure effective implementation of this plan, and to afford staff with the tools necessary to provide better accessibility, the City will provide the following training on the following topics for staff:
- ADA Transition Plan training for all City staff
- Specialized training for field staff who may deal with the public as part of their job duties.
- ADA Coordinator training
CONCLUSION/ACTION LOG
The City is taking the actions referenced throughout this document and will continue to look for ways to remove barriers to access so that the disabled citizens of the City of Columbia are given access to the City's programs, services and activities.