Adaptive Environments
  New England ADA & Accessible IT Center
Access New England Newsletter
 
 

Access News Masthead


Information and Guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act 
Fall 2000 Volume 5, Number 1

This Issue Highlights Information and Resources Regarding Civic Access.


What's Inside?

Feature Stories

Access Board News
Employment Update
Regional News
Publications
Frequently Asked Questions
Great Web Sites
Building Your Rolodex


FEATURE STORIES

DOJ LAUNCHES PROJECT CIVIC ACCESS

On August 23, 1999, the Department of Justice reached a settlement with the City of Toledo, Ohio, in which the City agreed to remove barriers and relocate activities throughout its city government, including the municipal courthouse, district and neighborhood police stations, a market-outlet complex, fire stations, parking garages, museums, community and social services, the city's parks and recreation centers, the health department, and other city administrative buildings. In order to build upon that settlement, Attorney General Janet Reno asked the Disability Rights Section (DRS) of the Department's Civil Rights Division to ensure that other cities address these important issues. DRS then began similar reviews of other local and state governments and to develop technical assistance materials so that communities could immediately begin to come into full compliance with the requirements of title II of the ADA. This review of title II entities is called Project Civic Access.

The project includes 18 localities and two states against which individuals with disabilities had filed administrative complaints with DRS. DRS selected 35 additional sites in which to conduct compliance reviews - including a community in each remaining state, two communities in Puerto Rico, and two departments of the District of Columbia. The compliance reviews were undertaken on the Department's own initiative under the authority of Title II and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Compliance review sites were chosen based upon the Department's desire to visit every state, the population of the site, and, in some cases, its proximity to a university or tourist attraction. The majority of the compliance reviews occurred in small cities and towns, because they represent the most common form of local government.

Local and state government officials have responded favorably and cooperated fully in the Department's reviews. They were timely in submitting records as requested, made themselves available to answer questions during on-site visits, and escorted investigators throughout their communities so that facilities surveys could be accomplished quickly and efficiently. Most importantly, these officials have indicated a willingness to effect changes to make their programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities.

During the investigations, staff of the Disability Rights Section reviewed compliance with most ADA requirements. The Section has found that the vast majority of communities are aware of their ADA obligations and have made progress in meeting them. Settlement agreements resolve the balance of outstanding issues.

Settlement agreements secured the following:

  • accessible parking;
  • accessible routes into and through facilities;
  • accessible rest rooms, drinking fountains, and telephones;
  • accessible service counters and concession stands, or the provision of services at alternate, accessible locations;
  • accessible bathing facilities at public pools;
  • physical modifications to polling places;
  • permanent and conspicuous notice to the community of their ADA rights and the government's ADA obligations;
  • establishment of ADA grievance procedures;
  • establishment of delivery systems and time frames for providing auxiliary aids (qualified sign language interpreters and alternate formats (Braille, large print, cassette tapes, etc.));
  • installation of assistive listening systems in assembly areas (e.g., legislative chambers, court rooms, municipal auditoriums);
  • strengthening of 9-1-1 emergency services through the acquisition of additional text telephones (TTY's);
  • better telephone communication between the government and citizens with hearing or speech impairments through the acquisition of additional TTY's and/or utilization of the state relay service, official publication of TTY/relay numbers, and training of employees;
  • adoption of procedures for relocating inaccessible activities to accessible locations upon request (e.g., City and Town Council meetings, municipal and county court proceedings).

The Department has also announced the signing of settlement agreements with the following 10 governments: Hot Springs, Arkansas; Windham, Connecticut; Mantorville, Minnesota; City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri; Springfield-Greene County Library District, Missouri; Forsyth, Montana; Nashville/Davidson County, Tennessee; Mt. Vernon, Washington; Summers County, West Virginia; and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Settlement negotiations are underway with cities and towns in another 15 states. On-site investigations have concluded in the other 25 states, which will be notified by the fall of the changes they need to make to make their jurisdictions accessible.

During the same time that DRS staff conducted investigations, the Section developed two technical assistance booklets, entitled "Americans with Disabilities Act: ADA Guide for Small Towns" and "The ADA and City Governments: Common Problems." Both review the ADA's requirements and offer practical examples of ways they can be met. The two documents and all settlement agreements that emanate from Project Civic Access can be found on the ADA home page at: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm.

