The City of Madison has updated its American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, and the revised plan is now open for public review and comment. Over the past year, the Department of Civil Rights and various city agencies have collaborated to identify access barriers in city programs, facilities, and public rights-of-way.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway emphasized the importance of this initiative: “This an important step to ensuring all our residents can participate and engage with their local government.” She highlighted Madison’s history of promoting accessibility and noted that updating the ADA Transition Plan honors that legacy.
Although there is no mandate for cities to update their ADA Transition Plans, Madison has chosen to do so to better serve its residents. Rebecca Hoyt, Disability Rights and Services Specialist, stated: “We recognize that collaboration with residents with disabilities is an important part of developing an effective ADA Transition Plan and a more inclusive, equitable, and thriving Madison.”
To aid in this effort, the city worked with Access to Independence—a local disability-led organization—to assess and update the public right-of-way section of the plan. The revised plan aims for full ADA compliance while incorporating suggestions from residents at the 2023 Disability Summit.
Public comments on the proposed ADA Transition Plan are invited from June 24 through August 23, 2025. The City will host virtual sessions on different aspects of accessibility:
– Programs, Services, Activities, and Employment on July 9th
– Public Right of Way on July 16th
– Public Facilities and Web/Digital Accessibility on July 23rd
These sessions are designed to answer questions and gather community feedback before presenting the final plan to the Common Council in September 2025.
As July marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act—a law requiring public entities like Madison to ensure accessibility—the city encourages input from disabled residents and disability-led organizations.
For further information or requests for accommodations or translations regarding this initiative, contact RHoyt@cityofmadison.com or LAP@cityofmadison.com. Questions can be directed to ADA Coordinator Rebecca Hoyt at RHoyt@cityofmadison.com or by calling 608-266-6511.
