Rochester invites residents to share feedback and ideas on the city’s new ADA transition plan

Rochester, New York – Residents in Rochester are being asked to help shape a key accessibility plan that will guide how the city removes barriers and improves mobility for people with disabilities in the years ahead.

The City of Rochester has opened a public feedback period for its draft Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. Officials say the document is intended to outline how the city will identify obstacles and take practical steps to make public spaces easier and safer to use for everyone.

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An online public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m., giving residents an opportunity to review the draft and share their thoughts directly with city representatives. Leaders say community input is an important part of the process, especially from individuals who rely on accessible infrastructure in their daily lives.

The proposed plan focuses on improving access within the city’s right-of-way. This includes areas that people use every day, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops, and other pedestrian spaces. By addressing physical barriers in these locations, officials hope to make travel across the city more inclusive and more predictable for residents and visitors with disabilities.

City planners describe the document as more than a technical requirement. Federal law mandates that municipalities develop ADA transition plans, but local leaders say the effort is also about fairness and long-term planning. The plan is designed to serve as a roadmap, helping Rochester prioritize improvements, allocate resources, and move steadily toward equal access.

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Accessibility will also be built into the public meeting itself. American Sign Language interpreters will be present during the online session to ensure that participants who are deaf or hard of hearing can fully engage in the discussion. Officials noted that additional accommodations can be arranged upon request for those who need them.

Residents who cannot attend the meeting are still encouraged to review the draft and submit feedback. City staff say comments from the public will help refine the final version of the plan before it is formally adopted.

Ultimately, officials say the goal is simple but significant: to create a city where public spaces work for everyone. By inviting residents to share their experiences and ideas, Rochester leaders hope the final plan will reflect real needs while laying the groundwork for a more accessible future.