Help Gig Harbor Become More ADA Accessible

GIG HARBOR, WA — The City of Gig Harbor is hoping to make itself more friendly to residents with disabilities, but it needs the public's help to do it.

According to a recent news release from the city, Gig Harbor is developing an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Self-Assessment and Transition Plan. The plan will eventually become a comprehensive document outlining multiple changes, but to start with the city is focused on fixing ADA barriers like inaccessible curb ramps, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings.

"The City of Gig Harbor is committed to providing equal access to its public right-of-way facilities for all citizens including those with disabilities," the city said.

Later updates to the plan will include changes to driveways, the City building, park and trail facilities. But before that, the city really wants to deal with curb concerns, so they've launched an online survey asking residents to identify ADA access barriers that need to be solved right now. The survey should only take a few minutes and will help the city decide which problems are a priority for changes.

Residents are also invited to attend an upcoming City Council meeting on Nov. 22, which will further develop the ADA Transition Plan.

The city says it particularly values input from:

• Individuals with disabilities.
• Senior citizens.
• Residents who are friends or family members of an individual with disabilities.
• Groups that provide services to individuals with disabilities.
• Anyone with experience and knowledge of ADA planning and requirements.

>>Learn more about the Public Right-of-Way ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan from the City of Gig Harbor.