New CDAP Program Helps Communities Comply With ADA Regulations

Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act has signaled the beginning of a nationwide effort to ensure that disabled people have equal access to programs and services. But, for many smaller communities, structural modifications necessary to open City Hall or other facilities to the disabled places a high burden on already cash-strapped city coffers.

Recognizing this need, the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) has earmarked $2 million of its 1993 Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) funds for a new Removal of Architectural Barriers Program. The program's goal is to help eligible communities make the structural improvements necessary to ensure that municipal buildings and facilities are accessible.

Only units of local government — cities, villages, townships or counties — may apply for funding. "Municipalities must have populations of 50,000 or less and must not be located within one of the six large urban counties (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Madison and St. Clair) that receive funding directly from the federal government.

Applicants must develop a formal action plan that inventories all of the local government's buildings, assesses the barriers that currently exist, and identifies workable solutions to bring the buildings into ADA compliance. Several activities may qualify for funding. Widening doorways, adding ramps and handrails, modifying restroom facilities and adding appropriate signs are all examples of eligible activities.

Grants are intended to fund those improvements for which there are no other available alternatives. Applications will be judged competitively, with the maximum grant totaling $150,000.

Communities seeking further information about the program may contact DCCA's Eileen Denham at 217/785-6142. The deadline to submit applications for this year's awards is 5:00 p.m. on December 1, 1993. •

October 1993 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 11