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City's ADA coordinator outlines accessibility priorities, requests staff collaboration
Summary
Janet Schumacher, the city's ADA coordinator, presented the mayor's Commission on Disability Issues' priorities on Feb. 11, including identifying locations needing automatic door openers, improving accessible parking and routes, and working with institutions such as College of Charleston and SCDOT on targeted fixes.
Janet Schumacher, the City of Charleston's ADA coordinator, presented the mayor's Commission on Disability Issues' priorities and a list of suggested accessibility improvements during the Feb. 11 council meeting.
Schumacher described a previously circulated list the commission prioritized and named commission members in attendance. The presentation explained how Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to city programs and public facilities, including sidewalks, and stressed that ADA requirements are distinct from building code requirements.
The commission's prioritized initiatives included identifying properties that need automatic door openers; improving parking compliance and accessible routes at parks and public spaces; ensuring at least one push-button-accessible bathroom per floor at the Gilliard Center; installing a continuous 5-foot accessible route on Faber Street; and working with the College of Charleston to address sidewalk hazards caused by tree roots and bricks.
Schumacher noted recent ADA successes the city has achieved, including more than 100 curb cuts and updated requirements that temporary sidewalk closures must provide an alternative accessible route. She also described a grievance form on the city website and said she typically reviews complaints within 24 hours.
Council members asked for a copy of Schumacher's PowerPoint; she agreed to provide it. The presentation included several specific location requests to be coordinated with city staff and external partners such as the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Council did not take formal action on the presentation during the Feb. 11 meeting.
The commission emphasized education for local businesses about ADA obligations and suggested creative outreach regarding the acceptance and distinction of service animals. Schumacher said the commission seeks to go beyond minimum compliance in many areas and to reduce ableism through practical, programmatic changes.
