ADAAG Manual

ADAAG

ADAAG contains requirements for new construction and alterations of buildings and facilities. The Access Board develops the requirements as "guidelines" to serve as a basis for standards developed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). This is why ADAAG is part of the regulations issued by these agencies. Although ADAAG compliance is not generally reviewed during the permitting process for new construction or alterations, its application is not unlike that of a state or local building code, whose scoping requirements may be contained in the local adopting amendments, while the technical requirements are those of a model code. ADAAG derives from an earlier federal standard, the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). The format and technical criteria of both stem from standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Like most federal regulations, ADAAG was developed under a rule making process that invites public comment through publication in the Federal Register. It was published in July 1991 for places of public accommodation and commercial facilities covered by title III. It was also published in September 1991 for public transit facilities subject to title II (identical to the other but with a chapter covering bus stops and stations, rail stations, and airports). Changes and additions to ADAAG are also published through the same rule making process that provides public notice and the chance to comment. Revisions made to ADAAG and the standards since they were first published affect two sections: 4.29 Detectable Warnings (suspension of the requirement as it applies to curb ramps, hazardous vehicular areas, and reflecting pools) and 4.34 Automated Teller Machines (revision of specifications for clear floor space and control heights). Additional guidelines and revisions to ADAAG are being developed in several areas.

State and Local Government Facilities Changes and additions to ADAAG covering state and local government facilities were proposed in December 1992 and June 1994. Final minimum guidelines were published by the Board in January 1998. These guidelines include new chapters on judicial, regulatory, and legislative facilities (11), detention and correctional facilities (12), and miscellaneous changes to existing provisions. They will eventually become part of DOJ's enforceable standard.

Children's Environments In January 1998 the Access Board published final guidelines for building elements designed for use by children. These guidelines provide optional design criteria based on children's dimensions. (As originally published, ADAAG requirements were based only on adult dimensions). DOJ intends to incorporate these new guidelines into its enforceable standard.

Recreation Facilities and Outdoor Developed Areas These guidelines will cover amusement parks, play facilities, outdoor developed areas, golf courses, sports facilities, and boating and fishing facilities and other recreation facilities. The Board established an advisory committee in 1993 to develop recommended guidelines for its use in proposing a rule. The report containing these recommendations is available from the Board until final guidelines are issued.

ADAAG Review The Access Board intends to review and update ADAAG on a periodic basis. In 1995 the Board established the ADAAG Review Advisory Committee to review the full text and to recommend changes. The Committee completed its work in 1996 and issued a report which the Board will use in proposing actual changes to ADAAG. This report is available from the Board.