We want to hear from you! Residents invited to complete accessibility survey as part of ADA Transition Plan Update

Furthering its commitment to accessibility, the Town of Wake Forest is in the process of updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan.

The ADA Transition Plan is a comprehensive approach to improving access for individuals with disabilities to Town facilities, parks, programs, services, activities, and events. Aligning with Goal 3 of the Town’s Strategic Plan, it is an important part of Wake Forest’s continued efforts to welcome and serve all members of the community.

“The Town of Wake Forest believes that all Town facilities, programs, and services should be accessible to all members of the community,” said Facilities Director – ADA Coordinator Mickey Rochelle. “While we are continuously working on improving accessibility, an updated Transition Plan will help us benchmark where we are now and develop a roadmap for where we can be in the future.”

Citizen input is a crucial part of the ADA Transition Plan process. Individuals with disabilities, along with patrons, family members, caregivers, organizations, and agencies that support individuals with disabilities, and interested individuals are invited to visit https://engagewakeforest.org/ada-transition-plan and complete the Community Engagement Survey to share their thoughts and opinions on accessibility to Town programs, services, activities, and facilities. The survey is available through Thursday, Nov. 30, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

“We are committed to making Wake Forest accessible to all members of the community, whether it’s our pedestrian areas or Town facilities,” said Rochelle. “We encourage all members of the community to participate in this process.”

The Transition Plan process will involve an accessibility barrier self-assessment of Town-owned right-of-way (ROW), facilities, parks, programs, and services. A review of the accessibility of the Town website will also be included. Comprising approximately 200 miles of sidewalk, the ROW assessment will begin in the fall, with facilities and park assessments starting later in 2023 and into 2024.

Wake Forest has contracted with Precision Infrastructure Management (PIM), a consulting firm with extensive experience in ADA-related projects, to perform, manage, and draft the final ADA Transition Plan with close Town support. Anyone wishing to communicate with PIM and offer additional feedback is encouraged to email PIM Managing Partner Charlie Szold at [email protected].