|
In July 2004, the Access Board approved its new design guidelines for facilities covered by the ADA and ABA. The new guidelines are the culmination of a comprehensive ten year process to refine the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, first released in 1991. The changes made in the sign section are extensive: what had been little more than a 2-page section now includes 8 pages of detailed specifications. Everyone who designs, manufactures or purchases interior signs wants to know:
“When will new ADA and ABA Standards take effect?”
The answer is, “it depends”.
The new guidelines are not enforceable until they are adopted by the Federal agencies that maintain them. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), covering the private sector and state and local governments, is enforced by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) is maintained by several Federal agencies including GSA, DOD and the US Postal Service. The ABA replaced the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS).
The responsible agencies are updating their ADA or ABA standards on separate tracks and their progress to date is varied.
ADA Standards
The ADA sets design requirements for the construction and alteration of places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities. The U.S. Department of Justice maintains the ADA standards for these facilities, except for transportation facilities, which are subject to similar standards maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Both departments are undertaking action to replace the original ADA standards with new ones based on the Board's guidelines.
Public Sector (excluding Transportation Facilities)
DOJ is expected to issue another notice and comment period before finalizing adoption of the standards. This final notice will indicate when the new ADA standards are to be followed. Until that date, the original version remains in effect. DOJ indicates that it could take up to a couple years to complete this process.
Transportation Facilities
ADA standards maintained by the Department of Transportation (DOT) cover public transportation facilities, including bus stops, rail stations, and airports. DOT previously issued a notice to update these standards according to the Board's guidelines. A final notice, expected this year, will indicate when the new standards will take effect.
ABA Standards (Federally Funded Facilities)
Federal Facilities (excluding Postal, Military, and Residential Facilities)
GSA adopted new standards based on the Board’s updated ABA guidelines on November 8, 2005. The standards will apply to construction and alterations that commence after May 8, 2006, and to leases entered into after this date.
Postal Facilities
The Postal Service issued a notice on May 17, 2005, adopting new standards for postal facilities, including post offices (According to this notice, the new standards took effect October 1, 2005.
Military Facilities
The Department of Defense (DOD) maintains standards for military facilities and other facilities under its control. DOD has not yet indicated when its adoption of new standards will take place.
Stay tuned for updates on this web page on the progress of these agencies in updating their ADA or ABA standards.
State and Local Building Codes
Since the publishing of the 1998 ANSI A117.1 model accessibility code, most states and municipalities have moved forward by incorporating some of the language in the latest generation of building codes. Follow this link on the Access Board’s website for specific information on state accessibility codes, including contacts at the local level:
www.access-board.gov/links/statecodes.htm
The ANSI Committee is beginning its 2008 cycle, so look for updates on future changes to the model code.
Technical Assistance
Should you have any questions about signs and the ADA, technical assistance is available directly from the Access Board through their question line:
, or by phone at 1.800.872.2253.
Helpful Links
• Access Board
• U. S. Department of Justice ADA Homepage
• ADA Requirements for Interior Signs (64k pdf)
• SignInfo: Changes in the ADA (99k pdf)
• LRV (Light Reflectancy Values) Chart (64k pdf)
•
Contrast Calculator
• APCO Color Chart
|
