FAA ADA audit prompts accessibility upgrades at Nantucket Memorial Airport; local commission named official resource
May 11, 2026 | Nantucket County, Massachusetts
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Brenda McDonough, the Town of Nantucket’s ADA coordinator and facilitator for the Nantucket Commission on Disabilities, said the FAA civil rights division completed an ADA audit of Nantucket Memorial Airport and the review prompted a range of fixes to the terminal, website and parking areas. "The FAA civil rights division just randomly picked Nantucket Airport to do an ADA audit on it," McDonough said, describing a review that covered the parking lot, crosswalks, the terminal building, restrooms and the administration building.
McDonough said the airport has updated its website to include the town ADA coordinator’s contact, a formal grievance procedure and a request‑for‑modifications form so passengers know how to request accommodations. She said the airport will also post unlawful‑discrimination notices throughout the terminal and required signage in the security area.
On the ground, McDonough described several physical changes: the airport repaved the entrance road and overlaid brick crosswalks with new, accessible surfacing; it added marked accessible parking with two van‑accessible spaces in the long‑term lot and additional accessible spaces in short‑term and drop‑off areas. She said airlines and rental counters now have permanent accessible counters at the 30‑inch height and that drinking fountains, door closers and grab bars were measured and fixed where needed.
The commission will be listed in writing as the airport’s local accessibility resource, McDonough said, and the town’s spreadsheet documenting each measurement and repair will serve as the airport’s required self‑evaluation. "They were impressed with all our efforts and how well prepared we were," she said, summarizing the FAA reviewer’s feedback.
McDonough also discussed the new federal guidance on secure‑area relief areas (SARRAs) for service animals. After consulting Open Doors consultant Eric Lipp — a wheelchair user who advised the airport — she said the airport decided not to install a SARRA inside the secure area because of plumbing and odor challenges; instead, the airport will provide an accessible outdoor relief area and the equipment and signage required by the guidance.
Next steps McDonough outlined include an annual April re‑evaluation the commission will perform in writing, continued coordination with concession and vendor contracts to ensure ADA verbiage, and follow‑up inspections to confirm striping and signage have been completed.
The commission praised airport staff by name. "Rob Holgate has been fabulous," McDonough said, referring to the airport’s terminal manager. The commission said it will monitor remaining items and expects to return to the airport for follow up visits and documentation.
McDonough said the airport has updated its website to include the town ADA coordinator’s contact, a formal grievance procedure and a request‑for‑modifications form so passengers know how to request accommodations. She said the airport will also post unlawful‑discrimination notices throughout the terminal and required signage in the security area.
On the ground, McDonough described several physical changes: the airport repaved the entrance road and overlaid brick crosswalks with new, accessible surfacing; it added marked accessible parking with two van‑accessible spaces in the long‑term lot and additional accessible spaces in short‑term and drop‑off areas. She said airlines and rental counters now have permanent accessible counters at the 30‑inch height and that drinking fountains, door closers and grab bars were measured and fixed where needed.
The commission will be listed in writing as the airport’s local accessibility resource, McDonough said, and the town’s spreadsheet documenting each measurement and repair will serve as the airport’s required self‑evaluation. "They were impressed with all our efforts and how well prepared we were," she said, summarizing the FAA reviewer’s feedback.
McDonough also discussed the new federal guidance on secure‑area relief areas (SARRAs) for service animals. After consulting Open Doors consultant Eric Lipp — a wheelchair user who advised the airport — she said the airport decided not to install a SARRA inside the secure area because of plumbing and odor challenges; instead, the airport will provide an accessible outdoor relief area and the equipment and signage required by the guidance.
Next steps McDonough outlined include an annual April re‑evaluation the commission will perform in writing, continued coordination with concession and vendor contracts to ensure ADA verbiage, and follow‑up inspections to confirm striping and signage have been completed.
The commission praised airport staff by name. "Rob Holgate has been fabulous," McDonough said, referring to the airport’s terminal manager. The commission said it will monitor remaining items and expects to return to the airport for follow up visits and documentation.
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