Canton Aims To Improve Pedestrian Access For Disabled

Town of Canton

CANTON, CT — The town is looking to determine what must be done to ensure its public pedestrian areas are properly accessible to those who are physically disabled.

Recently, the Town of Canton announced it is starting an "ADA Transition Plan."

The goal, town officials said, is to begin addressing accessibility within the town’s pedestrian right-of-ways.

"This plan marks the start of a comprehensive process to identify and prioritize areas that need upgrades to meet ADA standards," wrote the Town of Canton in a release.

"This effort is a critical first step towards making sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb ramps compliant with theAmericans with Disabilities Act."

Officials said work assessing problem areas in town will begin "in the coming weeks" and is expected to conclude shortly after.

This process will involve identifying areas where upgrades and modifications are needed to meet ADA standards.

“We are committed to making Canton a community where everyone, regardless of ability, can safely navigate our public spaces,” said Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos in a statement. “This ADA Transition Plan will ensure that our pedestrian infrastructure is accessible for all.”

“Our goal is to create a plan that reflects the needs of our entire community,” said ADA Coordinator Neil Pade. “This is a critical step towards ensuring that everyone has equal access to public spaces in Canton.”

Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to share their feedback and experiences regarding accessibility in the town via a town survey.

A community survey is available here: Canton, CT: ADA Transition Plan Community Engagement Survey (precisioninfrastructuremgmt.com). For more information, contact Pade at npade@townofcantonct.org.