Landmark ADA of 1990 is honored, revised 20 years later.
Press Release Summary:
Signed into law on July 26, 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities. Institute continues, two decades later, to advocate accessibility as essential building safety component and lists accessibility among requirements of high-performance buildings. On July 23, 2010, Attorney General Eric Holder signed regulations revising Department of Justice's Title II and III ADA requirements. Revisions go into effect in 6 months.
Original Press Release:
Landmark ADA Celebrates 20 Years
Twenty years ago this week, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. The legislation, signed on July 26, 1990, served to ensure equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities. A major component of the regulations addressed making the built environment accessible to persons with disabilities.
Two months after that historic day, the National Institute of Building Sciences hosted a day-long forum to explore ways of making the new law work within the framework of the existing building regulatory process. Among those who participated were representatives from the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (now known as the Access Board), the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, model building code groups, engineering and architectural firms, building owner groups, disabled rights groups, Congressional staff, and state and municipal building commissions.
The Institute's 1990 Annual Report included this statement about the forum, "To most effectively implement the ADA, it is important to maximize the use of the existing, well-organized infrastructure, which successfully sets standards and provides enforcement for the multitude of other building health, safety and general welfare needs. Fire safety; structural integrity against seismic, wind and snow loads; ventilation to provide fresh air; and many other needs are achieved through the nation's voluntary standards and model codes process. Accessibility...can continue to be best achieved through effective use of this system."
Two decades later, the Institute continues to advocate for accessibility as an essential building safety component. It now lists accessibility among its requirements to achieve high-performance buildings and continues to promote the effective use of voluntary standards and model codes process to improve access for all. On July 23, 2010, Attorney General Eric Holder signed regulations revising the Department of Justice's Title II and III ADA requirements. The revised regulations go into effect in six months.
