SDOT started planning the first ever comprehensive survey of Seattle’s sidewalks in December 2016 – and we are almost done! As of August 24, 2017, we’ve inspected 95% of the city’s sidewalks! This sidewalk assessment project is just one piece of the puzzle in implementing the City of Seattle Pedestrian Master… [ Keep reading ]
SDOT, other transportation agencies, and accessibility professionals recently got together to learn about and discuss the needs of people living with vision disabilities at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Innovative Street Design and Accessibility Workshop. It was a learning opportunity that included a forum discussion on how street and bike lane design can… [ Keep reading ]
You probably know that curb ramps help people travel from the sidewalk down to the street crossing, particularly people living with disabilities and those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. But did you know, if you are living with a disability, you can request to have curb ramps installed… [ Keep reading ]
We recently completed street and sidewalk reconstruction on 23rd Avenue from S Jackson Street north to E John Street as part of the first phase of the 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project and we were invited to observe a local deaf-blind person walk part of the improved corridor. Alberto Gonzales, who lives in… [ Keep reading ]
You may have seen or heard about the yellow detectable warning strips that SDOT installs at the bottom of curb ramps and at transit platforms. The “yellow bumps” (truncated domes) on the detectable warning surface help provide important tactile information to people that have limited or no vision. Did you know that… [ Keep reading ]
Most people are aware of devices that help people with mobility disabilities get around – like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. But did you know other technologies are being used or developed that can also help people get to where they need to go? One example is called a Miniguide. A… [ Keep reading ]
You may wonder why some of the newer push buttons at street crossings make noises, talk to you, and even vibrate. These devices are known as Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), and are designed to help people living with sight and/or hearing impairments to cross the street. People that are blind… [ Keep reading ]
Every year, SDOT builds or replaces 500-1,000 curb ramps to increase access for people using our sidewalks and crosswalks, especially those with wheelchairs or other mobility devices. In late 2016, we held a public meeting and online survey to gather feedback on where ramps are needed most and how they… [ Keep reading ]
SDOT has launched a new online tool that provides valuable information for people using Seattle sidewalks, curb ramps, and street crossings. This tool is the City of Seattle Curb Ramp Map and Accessible Route Planner. It’s updated daily with data that can help people better plan their routes, particularly those of us… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle strives to make city programs, services, and activities equally accessible to all. Features such as curb ramps, ramps, sidewalks, detectable warnings and street crossings are components of an accessible pedestrian network. Curb ramps are an important part of helping many people where they need to go…. [ Keep reading ]
