How can we help make historic buildings more accessible?

Many old cities have beautiful cobblestone streets and stunning staircases, like something right out of a fairytale. But in the midst of appreciating the amazing architecture, it can be easy to overlook the lack of accessibility within parts of urban planning. This brings up a difficult but important question: How do we preserve the past while also making way for a better, more accessible future?

Inaccessible urban spaces can be a barrier for older adults. However, there is also an argument for the importance of history, which the public, including many of the communities who are also directly impacted by these barriers, considers valuable.

It can be difficult to know exactly what to do when you recognize urban planning that does not meet ADA guidelines, or that has not been altered in efforts to preserve history. Below are some steps you can take to know what to look for and who to contact, and what ways you can make a difference in your community to make it more accessible for older adults.

"Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone’s potential.” - Debra Ruh

ADA Guidelines 101 

At almost 300 pages, the official guidelines on ADA compliance for accessibility can be quite extensive. For the average citizen, there are a few key points you can keep in mind when trying to spot inaccessible design in your own city:

• Are the sidewalks accessible for wheelchairs or other mobility devices, or is there a drop-off ledge that a person would need to step up to?

• Does a building have wheelchair ramps or elevators, or some other design that provides an inclined ramp instead of steps?

• Do the bathrooms have support railing and are the sinks low enough for someone using a mobility device to use?

• Is there frequent and reliable, accessible public transportation?

• Do building entrances have buttons for automatic door openings?

• Are there accessible parking options close to building entrances?

• Do building and informational signs also include braille?

ADA Compliance

Once you are aware of a lack of ADA compliance, one step is to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, which you can find information on here. This complaint form exists due to ADA being a federal law, so notifying a federal office can be an appropriate step to take in certain situations. This step could be a more broad option that would allow you to notify the government without being more involved yourself.

However, if you would like to be more involved, local government is another path that can be used to create change. Using your local government website, you can search to find city planners within your local government along with contact information. Once you know who to contact and their information, you can start a discussion on your concerns and they can direct you to a more appropriate resource if your concern does not fall under their responsibilities. 

Historic Preservation

Historic preservation of buildings and other urban spaces is important to remembering history, and is a value many older adults hold. Contrary to what some might have heard, historic sites are not exempt from ADA compliance.

While the changes being made may take longer and are made with different intentions, if a historic property is not following ADA compliance it is breaking federal law. A case can be made to a State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) if it is believed that the cultural or historic significance of a site is too precious to alter, however there must be accessibility to the site in some other format such as audio-visual programs. The National Parks Department has reviewed ADA guidelines and has provided some points to keep in mind when balancing ADA compliance with historic preservation:

• Are new changes reversible? For example, if a ramp or other change is added and later taken away, will it damage the historic structure or can the original structure remain intact with a simple addition of a ramp or other change?

• What parts of a historic place cannot be altered or compromised, and what can?

• Are door knobs traditional knobs or lever-handles? Lever-handles are typically more accessible if possible to include or replace the handles.

• For aspects of historic sites that cannot be altered, such as the inability to add an elevator within a multi-level building, what other routes can be taken to make the space inclusive?

In sum, taking the time to educate yourself on ADA accessibility and looking for it in your local community can be a great way to give back and make your city more inclusive for older adults.

— Missy Roney