Access Board Update
ADA Implementation Successes: Updating ADAAG
Under the ADA, the U.S. Access Board is responsible for setting design guidelines to ensure access to the wide range of facilities covered by the law. First published in 1991, the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) serve as the baseline for enforceable standards governing building design, construction, and alteration. In July 2004, the Access Board completed a comprehensive overhaul of the guidelines. This update of the guidelines sheds light on the ways the ADA has reshaped attitudes toward accessibility in the built environment.
The Board’s guidelines, like most Federal regulations, are developed under a process that invites public comment. The updated guidelines generated considerably more interest and input compared to the original version a decade earlier. Further, comments from the public, including the design and building professions, the codes community, industry and others clearly reflected a greater understanding of accessibility and the goals of the ADA. Similarly, comments from disability groups and advocates signified a stronger understanding of design considerations, building codes, and industry standards. As a result, issues were more clearly delineated, differences reconciled more constructively, and consensus established more firmly.In addition, this input from the public enabled the Board to make significant strides harmonizing the guidelines with key counterparts, such as the International Building Code, and with industry standards, which will greatly facilitate compliance.
The heightened interest and expertise among stakeholders brought about by the ADA greatly improved the final product. Thus, the new ADAAG promises to improve access while making it easier to achieve.
The ADA standards will be updated based on the new guidelines by the U.S. Department of Justice and, in the case of transportation facilities, the U.S. Department of Transportation. Until then, the original ADA standards remain in effect. Copies of the new ADAAG are available from the Access Board through its website at www.access-board.gov or by calling (800) 872-2253 (voice) or (800) 993-2822 (TTY).
Source:
Dave Yanchulis
Accessibility Specialist
U.S. Access Board
