Building an Accessible Ashland: ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan
Building an Accessible Ashland: ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan
Overview
The Town of Ashland is committed to ensuring that every resident, visitor, and employee can access and fully participate in the programs, services, and public spaces that make our community special. To support that commitment, the Town has completed its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (see sidebar), a comprehensive review of our buildings, parks, sidewalks, communications, and policies to identify where accessibility improvements are needed and how we will address them over time.
This plan is a living document, meaning it will evolve as we make progress, update facilities, and receive input from the community—especially from people with disabilities and those who support them.
The Transition Plan Outlines:
How accessible our current programs, facilities, and rights-of-way are
Barriers that need to be removed, from signage and restrooms to sidewalks and curb ramps
A multi-year schedule for improvements across Town facilities
The Town staff responsible for coordination and implementation
Opportunities for public input as part of our ongoing work
Your feedback is a critical part of this process. By sharing experiences, suggestions, or concerns, you help the Town prioritize the improvements that matter most and ensure this plan strengthens accessibility for everyone who lives, works, and plays in Ashland.
Summary of Key Highlights
Below is a concise, public-friendly summary of the Town’s most important findings and commitments from the ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.
What We Evaluated
The Town assessed accessibility in three core areas:
- Communications & Information
- Website accessibility
- Signage for accessible entrances, restrooms, and rooms
- Phone systems, interpreters, and auxiliary aids
- Town Buildings & Facilities
- Town Hall, Police Department, Visitor Center, Carter Park, Ashland Theatre, municipal lots, and more
- Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way
- 21 miles of sidewalks
- 334 curb ramps
- 68 crosswalks
- 7.3 miles of trails
- 8 signalized intersections
What We Found
Several facilities need improved signage, updated counters, accessible restrooms, or adjusted entrances.
Some Town buildings—particularly the Visitor Center, Town Shop, and portions of the Ashland Theatre—require targeted updates to meet ADA standards.
Of 299 evaluated curb ramps, only 50 were fully compliant; many need slope corrections, detectable warning surfaces, or full reconstruction.
Over 390 driveway crossings also require improvements to ensure safe and ADA-compliant pedestrian routes.
The Town's website and communications systems need enhancements to better serve users with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments.
Planned Improvements
The plan includes clear timelines and responsibilities. Highlights include:
Communications & Website Updates (2023–2026):
Improved website accessibility, interpreter policies, auxiliary aids, ADA signage, and updated grievance procedures.Building & Facility Improvements (2023–2028):
Adding or improving accessible parking
Widening routes at Carter Park and improving playground surfacing
Installing automatic doors and new signage at the Visitor Center
Lowering or extending counters at Town Hall and the Ashland Theatre
Replacing the Ashland Theatre’s LULA elevator (scheduled 2025)
Pedestrian Network Improvements (2022–2061):
Reconstructing noncompliant curb ramps
Addressing driveway crossings and sidewalk connections
Prioritizing upgrades based on proximity to government buildings, public requests, and safety needs
Ongoing Commitment
The Transition Plan will be reviewed every five years and updated as needed.
Annual updates will track facility and sidewalk improvements.
The ADA Title II Coordinator and Transition Plan Implementation Coordinator will monitor compliance and respond to community feedback.
Contact
For all questions related to this project, please contact:
Travis Wilson
Project Manager
twilson@ashlandva.gov
804-752-6857