News Updates

Accessible Public Engagement Training for local governments receives APA Illinois award

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) Accessible Public Engagement Training received the Advancing Diversity & Social Change award from the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-IL).

Developed in partnership with MUSE Community + Design, the training was designed to build the capacity of local governments, community organizations, and planners to create more inclusive and welcoming spaces for participation. It covered the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

More than 100 participants learned how to proactively plan for accessibility accommodations, create inclusive spaces — both virtual and in-person — and design engagement strategies that meet the needs of community members with disabilities. At the end of the session, participants signed an accessibility pledge.

Accompanying training materials position ADA Title II regulations as the baseline, with guidance for how to go above and beyond to make sure people with disabilities feel welcomed and fully able to participate.

Find a recording of the training and other resources on CMAP’s accessibility resources page.