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SPIRIT OF ADA TORCH RELAY COMES TO BOSTON

When President Clinton released the "Spirit of ADA" proclamation on July 1, 2000, to kick off the national 10th ADA anniversary celebration, he said that signing the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990 signaled a change in public policy toward people with disabilities. "America is now a dramatically different-and better-country because of the ADA." Clinton stated, acknowledging the many positive changes that have come about since it went into effect.

"The AAPD is using the vehicle of the torch relay to build public support for our civil rights laws," said Andrew Imparato, CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). "As we travel across the country to educate and heighten awareness about the challenges facing nearly 54 million Americans living with disabilities, we are asking all citizens to renew their pledge to an America that works for everyone."

This summer, the Spirit of ADA Torch Relay traveled to: Houston and Austin, Texas; San Francisco and Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Topeka, Kansas; St. Louis, Missouri; Madison, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi; Montgomery, Alabama; Tallahassee, Florida; Warm Springs and Atlanta, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and New York City, New York. Each city celebrated the arrival of the torch with festivities featuring local dignitaries, activists, and citizens with disabilities who have been selected to carry the torch to commemorate this historic national anniversary.

The Spirit of ADA Torch Relay arrived in Boston, Thursday, August 3rd. The Relay torch was lit from the lamp at Old North Church and traveled the historic trail to Faneuil Hall, Action for Boston Community Development, Harriet Tubman House, WGBH Boston, U.S.S. Constitution, and traversed the waterfront with U.S.S. Constitution Captain William Foster and his son, to the John F. Kennedy Library. Each landmark featured guest speakers who gave remarks about the symbolism between Boston's American history, disability rights and models of access. Among the participants was EEOC Commissioner Paul Steven Miller.

"Boston is proud to have the Spirit of ADA Torch Relay travel to seven local historical sites," said Valerie Fletcher, Project Director of the New England ADA & Accessible IT Center. "By visiting the seven sites, Boston is 'Linking History and the ADA,' the theme chosen for this New England Torch Relay."

Over 300 people attended Closing ceremonies at the John F. Kennedy Library featured guest speakers Senator Edward Kennedy; Boston Mayor Thomas Menino; U.S. Secretary of Labor, Alexis Herman; Donald Stern, U.S. Attorney; Thomas Reilly, Massachusetts Attorney General; Elmer Bartels, Commissioner, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission; and Judy Brewer, Director International Program Office Web Accessibility Initiative. Courtland Townes III, acting Co-Director of the Boston Center for Independent Living, was master of ceremonies. The different speakers highlighted the opportunities the ADA makes possible for people with disabilities but emphasized "we're not there yet, the work isn't done."

As Senator Edward M. Kennedy, distinguished for his longtime national leadership on behalf of people with disabilities, stated: "America will never be America until we eliminate every form of discrimination and hostility and suspicion. We have a job to do. In Massachusetts and across the country, we will keep on building those ramps, no matter how many steps stand in the way. We will not stop today. We will not stop tomorrow. We will not ever stop until America works for all Americans."

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ACCESS BOARD NEWS

BOARD MARKS ADA'S 10th ANNIVERSARY WITH PUBLIC FORUM

On July 27, 2000, the Access Board held a public forum to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event, The Access Board and the ADA: The Next 10 Years, was structured to not only celebrate achievements of the past decade, but also to look ahead at the work that remains to be done.

Approximately 100 people attended the forum, which was held in Washington, D.C. Some of the key topics raised by speakers included multiple chemical sensitivities, the relationship between the Board's guidelines and building codes and standards, and access to electronic and information technology.

A number of speakers called for action on multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) and the growing number of people who have developed an acute sensitivity to various chemicals in the environment. People with MCS experience a range of debilitating physical reactions to chemicals used in a variety of products, including fragrances and personal care products, deodorizers and cleaners, pesticides, wall and floor coverings, and building materials.

Speakers stressed the importance of government action and coordination among agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct research and develop information needed to address MCS issues. Recommendations included creation of an inter-agency working group on MCS and continued consultation with the MCS community. Some speakers, while recognizing that the Board's jurisdiction did not extend to many MCS issue areas, such as rules of conduct and building maintenance and operations, urged the Board to move ahead in addressing aspects of the built environment that relate to MCS. The Board has organized a committee of members to further explore MCS issues and possible Board action in research and coordination with other agencies.

