News Release

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Seeks Public Input on Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan

NPS Photo / Junelle Lawry

News Release Date: September 23, 2020

Contact: Alex Patterson, Facility Manager, [phone]

Contact: Tracy Fortmann, Superintendent, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, [phone]

Beginning October 1, 2020, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (NHS) will be seeking public input on a Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. As part of the planning process, the National Park Service is seeking public comment on the draft plan. Your participation is appreciated and important to our planning process.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, an interdisciplinary team, including park and regional staff, worked together in a three-day meeting canvassing the entire national park. Through this on-site process, the team identified the key park experiences and evaluated park areas to determine which areas would be evaluated for accessibility needs. The team then developed implementation strategies for improving the accessibility at each location within the national park. The goal of this plan is to guide changes in the manner in which existing services, activities, and programs are provided in multiple locations throughout Fort Vancouver NHS by defining what barriers limit accessibility and providing recommendations on how they can be modified or removed to increase accessibility for all users.

Fort Vancouver NHS would like your input on the draft plan. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no public meetings will occur, but the public is invited to comment through the park's planning, environment and public comment website beginning October 1 through October 31, 2020. Your input continues to be important to the planning process and will help us as we work to ensure Fort Vancouver NHS is more accessible to all visitors. The National Park Service values your interest in and support of Fort Vancouver NHS, and we look forward to your participation in this planning process.

Fort Vancouver NHS will also be reaching out to local accessibility-focused groups and organizations to seek further input on this draft plan.

If you would like to provide input about the Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, please submit your comments by visiting the project planning website here.

For more information, please call Facility Manager Alex Patterson at [phone].