Post on 27-Dec-2015
transcript
Where access and opportunity meet.
Rural businesses often lack wheelchair access. Creates liability for covered properties Makes businesses, downtown districts and
communities less inviting Undermines downtown marketing efforts Excludes potential customers Limits tourism
Observation
1. It’s the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act covers many retail, commercial and public spaces. Violations can be costly.
2. Individuals with mobility impairments, along with family members, friends, coworkers and travel companions, are potential customers.
3. We are all seniors in training. As Baby Boomers and our parents age, the percentage of Americans with some type of mobility impairment increases dramatically.
4. Businesses can’t afford to turn away customers.
Why it matters
Make Idaho’s rural business districts more accessible and welcoming to all customers
Develop productive partnerships Create opportunity Pursue simple, cost-effective solutions Where possible, use available resources Reduce risk Increase awareness of access barriers in
housing, public spaces, retail and recreation
Goals
Who’s involved?Partners
Federal Highway Administration
HUD
Idaho Rural Partnership
Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Idaho Department of Commerce
Living Independence Network Corporation (LINC)
Northwest ADA Center
Small Business Administration
Audience
Individuals with short- or long-term mobility impairment
Small businesses and property owners/managers
Civic, nonprofit and faith-based organizations
State and local government
Construction trade and vocational organizations
State and local highway districts
Chamber and civic organizations
Access and ADA compliance Downtown revitalization Economic and community development Job creation Recreation, tourism and historic preservation Universal Design principles in housing and
community infrastructure Reduced liability, safer communities Cost savings
Shared goals
What is a barrier?
To some, it’s just a step.
To a wheelchair user, it’s a sign that says:“We don’t want your business.”
Unless every potential customer has one of these:
You’re going to want something like this:
Solutions?
What are current legal requirements for rural downtown private businesses?◦ See FAQs for Business Owners at◦ http://adata.org/faq-page/2
What about historic districts/structures?
Covered businesses must make ‘readily achievable’ modifications that do not fundamentally alter historic features.
Who is covered?
Custom ramp – one approach
Estimate from local shop:◦3/16 aluminum tread, or diamond plate
◦36in. x 36in./18in. x 36in. x 3.5in. (closed)
◦Materials and fabrication only
◦Single prototype @ $727ea.
◦Five identical units @ $463ea.
Custom ramp - costs
Suitcase/Rollaway Ramps = $75 to $400.
w/ handrails $500 and up
Portable ramps
Variable sizes and cost. Permanent footprint.
Permanent ramp/entry
Permanent ramps are preferred. Permanent ramps require dedicated space. Temporary/portable ramps require setup
for each use. Possible tripping hazards for those with
visual impairment (and general public) Historic impacts
Ramp Considerations
DOJ/USDA/HUD-CDBG/SBA Access Deduction* (Sect. 190) < $15K Access Credit* (Sect. 44) 50% of costs between $250 and $10,250 for ‘eligible’ small businesses (gross receipts < $1M)
Businesses/Chambers ITD ‘Cash for Towns’ (district-specific) Gem Grants Regional Economic Development Assoc. Crowdfunding*Must meet Access Board reg. 1.190-1
Potential Funding
Blue Path / www.blue-path.com Access Board / www.access-board.gov National Center on Accessibility /
www.ncaonline.org Ramps /
www.inclusionsolutions.com/access-ramps.html
Historic / www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief32.htm
www.rampupidaho.org
Resources
Ramp up…and see new business roll in.