NEW ROCHELLE, NY — This article is Part IX in an Investigative Series by Talk of the Sound into apparent violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act at New Rochelle schools. Part I of the series is here. The investigation covers exterior issues only. For a detailed explanation of terms and requirements you will want to read our Primer on Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act for Curb Ramps, Access Ramps and Parking Spaces
ADA Compliance Grades: Albert Leonard Middle School:
Accessible Parking: B+
Van-Accessible Parking: A
Curb Ramps: A
Access Ramps: N/A
Overall Grade: A-
Albert Leonard Middle School has one parking lot (there is a sort of “strip mall” parking area next to the Shop area but there are only 5 spots so we will set that aside).
ALMS/Front Parking Lot
There are 173 parking spaces, 8 Accessible Parking Spaces 1 of which is Van-Accessible Parking Space — the only such parking space in the entire District!
Every Accessible Parking Space has an Accessible Parking sign and the Van-Accessible Parking Space has a Van-Accessible sign. Even better, the Access Aisle for Van-Accessible Parking Space is 160 inches wide, far wider than the minimum of 96 inches. Unfortunately, two of the other spaces nearby do not have Access Aisle and the four on the other side do not have any Access Aisles.
That said, Albert Leonard Middle School is the only school in the District that is within striking distance of quickly becoming compliant for parking – and there are a few relatively inexpensive fixes that can make it 100% complaint. If they will take two of the neighboring parking spaces, paint over the existing lines and paint in new parking spaces and access aisles, move the signs a few feet, they will be in compliance.
Albert Leonard Middle School has 4 Curb Ramps, 1 near the Van-Accessible Parking Space, 1 near the Front Door, 1 Near the Cafeteria, 1 near the Shop Parking Lot. All four are complaint in every way.
There are no Access Ramps at Albert Leonard.
Talk of the Sound offered to meet with the District’s ADA/504 Coordinator to review these findings in advance of publication. That offer was declined.
NEXT: ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part X: New Rochelle High School
10-Part Series on Violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act in New Rochelle Schools
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part I: Trinity Elementary School
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part II: Jefferson Elementary School
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part III: Columbus Elementary School
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part IV: Webster Elementary School
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part V: Ward School
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part VI: Barnard Childhood Center
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part VII: Davis Elementary School
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part VIII: Isaac E. Young Middle School
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part IX: Albert Leonard Middle School
ADA Violations in New Rochelle Schools – Part X: New Rochelle High School