Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration today released the results of a comprehensive accessibility study of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, outlining clear next steps to ensure the capitol complex is more welcoming, usable, and inclusive for all Pennsylvanians.
Commissioned by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), the study evaluated access across the 45-acre Capitol Complex, including exterior routes, entrances, restrooms, elevators, signage, and interior circulation.
Upcoming work builds on significant progress made during the first three years of the Shapiro Administration to modernize state facilities while respecting the historic character of the Capitol.
“Commonwealth facilities should be accessible in every sense of the word,” said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. “Over the past three years, we’ve taken real, practical steps to remove barriers across the Capitol Complex, and this study helps guide and inform the next phase of that important work.”
Over the past three years, DGS has advanced tangible accessibility improvements across the Capitol Complex, including:
Single-user restrooms to provide privacy and flexibility for families and caregivers
Stocking feminine hygiene products in select facilities
Opening a restroom that includes an adult changing table, expanding access for individuals with significant mobility needs
Elevator cab upgrades and adapted door hardware
New accessible drinking fountains with bottle fillers
This week, a new restroom featuring unique accessibility amenities, officially opened in the East Wing of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, marking another step forward in ongoing efforts to improve accessibility throughout the Capitol.
The accessibility improvements at the Capitol Complex also align with Governor Shapiro’s broader commitment to expanding opportunity through workforce inclusion.
Under the Governor’s HIRE Executive Order, state government is working to expand pathways into public service for Pennsylvanians of all backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities, by modernizing hiring practices and broadening recruitment efforts.
Ensuring that Commonwealth facilities are accessible is critical not only for visitors, but also for current and future public servants who work in them.
“Accessibility involves dignity and independence,” McNeil added. “Whether someone is visiting the Capitol, working here, or seeking public service, they should be able to access public spaces and routes. By improving our facilities, we’re making sure state government is open and accessible to everyone.”
DGS will continue advancing accessibility improvements across the Capitol Complex, guided by the comprehensive assessment completed last year. The study provides a practical roadmap for the next phase of work, identifying opportunities in three key areas:
Site Improvements – Identifying opportunities to improve exterior routes and overall navigation within the complex, with a focus on accessible pathways and entry points as resources allow.
Public Entrances – Evaluating options to enhance accessible entry points to better serve visitors arriving from all sides of the complex.
Interior Circulation – Ongoing upgrades to elevators, public meeting rooms, restrooms, flooring transitions, and other high-use public spaces.
All future improvements will be undertaken with deep respect for the Capitol’s historic character and architectural significance. DGS works closely with preservation experts, architects, and stakeholders to ensure accessibility enhancements are thoughtfully designed, carefully implemented, and compatible with the building’s historic materials and design.
The condensed Accessibility Study is available online.