Representatives from the building and codes community recommended that the Board shorten the revision cycle for its facility guidelines, consider referencing private standards, and undertake various efforts to facilitate compliance with the guidelines. These comments were presented by representatives of the American Institute of Architects, the National Institute for Building Sciences, and the Building Owners and Managers Association.

Various speakers stressed the importance of access to electronic and information technology. Other issues raised included: independent access to polling places and the voting process, telecommunications, movie captioning, research on visual alarms and people who are photosensitive, and barriers to people with vision impairments in public transportation and the public right of way. Further information on the forum is posted on the Access Board's web site at: http://www.access-board.gov.

(Source: Access Currents, Volume 6, No. 4, July/August 2000.)

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EMPLOYMENT UPDATE

EEOC Commemorates Tenth Anniversary of ADA

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued two major guidances and a status report on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as part of its commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the landmark civil rights law. The documents address genetic discrimination in the federal workplace, disability-related inquiries and medical exams, and EEOC enforcement of the ADA's employment provisions. The issuance of EEOC's new guidance to prohibit discrimination in federal employment based on genetic information implements Executive Order 13145, signed by President Clinton on February 8, 2000. The Executive Order places strict limits on the collection, use and disclosure of protected genetic information by executive departments and agencies. Such protected information is broadly defined to include family medical history in addition to genetic test results and requests for genetic services.

EEOC's policy guidance explains what types of genetic information is covered by the Executive Order and outlines the prohibitions of workplace bias based on protected genetic information, a request for genetic services, or the receipt of such services.

The Commission also issued an enforcement guidance entitled Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Examinations of Employees Under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is the second guidance issued by the Commission addressing the ADA's provisions on employer access to medical information. In 1995, the agency released a similar guidance covering job applicants.

According to the guidance, an employer is generally prohibited from making disability-related inquiries or requiring medical examinations of workers, except where it has reason to believe that a particular employee is having a performance problem due to a medical condition. In limited situations, however, employers may ask employees in positions affecting public safety (such as police officers, firefighters, air traffic controllers, and pilots) to take periodic medical examinations or to report the use of prescription medications that may affect job performance.

In addition to the policy guidances, EEOC released a comprehensive status report on ADA enforcement since the law was enacted on July 26, 1990. The report covers the following:

  • Initial and continuing technical assistance and outreach efforts;
  • Administrative enforcement activities, including filings of charges, types of employment discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities, and voluntary mediation of ADA cases;
  • Litigation of ADA suits, including significant district court cases as well as Supreme Court and appellate court decisions; and
  • Regulations, policy guidances, and related documents.

Regional ADA Employment Cases

In a decision going against the trend of other courts, the First Circuit reversed a summary judgment for the Massachusetts Health Research Institute, Inc. (MHRI) when it said Ward, employed by MHRI as a lab assistant, could come to work whenever he feels like it, as long as he works the required number of hours. The First Circuit covers Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

The employee frequently experiences arthritic pain in the mornings. He originally had a flextime schedule that allowed him to start work between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. each day, and leave after 7 hours. The employer argued that Ward required supervision, and arriving at 9:00 a.m. was an essential function of the job.

According to the decision, an employer can't simply complain that it needs employees to work regular hours. The employer has the burden of proof that the requested accommodation would result in a specific hardship, such as significant increased cost at keeping the lab open indefinitely, or co-workers having to assume the person's duties. A flextime schedule was already in place, indicating that the employer is not bothered by some periods of unsupervised work. Ward's duties-data entry-did not dictate that he needed to be there during special hours.

In García-Ayala v. Lederle Parenterals Inc., the employee was a secretary for Lederle. She had breast cancer, and while she was on a medical leave, her position was filled with temporary employees, who were no more expensive than García had been. Unable to return to work at the end of her medical leave, the employee was discharged.

To establish an ADA wrongful discharge claim, the plaintiff has to prove:

  1. that she had a disability under the ADA;
  2. that with or without a reasonable accommodation, she was a qualified individual able to perform the essential functions of the job;
  3. that the employer discharged her because of her disability.

