United States Access Board

Advancing Full Access and Inclusion for All

NOTICE: Because of the absence of a Fiscal Year 2019 appropriation, the Access Board is compelled to “shut-down” its operations. All Access Board employees have been placed in a furlough status. During the shut-down we will not be providing the following services: complaint processing under the Architectural Barriers Act, guidelines and standards development, webinars, training, technical assistance, website maintenance and updates, and processing of FOIA requests. We will return to work once a continuing resolution or a FY 2019 appropriation has been signed into law.

Communications & IT
Access to information and communication technology (ICT) is addressed by Board standards and guidelines issued under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communications Act.
Buildings & Sites
Standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) address access to buildings and sites nationwide in new construction and alterations. Similar standards apply to building and sites funded by the Federal government under Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
Recreation Facilities
Access to recreation facilities, including play areas, swimming pools, sports facilities, fishing piers, boating facilities, golf courses, and amusement rides is addressed in the ADA and ABA standards. New provisions cover access to trails, picnic and camping sites, and beaches on Federal sites.
Streets & Sidewalks
New guidelines the Board is developing will cover access to public rights-of-way, including sidewalks, intersections, street crossings, and on-street parking. The Board is also addressing access to shared use paths providing off-road means of transportation and recreation.
Transportation
Access to public transportation is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws. Standards issued under the ADA address access to facilities and to vehicles of public transit systems. The Board is developing new guidelines for passenger vessels under the ADA.
Health Care
The Board is developing accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment under the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.” The Board is also develping guidance on accessible prescription drug container labels.