Sedgwick County to focus on accessibility projects at courthouse, park

Accessibility advocates say Sedgwick County should focus on improving access at the courthouse and parks after funding to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act was cut in half.

The issue: The ADA is a landmark 1990 federal law intended to protect people with disabilities from discrimination and enable them to participate fully in the workforce and their communities. Sedgwick County has a 10-year plan, started in 2008, that aims to remove barriers for the disabled in county-owned buildings and properties.

The county’s funding: The plan was to originally spend $494,032 on ADA improvements for 2016. But former county manager William Buchanan recommended that that amount be cut in half in June. The budget passed in August allocated $247,016 to spend on ADA improvements next year.

The Wichita/Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board made recommendations on Wednesday about what the county should prioritize given the budget cut.

What the county should focus on: More accessible restrooms, drinking fountains, public computer areas, doors, ramps, handrails, phones, counters and coat racks at the Sedgwick County Courthouse in downtown Wichita. More accessible shelters and picnic areas at Sedgwick County Park in west Wichita. An improvement to the computer areas of an adult correction facility. Board members wanted to focus projects on facilities most used by the public.

What would be delayed: Parking and other improvements to four separate Emergency Medical Service posts. Facility work, like restrooms, at Comcare and EMS administrative buildings. A public computer area and clearer path of travel at the historic courthouse downtown. Exit signs for the blind at Lake Afton Park.

What’s next: County staff will work on these projects during 2016.

This story was originally published October 28, 2015 at 6:35 PM with the headline "Sedgwick County to focus on accessibility projects at courthouse, park."