Architectural Barriers Act

Definition

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) is a federal law enacted in 1968, aimed at ensuring that buildings and facilities designed, constructed, or altered with federal funds are accessible to people with physical disabilities. The Act applies to federal buildings, post offices, social security offices, and some federally-funded facilities. Under ABA, accessibility standards are determined by the US Access Board, which enforces compliance and addresses complaints.

Key Takeaways

1. The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968 is a federal legislation in the United States that mandates all federally funded or leased buildings and facilities to be accessible to people with disabilities.
2. The ABA provides guidelines and standards for designing and constructing buildings and facilities to eliminate physical barriers for people with disabilities, ensuring they can access and utilize public spaces with ease.
3. The United States Access Board, an independent federal agency, enforces the ABA and oversees its compliance through the development and implementation of accessibility guidelines known as ABA Accessibility Standards.

Importance

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) is an important term in the context of VA benefits because it ensures that public buildings and facilities, including those designed, built, or altered with federal dollars, are accessible to and can be used by people with disabilities, including veterans.

Enacted in 1968, the ABA serves as a critical piece of legislation that promotes inclusion and equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

By removing barriers that may have previously restricted individuals from accessing essential services provided by VA facilities, this act plays a vital role in fulfilling the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs, by delivering comprehensive support services for veterans and helping them lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Explanation

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) plays an indispensable role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equitable access to federally funded or leased facilities by eliminating physical barriers that may limit their ability to navigate and utilize these spaces. Enacted in 1968, the ABA serves as a testament to the commitment of the federal government to provide a truly inclusive and accessible environment for all its citizens, no matter their abilities.

The main purpose of ABA is to establish guidelines for constructing or renovating federal buildings so that they are accessible and usable for people with disabilities. This enables individuals with disabilities to lead an independent and fulfilling life without any hindrance or discrimination in accessing public spaces funded by the federal government.

To achieve its primary objective, the ABA requires that federal facilities adhere to a set of accessibility standards, known as the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS). These standards are developed by the United States Access Board in consultation with the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the United States Postal Service (USPS), and they are enforced by these agencies based on their jurisdiction. Consequently, not only does the ABA help break down architectural barriers for people with disabilities, it also educates and sensitizes stakeholders, including designers, architects, and building contractors, to the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the built environment.

By doing so, the Architectural Barriers Act plays a crucial part in fulfilling the broader vision of a barrier-free society.

Examples of Architectural Barriers Act

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968 is a U.S. federal law that requires certain facilities designed, built, or altered with federal funds to be accessible to people with disabilities. It is important to note that the ABA is different from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), although their intentions are similar. Here are three real-world examples related to the Architectural Barriers Act:

Post Office Access: Many post offices across the United States receive federal funding. Therefore, they must comply with the ABA and ensure that they are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing accessible parking spaces, ramps for wheelchair users, and tactile signage for visually impaired individuals.

National Park Accessibility: National parks come under the jurisdiction of the federal government, and many receive federal funding for improvements and maintenance. According to the ABA, these parks must have accessible facilities, such as restrooms, campgrounds, and visitor centers, along with accessible trails and other features. An example of this would be Yellowstone National Park, which has taken deliberate steps to make sure that facilities are accessible to all visitors, complying with the ABA guidelines.

Public Housing: When public housing projects receive federal funds, they must ensure that a certain percentage of the units are accessible to those with disabilities, reaching compliance with the ABA. This could include installing grab bars in bathrooms, wider doorways, and lowered countertops for wheelchair access or implementing visual and auditory alarms for those with hearing or visual impairments.

FAQ: Architectural Barriers Act

What is the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)?

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) is a federal law passed in 1968 that requires all buildings and facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with specific federal funds to be accessible to people with disabilities. The purpose of the ABA is to ensure that such buildings and facilities are designed, constructed, and altered in a way that allows all individuals, including those with disabilities, to have equal access.

Which buildings and facilities are subject to the ABA?

Any building or facility that is either constructed, altered, or leased with federal funds from specific federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, and Transportation, are subject to the ABA. This can include federally owned and leased buildings, as well as privately owned facilities that receive federal funding.

What accessibility standards must be met under the ABA?

Buildings and facilities covered by the ABA must meet the accessibility standards established by the General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the United States Postal Service (USPS). These standards are designed to make facilities accessible to both individuals with mobility impairments and those with vision, hearing, or cognitive disabilities.

Who enforces compliance with the ABA?

Compliance with the ABA is enforced by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also known as the Access Board), an independent federal agency. The Access Board investigates complaints regarding violations of the ABA, assists with compliance efforts, and provides guidance on meeting accessibility standards.

How can I file a complaint if I believe a building or facility is not in compliance with the ABA?

If you believe a building or facility covered by the ABA is not in compliance with accessibility standards, you can file a complaint with the Access Board. The Access Board provides an online complaint form on their website, as well as instructions for submitting complaints by mail, fax, or email.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Accessibility Standards
• Universal Design
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
• Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act)
• Building Code Compliance

Sources for More Information

• United States Access Board
• Department of Veterans Affairs: Architectural Barriers
• U.S. Department of Justice: Americans with Disabilities Act
• Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University