The employee asked for a medical leave, and the employer granted it, following company policy that anything beyond a year was too long. In some cases, holding the employees slot open while granting unscheduled leave is a reasonable accommodation under the ADA, unless it creates an undue hardship.

The court added that other factors to be considered on whether requests for leaves of absences are unreasonable include:

  1. where the employee gave no indication as to when she may be able to return to work, and instead she simply demanded that her job be held open indefinitely;
  2. where the employee's absences from work were erratic and unexplained;
  3. where upon the employee's return to work, she would be unqualified; and
  4. where the employee was hired to complete a specific task.

The employer also has to decide beforehand whether to make a policy decision: Is it more profitable to allow additional leave for an employee, or is it better to hire and train a new one? A case-by-case analysis is required under the ADA.

(Sources: "Disabled Employee May Make Up Own Schedule," Lawyers Weekly USA, Boston, MA, May 1, 2000. "Employee's Request for Leave Raises ADA Issues," Nashua Telegraph, J. Daniel Marr, June 6, 2000.)

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REGIONAL NEWS

ADA TENTH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

Connecticut

On July 15th, more than 150 people attended a rally and celebration in the lobby of the Legislative Office Building. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the 50th anniversary of the formation of ARC-US, formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens.

Wearing T-shirts with the saying: "Boldly going where everyone else has gone before," the group listened to speakers and sang songs. The event included a voter registration table, face painting, food and a place to sign up for a polling place project. Participants ended the day in a large circle with a specially designed ADA ribbon, while singing and signing songs composed for the celebration. The celebration was sponsored by the Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut.

Massachusetts

Even with heavy rain falling most of the day, over 250 people came together at Dunns State Park in Gardner on July 27th to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was an opportunity for people to enjoy welcoming remarks by state and local dignitaries, the talents of artists with disabilities, and the fun of the park's accessible features.

Lorraine Greiff, Director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD), released the results of MOD's third access survey. 289 communities responded to the 2000 survey. The results indicate increased physical access, but much work left to be done to allow access to local government for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are blind or sight impaired.

New Hampshire

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the ADA, the New Hampshire disability community held a month long series of events in conjunction with the National Torch Run Relay. On July 4th, the New Hampshire torch was lit on the summit of Mount Washington. With the torch lit, two hand-cyclists rode 60 miles to Laconia.

The second leg of the relay took place on July 7th when the torch was moved from the former State School, to a residence in Laconia where onetime students now live. A group of about 50 individuals accompanied the torch on this leg, by hand-cycle, foot and wheelchair. This part of the relay symbolized the societal shift in the move of people with disabilities from institutional settings, to inclusive, integrated, community settings.

On July 26th, cyclists reconvened to move the torch to the State House in Concord for a 10th Anniversary Celebration. The torch continued to Crotched Mountain for a celebration on July 29th, and then met the national torch relay in Boston on August 3rd.

Rhode Island

The RI Governor's Commission on Disabilities celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the ADA with the PawSox at McCoy Stadium on July 25th. McCoy Stadium is a leading example of universal design, built with access for everyone.

Vermont

More than 200 people with disabilities, advocates and dignitaries celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ADA at a luncheon in Rutland, Vermont on July 7th. Speakers included Senator James Jeffords, Governor Howard Dean, and Lieutenant Governor Douglas Racine. Disability advocate Chris Palames gave the keynote address on the history of the disability rights movement.

MAINE WATERWAY TO BE MADE ACCESSIBLE

The Allegash Wilderness Waterway is a favorite recreation spot for Mainers, but the 92-mile ribbon of lakes, streams, ponds, and rivers are off limits to people with physical disabilities who like canoeing. The state of Maine plans to create an accessible launch at a remote logging span known as John's Bridge. John's Bridge is about 50 miles east of Ashland, and crosses the small opening between Eagle and Churchill Lakes. The new access site will create an easier travel path, have accessible restrooms, and be ADA-compliant in other ways.

However, environmentalists fear that higher traffic will ruin the integrity of the area, and say ADA compliance is merely an excuse to open the area to non-disabled day-trippers. They say people with disabilities can use plenty of other wider areas. Disabled users disagree, saying they are more out of the way than John's Bridge and aren't fully accessible even though they're wider.

