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 Number 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.
- Population Served. The population served by a particular program or service and whether the public can obtain service from an alternative City location.
| Number | Street/Intersection Name | Sidewalks | HC Ramps | Tactile Surface | Estimated Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Chapman and Santa Fe Pike | Y | Y | N | 2026 |
| 32 | Santa Fe Pike and James Campbell | Y | Y | N | 2026 |
| 33 | Santa Fe Pike and Hill Street | Y | Y | N | 2026 |
| 34 | E 11th and Glade Street | Y | Y | N | 2026 |
| 35 | S Main and Depot Street | Y | Y | N | 2026 |
| 36 | S Main and E 10th Street | Y | Y | N | 2027 |
| 37 | S Main and E 12th Street | Y | Needs Replacement | N | 2027 |
| 38 | S Main and W 14th Street | Y | Y | N | 2027 |
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.