Project Description:
This section summarizes the scope of the review by providing a list of key activities and deliverables provided to FODO by Indiana Universitys Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands under Indiana Universitys GSA Contract. The National Center on Accessibility at the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands (EPLY) and National Park Service (NPS) leaders at FODO will collaborate to accomplish
the following:
Project plan: The EPLY team will develop a project plan with accompanying timeline for completing the accessibility consultation that includes a walk-through detailed analysis of all/most park-wide locations. The project plan will describe team roles and responsibilities and deliverables. It will also identify assumptions, constraints, dependencies, risks, and issues, and provide high level schedule and budget information. EPLY and the NPS FODO will provide signatures on the final agreed upon project plan. Duration of the contract is forecast at 180 days but may be contingent upon national, state, and/or local ordinances for pandemic or other emergency response measures.
Logistics: EPLY staff will arrange site visits for walk through accessibility barrier analysis (with park staff documenting the major findings in each location) plus the identification of several areas (3-4) for detailed evaluation and reporting. The areas identified for detailed reporting will fit a set of criteria related to visitor use, impact on individuals with disabilities, timeline, and financial investment considerations, etc.
On-site evaluation of identified areas: A minimum of two members of the EPLY team will lead the on-site review of identified areas. The evaluation will occur over a 3-day period. The review will generally include investigation of barriers to facilities, site orientation and interpretive opportunities (e.g., exhibits and publications), relevant policies, and public-facing activities and services, unless otherwise specified.
EPLY reviews: The EPLY team will ensure accessibility barriers and recommendations for the identified high use/high impact areas are documented, reviewing the park staff documentation for edit/revision.
. FODO requirements: Staff from FODO will provide all necessary access to identified areas and guide the EPLY team through the site for the purpose of describing the uses of various facilities and visitor opportunities therein. Park staff will assist the EPLY team to access key areas. The EPLY team will demonstrate and instruct basic access review techniques to park staff. Staff from FODO will document accessibility barriers, highlight accessible features (to be publicized on the park website and communications for trip planning), and relevant discussion through field notes.
Synthesis of findings and report writing: Accessibility barriers identified in the previous step will be compiled by staff from EPLY. Upon conclusion of the on-site evaluation, a series of virtual meetings (3 to 5, 60-minute meetings anticipated) will be necessary to discuss findings and recommendations. Park staff will be involved in identifying short term, mid-term, and long-term accessibility issues to be addressed. The report will cover a summary of the accessibility barrier review process, the barriers to participation identified during the on-site review, and the proposed recommendations for barrier removal that emerge from discussions between EPLY, and FODO staff. Staff from FODO will have an opportunity to review and comment on the report before final delivery. When possible, people with disabilities or local accessibility organizations will be involved in the planning process.
Publication: The final report will be distributed electronically. This report will be full-color and cobranded by the EPLY, the National Accessibility Program, and National Park Service. FODO is encouraged to utilize the document to address accessibility needs internally and/or collaboratively with local disability stakeholders, advocates, and community members. This awareness and grassroots involvement are essential to affect meaningful change and produce quality, accessible experiences for visitors with disabilities. All documents will be 508 compliant.
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
