Denton's Committee on Persons with Disabilities made significant strides in addressing accessibility issues during their recent meeting on July 17, 2025. A key focus was the development of an annual work plan aimed at removing barriers outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan. The committee emphasized the importance of integrating this plan into departmental budgets, urging departments to prioritize the removal of at least one barrier each year.

The committee reported that there are approximately 9,000 barriers identified in the ADA transition plan. They plan to assess progress by August, providing a report on how many barriers have been addressed. This proactive approach aims to enhance accessibility across the city, ensuring that improvements are not only planned but also implemented effectively.

In addition to the work plan, the committee is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the National Highway Institute (NHI) to provide department-specific ADA training. This training will equip city staff with the necessary skills to address accessibility issues more effectively.

The meeting also highlighted the creation of an ADA dashboard, which will track the implementation status of various projects. This tool will visually represent compliance levels, using color coding to indicate whether facilities and sidewalks are compliant or noncompliant. This transparency aims to keep the public informed about the city’s progress in removing barriers.

Overall, the committee's efforts reflect a commitment to improving accessibility for all Denton residents. As they move forward with these initiatives, the community can expect to see tangible improvements in accessibility and inclusivity throughout the city.