New Access Board Guides for ADA and ABA

U.S. Access Board Launches Online Guides to the ADA and ABA Standards

The U.S. Access Board has launched new online guides on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Standards and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards. This web-based material features illustrated technical guides that explain and clarify requirements of the ADA and ABA standards, answer common questions, and offer best practice recommendations. It also includes a series of animations on various subjects covered by the standards.

"The Board is very excited to offer this series of technical guides and animations to help users understand the requirements of the ADA and ABA Standards and how they can be met," states Access Board Member Michael Graves, FAIA. "As a practicing architect, I know from experience how valuable this type of guidance is in following the standards and ensuring accessibility."

The initial installment of the guide covers the first three chapters of the standards, including application and use of the standards (Chapter 1), scoping in new construction, alterations, and additions (Chapter 2), and basic "building block" technical provisions (Chapter 3). Guides covering other sections of the standards will be released at a later date. The supplementary animations, which range in length from 6 to 10 minutes, address wheelchair maneuvering, doors and entrances, and accessible toilet and bathing facilities.

"These new resources not only explain requirements in the standards but also demonstrate their rationale," notes Graves. "Knowing the 'whys' behind various provisions is key to understanding what accessibility means and how best to achieve it."

Guide to the ADA Standards
The Guide to the ADA Standards covers design requirements that apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities subject to the ADA in new construction, alterations, and additions.

Guide to the ABA Standards
The Guide to the ABA Standards addresses similar standards that apply under the ABA to facilities that are designed, constructed, altered, or leased with federal funds. Future installments to the guides will be published as they become available.

Users can sign-up to receive email updates on the release of new technical guides in the series.