Judge approves Portland wheelchair accessibility sidewalk plan
Final approval was recently given by a federal judge for a $113m settlement whereby the city of Portland would install or repair 18,000 curb ramps over the next 12 years.
The agreement is the result of a suit brought by three individuals with mobility problems seeking equal access to sidewalks for those using walkers, canes, scooters and wheelchairs. The plaintiffs alleged that Portland was not in full compliance with the federally mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Following the passing of the ADA, poster printing order(s) were issued to ensure every business had a copy of its contents to post for employees’ viewing.
Under the settlement approved by U.S. District Judge Hernandez, the city agreed to double the number or ramps installed or fixed each year to 1,500. Priority for ramps will be given to government offices, hospitals, schools, assisted living homes, medical facilities, and assisted living homes.
In addition to its agreement to ‘ramp-up’ its work to make all sidewalks mobility disability-friendly, Portland must pay $5,000 to each plaintiff, as well as their attorney fees amounting to $334,666. The city must also provide a written report each year of its progress in installing and repairing curb ramps.
The Portland agreement comes on the heels of a similar settlement reached in March 2017 by the state’s Department of Transportation whereby $23m was granted to upgrade curb ramps last year and during 2018.
Approximately 35,000 people with a mobility disability live in Portland.
The agreement is the result of a suit brought by three individuals with mobility problems seeking equal access to sidewalks for those using walkers, canes, scooters and wheelchairs. The plaintiffs alleged that Portland was not in full compliance with the federally mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Following the passing of the ADA, poster printing order(s) were issued to ensure every business had a copy of its contents to post for employees’ viewing.
Under the settlement approved by U.S. District Judge Hernandez, the city agreed to double the number or ramps installed or fixed each year to 1,500. Priority for ramps will be given to government offices, hospitals, schools, assisted living homes, medical facilities, and assisted living homes.
In addition to its agreement to ‘ramp-up’ its work to make all sidewalks mobility disability-friendly, Portland must pay $5,000 to each plaintiff, as well as their attorney fees amounting to $334,666. The city must also provide a written report each year of its progress in installing and repairing curb ramps.
The Portland agreement comes on the heels of a similar settlement reached in March 2017 by the state’s Department of Transportation whereby $23m was granted to upgrade curb ramps last year and during 2018.
Approximately 35,000 people with a mobility disability live in Portland.