The Town has undertaken a review to assess the current level of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in its programs, services, activities, and facilities.  Through a collaboration with the Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD) an ADA Self-Evaluation has been conducted and a draft Transition Plan prepared. The draft reports are now available for the public to review and provide comments before they are finalized by IHCD.

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. It ensures equal participation and equal benefit for people with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. Further, it provides civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.  The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life. Title II of the Act specifically applies to public entities (state& local government services & transportation).

How does the Town comply with the ADA requirements? 

1. Conducts a self-evaluation

2. Provides notice to “beneficiaries” (public, customers, clients) and employees of a commitment to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and who to contact with questions, requests or complaints. 

3. Designates an employee responsible to coordinate ADA obligations (ADA Coordinator).

4. Adopts a Grievance Procedure.

5. Develops a Transition Plan for facility access – follows completion of the Self-Evaluation.
   
   

What is an ADA self-evaluation?

A self-evaluation is an assessment of the accessibility of programs, services, facilities, policies, and procedures to identify and correct barriers to access that are inconsistent with Title II requirements (28 CFR. Sec. 35.105).  A self-evaluation:

• Evaluates the current facilities, services, policies, and practices for accessibility compliance

• Identifies necessary changes to achieve compliance

• Provides an opportunity for the public to participate in the self-evaluation process

What is an ADA transition plan?

The transition plan identifies where changes are required and outlines the steps necessary to become accessible (28 CFR. Sec. 35.150).  Specifically, the plan:

• Identifies physical obstacles that limit accessibility

• Provides an opportunity for the public to participate in developing the plan

• Describes how the facilities and programs will be made accessible

• Includes a schedule to achieve compliance

• Lists the official responsible for implementing the plan

Review the reports

The draft reports prepared by IHCD include the  ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan executive summary, an evaluation of nondiscrimination policies and practices and a legal overview. There is a detailed report for the facilities and programs evaluated with recommendations for best practices and inclusive designs.  Note that this evaluation DOES NOT INCLUDE any Randolph public school facilities.  

The reports are in a format not compatible with screen readers.  If you would like to review any reports in a different format, please contact us at adarandolph@randolph-ma.gov

Part A Executive Summary                                                                       Town Hall                                       Zapustas Ice Arena

Part B - Evaluation of Non-Discriminatory Practices                                North Randolph Fire Station          Playground at Town Hall

Part C - Legal Overview                                                                           Central Fire Station                       Powers Farm and Bertha Soule Park               

Turner Free Library                                                                                   Police Station                                 Imagination Station  

Community Center                                                                                   Food Pantry                                    Belcher Park and Cochato Camp House

Stetson Hall                                                                                             Corkin Building (WIC)                      Moulton Street Parking Lot

Transition Plan Priorities                   Town Owned Buildings           Town Owned Parks and Playgrounds

Provide feedback

Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the self-evaluation reports.  The final plan will incorporate the issues, concerns and feedback presented by the community.  As you review the reports

• Do they accurately reflect the conditions at Town buildings, properties and programs?  

• Have you, or a family member that experiences a disability accessed Town buildings, properties or programs?  What were the challenges, if any? Does this plan address them?

Please email your comments to adarandolph@randolph-ma.gov before April 1, 2023