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Log CM for AICP

Innovation Snapshot

Emerging and Evolving Technology

Fostering Accessibility Through a Digital Planning Process

Monday, April 27, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM CT
Location: HPCC, Room 142A-C
CM: .5
Division Endorsement: Transportation Planning Division
In 2026, 28 CFR Part 35 Subpart H (the U.S. Department of Justice regulation under the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] focused on web and mobile access for public entities) requirements will go into effect. This presentation introduces the legislation, presents available technology for creating ADA-accessible planning documents, and offers an innovative digital approach to ADA accessibility.

The ADA needs to be incorporated early into the planning document process, so understanding the elements of Subpart H is key. Presenters explain Subpart H and what it mandates for public agencies receiving federal funding.

Learn how to ensure that original documents are compliant. Starting projects through the lens of ADA compliance facilitates document development. See how to integrate ADA long before publishing a document online by using word-processing applications that offer ADA checkers.

Using the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) M-37 Improvement Project environmental assessment (EA) as a case study, presenters show an innovative way to make complex, public-facing documents ADA accessible. MDOT used PlanEngage, a national-award-winning online platform, to transform the EA into an interactive, web-based experience. Leave with a deeper understanding of Subpart H and what makes a document ADA compliant.
Closed Captioning

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the needs and challenges of more engaging and accessible planning in response to 28 CFR Part 35, Subpart H: Web and Mobile Accessibility.
  • Collect ideas on addressing evolving federal accessibility standards in the planning process.
  • Develop solutions using lessons learned from various ADA software to foster a more accessible and transparent planning process to better engage communities.