Where access and opportunity meet.

Rural businesses often lack wheelchair access. Creates liability for covered properties Makes businesses, downtown districts and

communities less inviting Undermines downtown marketing efforts Excludes potential customers Limits tourism

Observation

1. It’s the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act covers many retail, commercial and public spaces. Violations can be costly.

2. Individuals with mobility impairments, along with family members, friends, coworkers and travel companions, are potential customers.

3. We are all seniors in training. As Baby Boomers and our parents age, the percentage of Americans with some type of mobility impairment increases dramatically.

4. Businesses can’t afford to turn away customers.

Why it matters

Make Idaho’s rural business districts more accessible and welcoming to all customers

Develop productive partnerships Create opportunity Pursue simple, cost-effective solutions Where possible, use available resources Reduce risk Increase awareness of access barriers in

housing, public spaces, retail and recreation

Goals

Who’s involved?Partners

Federal Highway Administration

HUD

Idaho Rural Partnership

Idaho Transportation Department

Idaho Housing and Finance Association

Idaho Department of Commerce

Living Independence Network Corporation (LINC)

Northwest ADA Center

Small Business Administration

Audience

Individuals with short- or long-term mobility impairment

Small businesses and property owners/managers

Civic, nonprofit and faith-based organizations

State and local government

Construction trade and vocational organizations

State and local highway districts

Chamber and civic organizations

Access and ADA compliance Downtown revitalization Economic and community development Job creation Recreation, tourism and historic preservation Universal Design principles in housing and

community infrastructure Reduced liability, safer communities Cost savings

Shared goals

What is a barrier?

To some, it’s just a step.

To a wheelchair user, it’s a sign that says:“We don’t want your business.”

Unless every potential customer has one of these:

You’re going to want something like this:

Solutions?

What are current legal requirements for rural downtown private businesses?◦ See FAQs for Business Owners at◦ http://adata.org/faq-page/2

What about historic districts/structures?

Covered businesses must make ‘readily achievable’ modifications that do not fundamentally alter historic features.

Who is covered?

Custom ramp – one approach

Estimate from local shop:◦3/16 aluminum tread, or diamond plate

◦36in. x 36in./18in. x 36in. x 3.5in. (closed)

◦Materials and fabrication only

◦Single prototype @ $727ea.

◦Five identical units @ $463ea.

Custom ramp - costs

Suitcase/Rollaway Ramps = $75 to $400.

w/ handrails $500 and up

Portable ramps

Variable sizes and cost. Permanent footprint.

Permanent ramp/entry

Permanent ramps are preferred. Permanent ramps require dedicated space. Temporary/portable ramps require setup

for each use. Possible tripping hazards for those with

visual impairment (and general public) Historic impacts

Ramp Considerations

DOJ/USDA/HUD-CDBG/SBA Access Deduction* (Sect. 190) < $15K Access Credit* (Sect. 44) 50% of costs between $250 and $10,250 for ‘eligible’ small businesses (gross receipts < $1M)

Businesses/Chambers ITD ‘Cash for Towns’ (district-specific) Gem Grants Regional Economic Development Assoc. Crowdfunding*Must meet Access Board reg. 1.190-1

Potential Funding

Blue Path / www.blue-path.com Access Board / www.access-board.gov National Center on Accessibility /

www.ncaonline.org Ramps /

www.inclusionsolutions.com/access-ramps.html

Historic / www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief32.htm

www.rampupidaho.org

Resources

Ramp up…and see new business roll in.