Revised ADA Requirements: Effective and Compliance Date

Title II: Program Accessibility

From September 15, 2010, to March 15, 2012, State and local governments (public entities) have the option of choosing to follow the 1991 Standards, the UFAS, or the 2010 Standards when making architectural changes to provide program access. The elevator exception in the 1991 Standards may not be used.

NOTE: Public entities must comply with either the 1991 Standards, UFAS, or the 2010 Standards for all elements within a single building. For example, a county has never taken any measures to make its community center's programs accessible to individuals with disabilities. In April 2011 the county begins to make architectural changes to meet its program accessibility obligation at the community center. The county may choose the 1991 Standards, UFAS or the 2010 Standards but must use the chosen standard for all architectural changes it makes to the building. For example, it cannot use the 1991 Standards for the building's entrance and the 2010 Standards for its restrooms.

On or after March 15, 2012, public entities must comply with the 2010 Standards in making architectural changes to achieve program accessibility and for all new construction and alterations.

On or after March 15, 2012, public entities must consider the supplemental requirements (such as swimming pools, play areas, and fishing piers) in the 2010 Standards to assess compliance with program accessibility.

If elements in existing facilities already comply with corresponding elements in the 1991 Standards or the UFAS and are not being altered, then title II entities are not required to make changes to those elements to bring them into compliance with the 2010 Standards.