This report analyzed physical accessibility in West Springfield, MA, evaluating sidewalks, crosswalks, and public infrastructure through the lens of ADA guidelines. The objective was to translate findings into clear recommendations for local officials to improve community access.
This project was created in Spring 2024 for my Fundamentals of Technical Communication class. For this analytical recommendation report, I researched and analyzed accessibility challenges in my hometown of West Springfield, MA. The project focused on identifying areas where improvements were needed to make public spaces more accessible for individuals with disabilities. This includes an examination of local infrastructure like crosswalks, roadways, and traffic signals. I reviewed local regulations to identify areas lacking proper accessibility, including inaccessible sidewalks, ramps, and other accessibility barriers.
I conducted research on relevant state and federal guidelines on accessibility (like ADA compliance) to identify gaps between current infrastructure and required standards. Based on my findings, I was able to propose actionable recommendations for the city to improve accessibility. These recommendations included updates to sidewalks, crosswalks, and buttons/signage. This project taught me valuable lessons about the intersection between design and accessibility. I was able to gain a strong understanding of ADA guidelines and the importance of implementing them.
However, this project was particularly beneficial for my technical communication degree, as it allowed me to apply key principles of effective communication in a real-world context. Specifically, I was able to practice translating complex information. Accessibility regulations and guidelines can be dense and technical. This project helped me practice translating complex legal and regulatory information into clear, actionable recommendations that could be easily understood by both local officials and the public. I was also able to improve upon problem solving through communication.
This project exemplified how technical communication can be a tool for problem-solving by identifying barriers and crafting solutions that are both feasible and aligned with community needs. I learned to use communication as a way to influence change at the local level.Overall, this project helped solidify my ability to combine technical knowledge with clear, purposeful communication—a crucial skill in the technical communication field.