| 123 | Access Board Updates |
ADA News |
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The Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board better known as the Access Board
is in the process of writing guidelines for accessibility in several areas
that have not been addressed in the past or that need further
clarification. Final rules
for outdoor play areas have been written and submitted to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). If
the OMB signs off on the rules they will be sent to the Department of
Justice and will become enforceable standards. DOJ is expected to accept
the standards by fall of this year. A summary of
recommended changes has been issued for recreation facilities guidelines.
This summary is available for public comment until September of 2000.
When the comment period ends the Access Board will write the final
rules and open these for public comment. Further information is available
at
www.access-board.gov/news/recnotice.htm. Rules for
outdoor developed areas are still in the development stage. This is
troubling because the original proposal to address this area came in 1995.
An important
set of guidelines is being developed for public rights of way. These
guidelines will cover sidewalks and intersections that are on private
property but are used by the public. The standards would address the need
for curb cuts and accessible path of travel in areas that are not covered
by the requirements for Title II entities. Finally, the Passenger Vessel Access Advisory Board will issue guidelines for public comments in late 2000. |
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