Bluffton Battalion Chief Edenfield to retire after decades of service

Bluffton and Hilton Head Island continue to take steps to make both towns more accessible to residents and visitors with disabilities, with each working through its respective Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-assessment and transition plan.

As Bluffton and Hilton Head Island make improvements to existing town-owned buildings and infrastructure, officials in both towns must also address future construction by following the state’s mandate to adopt the updated 2026 American National Standards Institute/International Code Council A117.1 accessibility standard, “Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.”

The new standards took effect Sept. 8. The standard is not self-enforcing but is adopted by governing entities that enforce it within their jurisdictions. The updated requirements include expanded accessibility provisions and revised wheelchair access dimensions, among other changes. The International Code Council (ICC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) work together to develop building design standards that provide technical guidance for enforcing laws such as the ADA.

Bluffton approved the creation of its ADA self-assessment and transition plan in late 2019 and continues to implement it. The town published its initial transition plan in early 2023, followed by an update in April outlining completed projects and those remaining. Bluffton considers the plan a living document and will continue updating it.

Town of Bluffton Communications Director Debbie Szpanka cited wider sidewalks, curb cuts and rapid flashing beacons at crosswalks among the town’s notable accessibility improvements. She also pointed to streetscape projects along Bridge, Pritchard and Boundary streets.

The transition plans being undertaken by Bluffton and Hilton Head Island are required under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

As Bluffton implements various stages of its plan, Hilton Head Island and its consulting firm, Bureau Veritas, are evaluating data collected during last summer’s deployment of Daxbot robots on the island. The robots gathered information about accessibility in public areas, including sidewalks and crosswalks.

Accessibility improvements are also anticipated in recreational areas such as parks, and ensuring access to town programs remains a priority. According to information from the Town of Hilton Head Island, a completed transition plan is expected early next year.

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton area faces unique accessibility considerations because of its commitment to environmental protection and historic preservation.

Hilton Head Island has designed elevated boardwalks at Jarvis Creek, Mitchelville and Sea Pines to improve accessibility while protecting the sites’ historic and environmental integrity.

The Bluffton Historic Preservation Commission has addressed the challenges of accessibility and historic preservation at properties such as the Squire Pope Carriage House and the Garvin-Garvey House.

At the Squire Pope Carriage House, access was provided without altering the facade or compromising the building’s structural or historical integrity.

The 1870 Garvin-Garvey House presented a greater challenge because installing a ramp was determined to pose a risk to the fragile structure. Instead, access was addressed through programmatic accommodations, including exterior pathways, outdoor information stations presenting the site’s history and docent assistance.

Guided by the Uniform Design Ordinance, ANSI standards and the ADA, officials and advocates continue working to improve accessibility while balancing historic preservation and environmental protection.

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.