[nfbwatlk] Washignton Dept. of Transportation accessibility survey

[Nightingale, Noel]

Thought some on this list might be interested in taking this survey.  Might be an opportunity to describe the situations in which accessible signals are needed and, more frequently, not needed.

-----Original Message-----
From: ESD GP GCDE-INFO [mailto:GCDE-INFO at ESD.WA.GOV]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 4:35 PM
To: GCDE-INFO at LISTSERV.WA.GOV
Subject: FW: Do you know people w/disabilities who have input on transit
Importance: High

From: McDonald, Patty (DSHS/HCS)
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 4:06 PM
Subject: FW: Do you know people w/disabilities who have input on transit
Importance: High

Please pass this on

From: Murinko, Shawn [mailto:MurinkS at wsdot.wa.gov]
Hello:

After months of tweaking and testing and much valuable assistance from WSDOT's Accessibility Advisory Committee, Ann Briggs, Connie Rus, and Martha Dickens, WSDOT's Right-of-Way Accessibility Survey is up and running. To learn more about what it is and how to get there, please read the article below. The survey itself can be accessed by going to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=aCsRFSNM_2b5dziA3IsAreSg_3d_3d I look forward to this tool being used to help our agency identify opportunities to improve the accessibility of the right-of-way within our jurisdiction.

Survey Helps Pinpoint Problems

Posted 02.18.09
At some point, most of us have experienced some difficulty with traversing a badly cracked sidewalk or trying to cross a busy street. Imagine the added challenge of these situations for people with disabilities. Since we can't address a problem that we don't know about, WSDOT has created a new Web tool that will help us to identify, evaluate, and possibly fix these trouble spots.

A new on-line survey <http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=aCsRFSNM_2b5dziA3IsAreSg_3d_3d> has been created for people to report their experience regarding the accessibility of public roadways and roadside features, such as:

 *   Sidewalks
 *   Curb ramps
 *   Street crossings
 *   Pedestrian signals
"This survey is a tool that will help us gather data regarding accessibility of public roadways and pinpoint deficiencies throughout the state," explained Shawn Murinko, WSDOT's Disability Program Manager & ADA Compliance Officer. "It provides us an avenue to begin addressing these issues and helps WSDOT fulfill its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) obligations. We will thoroughly evaluate the merits of every case, and are committed to providing equal access to state-owned roadways, where feasible. "

The survey will allow WSDOT to:

 *   identify the locations of accessibility problem-areas around the state
 *   evaluate the accessibility of the roadway features included in the survey
 *   notify other jurisdictions when accessibility complaints are related to city streets or county roadway

Since not all roadways are WSDOT's responsibility, we may respond to a comment by forwarding the information to the appropriate city or county with responsibility for that particular roadway location. However, WSDOT does not have legal authority to compel another jurisdiction to take action.

The survey can be submitted on-line, or printed off and mailed to:
Shawn Murinko, ADA Compliance Officer
Washington State Department of Transportation
Office of Equal Opportunity
PO Box 47310
Olympia, WA 98504-7310

The document can be provided in alternative formats: large print, Braille, cassette tape, or on computer disk for persons with disabilities by contacting Shawn Murinko via telephone at 360-705-7097 or by e-mail at murinks at wsdot.wa.gov<mailto:murinks at wsdot.wa.gov>. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled may make a request for alternative formats through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 on their telephone.

Shawn Murinko
Disability Program Manager & ADA Compliance Officer
Washington State Department of Transportation
Phone 360.705.7097 | Fax 360.705.6801
P.O. Box 47310 | Olympia, WA  98504-7314
murinks at wsdot.wa.gov