Mecklenburg County Celebrates the 34th ADA Anniversary and Improved Access

Two individuals riding an accessible bicycle.

This July, Mecklenburg County will join government agencies across the country in celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This important legislation was signed into civil rights law on July 26, 1990, by George H. W. Bush and ensures equal access to opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this includes discrimination in "employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government programs and services.” 

The ADA benefits everyone by creating a more inclusive environment. Since the ADA became law, everything from auditory and visual announcements on public transportation to accessible seating at movie theaters has improved experiences for individuals with disabilities. 

In July, Mecklenburg County will be highlighting accessibility enhancements and providing helpful ADA resources and tools available to the community. Highlights include multi-year evaluation of all Park and Recreation programs and facilities to better ensure access, the unveiling of a new ADA-focused MeckNC.gov website, and the addition of interactive public signage at high-volume customer service facilities throughout the County.  

Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan 
Park and Recreation has worked on a comprehensive self-evaluation and transition plan to provide all community members with equitable opportunities for inclusion and involvement. This multi-year process included the review and remediation of items in 818 physical assets (to include parks, greenways, recreation and natures centers, and playgrounds). Additionally, 24,608 programs were evaluated with recommendations in the following program areas (to include youth sports, summer day camps, aquatics, and senior services). This evaluation process and transition plan will allow the community easier access to facilities and resources. 

Website 
This summer, an enhanced website dedicated to providing ADA-specific information launched. It includes information such as:  

  • The County’s ADA services listed by department and topic 
  • A resource guide sharing County and community partner information 
  • Online forms to request ADA assistance, American Sign Language (ASL) or Braille, share an accessibility concern, or file a complaint 
  • Links to important County ADA related policies 

Signage 
Interactive public signage will be posted at various County locations to assist in accessing the MeckNC.gov ADA website. It will include an embedded QR code to access County ADA services, programs, and resource guides.