Accessibility is Required in Recovery
Author: New England ADADate: Apr 16, 2009
(www.recovery.gov)
The recent stimulus bill, also known as the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),” funds a wide array of projects and programs to jump start the economy and create jobs. The $787 billion measure provides aid to cities and states, supports tax cuts, and funds initiatives to improve infrastructure, transportation, energy efficiency, education, and health care.
Various Federal agencies are responsible for spending and distributing stimulus funds. It is important that these agencies and funding recipients comply with all applicable laws, including those protecting the rights of people with disabilities. They include the:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), bans discrimination on the basis of disability by state and local governments and private sector entities in employment, programs and services, transportation, and the built environment;
- Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), which requires access to facilities designed, built, altered or leased with federal funds; and the
- Rehabilitation Act, which covers access to federally funded programs, federal employment, and electronic and information technology in the federal sector.
Standards issued under these laws include ADA standards for facilities and transportation vehicles, ABA standards for federally funded facilities, and standards for electronic and information technology issued under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
The New England ADA Center is available to provide further guidance on applying these standards to Recovery Act projects. Call us at 800-949-4232 for toll free information and guidance to implement your project.
Always check with your state’s disability requirements
New England States’ Accessibility Requirements
Connecticut
International Building Code 2003 with state supplements Office of State Building Inspector
Department of Public Safety
860-685-8310
www.ct.gov/dps/cwp/view.asp?a=2148&Q=305412
Maine
Human Rights Act (ADA Accessibility Guidelines with additional requirements)
Fire Marshall’s Office
207-626-3880
www.maine.gov/mhrc/laws/index.html
Massachusetts
521 CMR - Rules & Regulations Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
800-828-7222 (in state)
617-727-0660
www.mass.gov/aab
New Hampshire
International Building Code 2006 with state amendments
Fire Marshal’s office
603-271-3294
www.nh.gov/safety/boardsandcommissions/bldgcode/nhstatebldgcode.html
Rhode Island
International Building Code 2006 with state amendments
State Building Code Commission
401-222-3032
www.sec.state.ri.us/resources_for/library/frequently/bookmarks/buildingcodes
Vermont
Vermont Access Rules (ADA Accessibility Guidelines with additional requirements)
Dept Public Safety - Division of Fire Safety
802-479-7561
www.dps.state.vt.us/fire/Access.htm
