Ensuring everyone in the region has equal access to opportunity Accessibility is vital to creating an inclusive and thriving region. Everyone in northeastern Illinois — including people with disabilities — needs to be able to get to work or school, visit family and friends, access the goods and services they need, and enjoy all the region has to offer — dining, shopping, arts, sports, and recreation. Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities must have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from government programs, services, and activities — which applies to state agencies, villages, cities, counties, schools, park and special purpose districts, transit agencies, colleges and universities, community colleges, libraries, and even museums that operate with public funds. While the ADA has been in place for over three decades, many communities struggle with compliance due to a lack of resources and coordinated guidance. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is working to improve accessibility across the region, not only because it benefits those with disabilities, but because it benefits everyone. Why the region should continue to improve accessibility Accessibility creates opportunity and economic benefits Transportation is a literal route to opportunity, connecting residents to jobs, education, and services. But people with disabilities face barriers when moving around the region. Accessible communities are welcoming to everyone — residents, visitors, and shoppers. People with disabilities in the U.S. have about $500 billion in annual disposable income, which they are more likely to spend in communities that are accessible to them. Many people have, or will have, disabilities The region’s senior population is projected to increase by 2050, and a higher proportion of aging residents will require unique mobility services and greater access to healthcare. One-third of Americans over age 65 experience a disability that limits their mobility — and disability can affect any of us, at any time. Everyone benefits Accessibility improvements don’t just benefit those with disabilities. They make it easier for everyone to live their daily lives. For example, curb cuts at sidewalk corners — originally intended for people using wheelchairs — make trips easier for parents with strollers, children on bikes, and people rolling luggage. How CMAP can help CMAP equips local governments — and other stakeholders, like contractors, engineers, elected officials, etc. — with the resources they need to improve accessibility and comply with the ADA: technical assistance to create ADA transition plans; support with appointing ADA coordinators, completing self-evaluations, and creating transition plans; and ADA Title II templates to help local governments meet legal requirements and promote accessibility CMAP’s accessibility trainings and resources are available at in-person workshops as well as a library of materials that include video recordings (with captions and ASL interpretation) and materials covering the following topics: Illinois Accessibility Code ADA and Title II ADA coordinators ADA self-evaluations and design standards ADA transition plans Public Right-of-Way accessibility guidelines What does ON TO 2050 say? ON TO 2050, the region’s long-range plan, was built on the principle of principle of inclusive growth. Despite our region’s many assets, we fall short of ensuring economic opportunity for all through longstanding transportation, housing, and economic challenges. Northeastern Illinois cannot thrive if people are left behind, which is why ON TO 2050 includes strategies to improve access to public rights of way, create accessible housing, and invest in career pathway programs that improve accessibility for people with disabilities. What is the region doing today? The region experienced significant increases and positive change towards transforming accessibility in northeastern Illinois. Between December 2022 and June 2026, municipal ADA compliance in the region increased: 28% for grievance procedures 35% for notices of rights under the ADA 37% for self-evaluations 48% for transition plans 310% for ADA coordinators And through the annual call for projects, more than a dozen communities in the region will receive technical assistance to develop an ADA public right-of-way transition plan. These plans will identify accessibility barriers along existing sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, on-street parking, and crosswalks. On this page Why the region should continue to improve accessibilityHow CMAP can helpWhat does ON TO 2050 say? Click to read ADA Resources Click to read ADA Resources Click to read Community Data Snapshots Regional spotlight Click to read Five communities complete plans for more accessible streets and sidewalks Click to read Five communities complete plans for more accessible streets and sidewalks Click to read CMAP awards technical assistance to 26 communities across northeastern Illinois Click to read Measuring sidewalk accessibility Click to read Accessibility in action across the region CMAP Update Newsletter sign-up Opens in a modal ON TO 2050 related recommendations Click to read Support development of compact, walkable communities Community Click to read Leverage the transportation network to promote inclusive growth Mobility Click to read Harness technology to improve travel and anticipate future impacts Mobility Click to read Prioritize pathways for upward economic mobility Prosperity