ABA Accessibility Standard for GSA Facilities Pocket Guide

F101 Purpose

This document contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities. The requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, addition to, alteration, and lease of sites, facilities, buildings, and elements to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA).

41 CFR, Chapter 102, Subchapter C, Part 102-76, Subpart B—Design and Construction, Sec. 102-76.25. What standards must Federal agencies meet in providing architectural and interior design services?

Federal agencies must design distinctive and high quality Federal facilities that meet all of the following standards:

(b) Provide individuals with disabilities ready access to, and use of, the facilities in accordance with the standards in Sec. 102-76.65 (the ABAAS; see Introduction to this pocket guide).

41 CFR, Chapter 102, Subchapter C, Part 102-76, Subpart C—Architectural Barriers Act, Sec. 102-76.60. To which facilities does the Architectural Barriers Act apply?

(a) The Architectural Barriers Act applies to any facility that is intended for use by the public or that may result in the employment or residence therein of individuals with disabilities, which is to be--

   (1) Constructed or altered by, or on behalf of, the United States;

   (2) Leased in whole or in part by the United States;

   (3) Financed in whole or in part by a grant or loan made by the United States, if the building or facility is subject to standards for design, construction, or alteration issued under the authority of the law authorizing such a grant or loan; or

   (4) Constructed under the authority of the National Capital Transportation Act of 1960, the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965, or Title III of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact.

(b) The Architectural Barriers Act does not apply to any privately owned residential facility unless leased by the Government for subsidized housing programs, and any facility on a military reservation designed and constructed primarily for use by able bodied military personnel.