Category: Public Policy

Rails to Trails Conservancy partnered with the American Hiking Society, American Trails, the League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes and the Safe Routes to School Partnership —representing national, state and local advocacy organizations, local elected officials, and businesses—for a federal letter supporting trails, walking and biking. The letter calls on Congress to include a fortified Transportation Alternatives program. It also asks Congress to maintain broad eligibility for trails, walking and bicycling across transportation programs, as well as existing provisions for safe walking and bicycling, in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.
The coalition is encouraging individuals, public and private organizations to share the final version of this letter with local members of Congress to increase visibility and showcase the nationwide demand for programs and policies that support walking, biking and trail infrastructure. You can find the letter and more information about how to engage Congress here.

The Burlington County Commissioners are seeking the public’s input on county parks, regional trails, parks programs and how residents would like to see open space funds invested.

Burlington County residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in an online survey about county parks, trails, recreational facilities and programs, open space and other needs. There are 41 questions in the survey. Most questions are related to existing Burlington County Parks and community programs. There are also questions about future investments and Burlington County’s passive and active recreation needs.

All responses will remain anonymous, and the feedback will be used as part of an update to Burlington County’s Open Space and Recreation Plan.

To complete the survey, visit Burlington County Open Space & Recreational Needs Assessment

Here is a recording of a conversation with Craig Ismaili, a staff attorney with Disability Rights NJ, and his colleague Regina Smith. The presentation summarized the relevant regulations regarding inclusion and accessibility for vision impairments, deaf or hard of hearing, sensory processing disorders, and anxiety. They highlighted examples from across the country and brainstormed best practices for increasing accessibility and enjoyment of outdoor spaces in NJ in relation to these disability concerns. Finally, attendees reviewed considerations and tips to begin the conversation about accessibility in their own space.

When so much communication with the public and with colleagues involves technology, it takes thoughtful consideration to make sure what you are saying is received by your intended audience. In this presentation, Joe Zesski, Program Manager of the Northeast ADA Center, will discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it applies to the communications of state/local government as well as businesses and nonprofits. He will particularly focus on the requirement to provide effective communication to individuals with disabilities and what that means in the digital space.

Mr. Zesski will review what makes electronic communication most accessible to the most number of individuals. He will provide best practice strategies and tips for achieving accessibility in documents, presentations, social media, and other forms of electronic communication. Time will be set aside for questions and answers.