ODOT developed its first ADA self-evaluation in 1993 and issued a preliminary transition plan in 1997. The department subsequently issued updated plans in 2004, 2011 and 2017. After a 2016 lawsuit filed by the Association of Oregon Centers for Independent Living, the agency agreed to a settlement in 2017 that prioritized improvements to curb ramps and pedestrian signals by 2032. These settlement requirements were reflected in the 2017 transition plan and are also included in this update. Recognizing that six years have passed since the last update, ODOT has updated its transition plan now to reflect our progress with ADA implementation, to describe our broader goals for universal accessibility to the state transportation system, and to align with the agency's Equity Priority in our strategic plan and new Oregon Transportation Plan.
Read the full ADA Transition Plan here.
You are invited to attend a virtual public comment session on May 25, at 10:00 a.m. ODOT staff will give a brief presentation on the ADA Transition Plan update and then give you the opportunity to comment and provide feedback.
To request an alternative format of the plan under the Americans with Disabilities Act or for persons with Limited English Proficiency, or for assistance providing your comments, call 1-888-AskODOT or email ODOT_ADA@ODOT.Oregon.gov.
Anyone encountering a barrier on the state transportation system can notify ODOT at their earliest convenience without waiting for this plan to be adopted. Complete the accessibility concern form on ODOT's website to notify ODOT staff about the barrier. You can also call 1-888-AskODOT or email ODOT_ADA@ODOT.Oregon.gov. to notify us. We will work to understand the barrier and develop possible solutions to improve accessibility.
Stations
Ensuring access benefits everyone. Estimates say that around 20% of Oregon's population live with disabilities, equating to approximately one million individuals. ODOT has a mission to serve all Oregonians, and our strategic plan and the new Oregon Transportaion Plan require ODOT's programs to promote equity. Equity is the effort to provide different levels of support based on an individual's or group's needs in order to achieve fairness in outcomes. After more than 30 years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, despite good progress across all of ODOT's systems, Oregonians can still experience barriers just trying to access their communities. Where infrastructure and programs are universally accessible, people living with disabilities have an equal opportunity for access and can thrive and participate in their communities.
ODOT used a multi-step approach to engage external stakeholders in the transition planning process. ODOT staff first established a networking group with other agencies extensively involved in working to improve accessibility. Next ODOT launched an ADA Survey using accessible communications and outreach to encourage as much participation as possible. As a result, over 500 survey responses were submitted. Then, ODOT staff convened an Advisory Committee. Members represented diverse experiences with a disability, as well as different locations around Oregon. ODOT staff then worked with technical and program staff to weave these inputs together into the fabric of the plan you see today. This plan will be presented to the Oregon Transportation Commission for formal adoption following the public comment period.
The long-term goal of this plan, and subsequent updates, is a universally accessible transportation system. Achieving this goal will occur incrementally over time based on the methods discussed in the transition plan an strategic planning. Besides ongoing maintenance of accessibility, construction is an important means for improvements. There are two primary factors driving ODOT's schedule for construction improvements to accessibility. The first is the plan for progress milestones outlined in ODOT's settlement agreement covering ADA curb ramp-specific projects, and the second is the construction projects for the highway system based on funding approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission. This schedule includes ADA curb ramp-specific projects and other types of construction projects that may also address curb ramps and other elements of accessibility.
