Boston, MA – Continuing efforts to better incorporate inclusive design and improve overall accessibility for development, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) board approved updates to the Article 80 Accessibility Checklist.
Developed with the city of Boston’s Disabilities Commission, this document provides a framework of best practices in accessibility for developers undergoing the Article 80 process. According to the 2010 Census, over 77,600 residents self-identify as disabled, in addition to an estimated 1.5 million disabled tourists that Boston welcomes.
First adopted by the BPDA Board in 2014 and last updated in March 2017, the Article 80 Accessibility Checklist asks developers to ensure that accessibility is planned at the beginning of projects, rather than after a design is completed.
The checklist requests preliminary project details that are intended to ensure all individuals have an equal experience that includes the fullest participation in the built environment throughout the proposed buildings and open space. All projects undergoing Small Project and Large Project Review, including all Institutional Master Plan modifications and updates, are required to fill out the checklist before a development project can move forward. The additional updates approved include:
- Additional questions to provide clarity about potential accessibility changes, including entrances and vertical connections
- Additional questions about community benefits that prioritize improvements in the accessibility of transit infrastructure, the public realm and age-friendly features
- Additional suggestions and resources regarding Pilot LEED Credits in Social Innovation, project additions that benefit people with disabilities
- Simplification and minor reorganization of checklist for better clarity
The updated Article 80 Accessibility Checklist can be found on the BPDA’s website, and goes into effect immediately.