(Source: "Canoe Launch Divides Environmentalists, Disabled," Boston Globe, A.J. Higgins, June 4, 2000.)

UPCOMING TRAININGS IN THE REGION

Assistive Technology: Access to Lifelong Learning
November 16th
Crowne Plaza, Warwick, RI
Contact: TechACCESS of RI at (401) 463-0202 (v) or accessri@aol.com

ADA Trainings by the Department of Administrative Services at the HR Learning Center

  • Disability in the Workplace - Awareness and Sensitivity
    8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., November 14, December 20 and February 6, Hartford, CT
  • Reasonable Accommodations Under the ADA
    8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., November 29, January 18 and March 14, Hartford, CT
  • ADA: the Next Generation
    8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., February 22 and March 22, Hartford, CT
For more information, contact Kathleen Sullivan at (860) 713-5231 (v) or kathleen.sullivan@po.state.ct.us.

Community Access Monitor Training: Mass. Architectural Access Board Regulations and the ADA
November 15-16th
Chelmsford, MA
Contact: Myra Berloff at 800-322-2020 (Massachusetts), 617-727-7440 or mberloff@modi.state.ma.us.

The ADA and Beyond: Employment
Institute for Community Inclusion
December 13th, 9 am - 4 pm
Worcester, MA
Contact: Evelyn Reyes at 617-355-5371 or reyes_e@tch.harvard.edu.

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PUBLICATIONS

These publications are available from our Center by calling 800-949-4232 V/TTY.

  • *ADA Guide for Small Towns
  • *The ADA and City Governments: Common Problems
  • *A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
  • *Special 10th Anniversary Status Report - Enforcing The ADA - $3
    (Available as a PDF file at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/pubs/10thrpt.pdf)
  • *Consumers' Guide to Telecommunication Relay Service

TITLE II: State and Local Governments

  • Title II Technical Assistance Manual w/ Supplements
  • Federal Register Title II State and Local Government Regulations

TITLE III: Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities

  • Title III Technical Assistance Manual w/ Supplements
  • Accommodating All Guests Booklet
  • ADA Requirements Public Accommodations Sheet
  • Title III Regulations for Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities and ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 1994
  • ADA and Small Business Booklet

Facilities

  • ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines - Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Approx. 400 pp.
  • ADAAG Manual: A Guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines - $10
  • Existing Facilities Survey Checklist 2.1 - $1
  • Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines (ADAAG) Checklist - $13
  • Opening the Doors to Older Persons: An ADA Accessibility Checklist
  • ADA Design Guide: Restriping Parking Lots
  • Common ADA Errors & Omissions in New Construction and Alterations
  • Accessible Stadiums Information Sheet - no cost
  • Signage Information Sheet - $1
  • ADA & Historic Preservation
  • Common ADA Problems at Newly Constructed Lodging Facilities
  • Five Steps To Make New Lodging Facilities Comply With The ADA
  • ADA Checklist for New Lodging Facilities - $3.50
  • ADAAG for Buildings and Facilities: Proposed Rule for Play Areas - $1
  • ADAAG for Buildings and Facilities: Final Rule for Children's Facilities - $2
  • ADAAG for Buildings and Facilities: Final Rule for Judicial and Detention Facilities - $4
  • ADAAG for Buildings and Facilities: Proposed Rule for Recreation Facilities - $3
  • ADA TA - Common Questions: Readily Achievable Barrier Removal and Design Details for Van Accessible Parking Spaces

Barrier Free Environments' ADA Accessibility Guidelines Tech Sheets

  • Accessible Routes - $2
  • Areas of Rescue Assistance - $2
  • Doors - $2
  • Lavatories & Mirrors - $2
  • Medical Facilities - $2
  • Toilet Stalls - $2

Access Board's ADAAG Technical Bulletins

  • Parking - $1
  • Surfaces - $1
  • Text Telephones - $1
  • Using ADAAG - $2
  • Visual Alarms - $1

* Indicates new publication.

