Accessibility SETP (2021)

The Accessibility SETP was finalized in 2021.

NPS photo

View the PEPC project page for the Accessibility SETP

What is the Accessibility SETP?

The Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan is a strategy document that contains findings from a self-evaluation process and specific actions to be taken to improve accessibility in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The narrative document includes a summary of actions and photographs by park areas. The supporting Excel workbook lists specific tasks with associated time frames and implementation strategies. The plan also addresses accessibility-specific park policies, practices, communication, and training needs.

What is the Purpose of the SETP?

The goals of the plan are to document existing park barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities; recommend an effective approach for upgrading facilities, services, activities, and programs; and instill a culture around creating universal access.

Benefits to Visitors

As tasks identified in the SETP are completed, visitors can expect to see improvements including:

• Facilities, as well as numerous programs, services, and activities the park offers will be more universally accessible.
• Experiences such as accessing historic properties, picnicking with family and friends, and learning about the park will be enhanced.
• Visitor center exhibits, films, trail waysides, and all materials that interpret park resources to the public will be provided in formats that allow visitors with disabilities to participate.
• Park programs will be created and delivered for all visitors, including visitors with mild to severe disabilities impacting their mobility, vision, hearing, and/or cognitive abilities.

View examples of accessibility improvement projects below.

 

Q&A

Q: How will the park implement the SETP?
A: The park will complete the tasks identified in the Implementation Strategy Table (IST) through both regular maintenance activities and special projects. Many projects will incorporate multiple tasks and may be funded through park entrance fees (learn more about fee-funded projects). The IST provides specifications to ensure a service, activity, or program meets applicable accessibility requirements. Tasks will also require additional planning, which may include further environmental compliance, reassessment of conditions, and funding identification.

Q: What are the most common improvements identified in the SETP for physical accessibility?
A: Recurring items identified in the plan include steep approaches at restrooms and waysides, a lack of accessible campsites, and steep slopes and missing/inadequate signage at accessible parking areas.

Q: What was not evaluated in this SETP?
A: Due to time and resource constraints, hiking trails were not assessed as part of this effort. However, many trail projects include improvements in accessibility. Most recently, the Bumpass Hell Trail and Boardwalk Rehabilitation Project resulted in improvements to the trail surface, width, and slope of the trail, which improved accessibility for users with visual and mobility impairments. Future projects include improving the Manzanita Lake Trail and gathering and communicating measurements such as slope and grade of park trails.

Q: Who created the Accessibility SETP?
A: The plan is the result of work by an NPS interdisciplinary team, including planning, design, and construction professionals; and interpretation, resource, visitor safety, maintenance, and accessibility specialists.

Q: Where can I learn more about accessibility in parks?
A: NPS.gov offers information about accessibility in Lassen Volcanic and accessibility in the National Park System.

Q: What laws govern accessibility?
A: A number of laws and policies apply to accessibility. Learn more about accessibility laws including ABA, Section 504, and the American with Disabilities Act at NPS.gov.

Q: What is the difference between ABA and ADA?
A: The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968 applies to facilities built or altered with federal funds or leased by the federal government. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a civil rights law enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice. It provides access for people with disabilities by establishing standards for design and construction. The Access Board develops the minimum design guidelines, standards, and construction requirements set forth in the ADA standards as adopted by the Department of Justice. New construction and alteration requirements apply to both private and public entities. Learn more about ABA and ADA differences from the National Institutes of Health.

 

Top to bottom: A family on the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail, a group at Lake Helen picnic area, and a two people reading a sign at Bumpass Hell overlook.

Upcoming Accessibility Improvements

The following actions are included in the Accessibility SETP and are planned to occur in the 2021 summer/fall season.

Devastated Area Trail Improvements
Improve the rock “tactile edge” to help delineate the accessible trail and replace the decomposed granite surface that is slowly migrating off the trail.

Highway and Parking Area Striping
This Federal Highway project includes striping ADA parking sites along the park highway as needed.

Lake Helen Picnic Area
Replace picnic tables with wheelchair-accessible tables and restore pathways to improve accessibility.

Bumpass Hell Parking Area Viewpoint
Improve the footpath down to glacial erratic to increase accessibility.

Water Fountains at Manzanita Lake Campground
Replace nine water fountains with wheelchair-accessible, cement foundations.

Butte Lake Campground
Re-pave and grade site A6 (wheelchair-accessible) and all water fountain approaches. Replace paved surfaces of other campground footpaths.

Walkways at KYVC and Loomis Plaza
Replace 4,000 square feet of deteriorating concrete walkway outside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. The project also includes installation of a hydronic heating system in a four-foot-wide, 150-foot-long section to melting snow and ice in the winter season.