Accessibility & Purchasing Requirements
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Federal law that requires agencies to make public facilities accessible.
- Agencies must ensure equal access to services and communications
- Operable parts must be usable with one hand
- Must not require more than 5 lbs force to operate
Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG)
Technical standards that cover pedestrian access to public rights of way.
- APS must be provided at all street crossings with pedestrian signals
- Crosswalks must be upgraded to APS whenever the signal controller and software are altered, or the signal head is replaced
- APS and push buttons must comply with MUTCD sections 4E.08 – 4E.13
Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Guidance and standards for traffic control devices on public roadways.
- APS must clearly indicate which crossing is served by each device
- Must feature both audible and vibrotactile walk indications
- Must have a locator tone that beeps for .15 seconds or less, and repeat at 1-second intervals
Build America Buy America Act (BABA)
Federal purchasing requirement tied to infrastructure funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
- Iron, steel, and manufactured products must be produced in the United States
- Applies to all federally funded transportation and infrastructure projects
- Compliance is required to maintain eligibility for federal reimbursement and funding
APPLYING APS STANDARDS WITH CONFIDENCE
A practical guide for agencies planning accessible pedestrian systems.
Meeting accessibility standards is only the starting point. Successful APS deployment requires understanding how requirements from Americans with Disabilities Act, Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices come together at real intersections, across different layouts, traffic conditions, and pedestrian needs.
The Ultimate APS Application Guide is designed for agencies and practitioners who are ready to move beyond definitions and into implementation. It clarifies when APS are required, where they should be installed, how different configurations affect usability, and what to consider as standards continue to evolve.
Use this guide to plan, specify, and apply APS solutions with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