These publications are available from our Center.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Specific ADAAG Questions

Q: Are the mats placed on the floor of my office lobby during wet weather considered carpet that must be firmly attached? (ADAAG 4.3 Accessible route)

A: No, such mats are "furnishings" not covered by ADAAG. However, section 36.211 of the Department of Justice rule requires that accessible features be maintained so such furnishings cannot degrade the accessible route. So-called "walk-off mats" are designed to provide traction on wet floors and, as long as they are stable and do not pose a tripping hazard, they may actually improve the accessibility of a surface. On the other hand, loose throw rugs, for example, could decrease the accessibility of a surface.

Q: Can I use standard pipe for handrails? (ADAAG 4.9.2)

A: Yes. Common IPS pipe sizes designated as 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 are considered to be within the dimensional tolerances for handrail diameter.

Q: Is it acceptable for portable toilets to be designed according to the requirements of ADAAG 4.17 Stalls?

A: No. Although only five percent of the portable toilets in a cluster are required to be accessible, each accessible toilet must satisfy to the requirements for toilet rooms. (ADAAG 4.1.2(6))

Q: Must accessible parking spaces be provided in each parking lot in a facility or can they be grouped?

A: Although parking is calculated on a per-lot basis, it can be located in a different location if equivalent or greater accessibility, in terms of distance to an accessible entrance, fees, and convenience is ensured. For example, while site constraints may prohibit the location of a large parking lot adjacent to an accessible entrance, the required number of accessible spaces might be installed at the entrance to provide more convenient access.

Q: In hotels, are the required rooms with roll-in showers to be provided in addition to those rooms that are required to be otherwise accessible?

A: Yes. ADAAG 9.1.2 specifies that, in hotels with 50 or more sleeping rooms or suites, additional accessible sleeping rooms with a roll-in shower shall be provided in conformance with the table. For example, a new 150-room hotel must have a total of seven accessible rooms, two with roll-in showers.

Q: Are all my doors required to have maneuvering clearances? (ADAAG 4.13.6)

A: Not necessarily. The maneuvering clearances specified applies to doors that are not automatic or power-assisted. Of course, if power doors are provided, the controls must meet the requirements for Controls and Operating Mechanisms (4.27).

(Source: US Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, "ADA Accessibility Guidelines FAQ.")

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GREAT WEB SITES

American Society for Testing and Materials
http://www.astm.org/
ASTM is a private sector organization which develops standards for a variety of factors including slip resistance for various surfaces. ASTM has recently developed a standard for the accessibility of playground surfaces.

National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards
http://www.ncsbcs.org/
NCSBCS is dedicated to working through cooperative efforts to enhance health, safety, welfare, and economic development by promoting quality and innovation in the building environment through technical services, education, and training.

International Code Council
http://www.intlcode.org/
ICC was established as a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national codes. The ICC founders - the Building Officials and Code Administrators, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International - created the ICC in response to technical disparities among the three sets of model codes now in use in the U.S.

Center for Universal Design
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/
The Center for Universal Design is a national research, information, and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops, and promotes universal design in housing, public and commercial facilities, and related products.

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BUILDING YOUR ROLODEX

STATE CODE CONTACT LIST

Connecticut:

Technical Assistance
State Building Inspector
Department of Public Safety
Office of State Building Inspector
1111 Country Club Road
P.O. Box 2794
Middletown, CT 06457-9294
(860) 685-8310

Maine:

Technical Assistance
Bureau of Rehabilitation
Department of Labor
35 Anthony Avenue
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
(207) 624-5307 Voice
(800) 794-1110 TTY

Massachusetts:

Technical Assistance
Architectural Access Board
One Ashburton Place, Room 1310
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-0660
(800) 828-7222
http://www.state.ma.us/aab/aab_regs.htm

New Hampshire:

Technical Assistance
Architectural Barrier-Free Design Committee
Governor's Commission on Disability
57 Regional Drive, Suite 5
Concord, NH 03301-8518
(603) 271-2773 Voice
(603) 271-2774 TTY
(800) 852-3405 Voice/TTY
http://www.state.nh.us/disability/abhomepage.html

Rhode Island:

Technical Assistance
Department of Administration
Building Code Commission
One Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3033

Vermont:

Technical Assistance
Department of Labor and Industry
Fire Prevention Section
National Life Building, Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620-3401
(802) 828-2106
http://www.state.vt.us/labind/access498/access797.htm


Look for the WINTER issue of Access New England.


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