On this page:
Building Codes & Industry Standards
Denver Service Center (DSC) Requirements
Resources
National Park Service (NPS) Requirements
Laws
Executive Orders (EOs)
Regulations
Building Codes & Industry Standards
Accessibility
Facility & Site Designs
- Must meet ABA Standards for facility and site designs and address equal opportunity for all program areas. Activities within buildings, interpretation, hiking, walking, picnicking, swimming, and camping are examples of program areas and must provide equal opportunity per Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Universal Design
- Universally designed sites and facilities provide equal opportunity not only for persons with disabilities, but a variety of situations, such as:
- a parent pushing a stroller
- a child on crutches
- a person with arthritic knees
- Accessible and inaccessible constructed and programmatic components of a facility are indiscernible in Universal Design. This can include any of the following project considerations:
- site arrival
- access paths (interior and exterior)
- functional spaces
- furnishings
- millwork, fixtures, and appliances
- exhibits and media
- The Principles of Universal Design (North Carolina State University (NCSU) > Center for Universal Design)
Pedestrian Routes/Entrance
- Accessible parking is located closest to the accessible entrance.
- All users follow the same routes through the site and facility.
- The primary entrances (visitor and employee) of newly constructed facilities do not have steps.
- Provides a covered entry with the roof draining away from the entry, walk way, and entrance.
- Provides power assisted door openers on main accessible entrances and lever or push hardware on other doors.
Interpretive Media Accessibility Requirements
Denver Service Center (DSC) Requirements
Resources
ABA for Accessibility
Visual/Auditory Disabilities
National Park Service (NPS) Requirements
NPS Management Policies 2006 - The Guide to Managing the National Park System
Director's Orders (DOs)
NPS Memos
Laws
- Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968 - The ABA requires access to facilities designed, built or altered with Federal dollars or leased by Federal agencies. The law covers a wide range of facilities including national parks. It also applies to non-government facilities that have received Federal funding. Enacted in 1968, the ABA stands as the first effort by Congress to ensure access to the built environment. Facilities that predate the law generally are not covered, but alterations or leases undertaken after the law took effect can trigger coverage.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government services, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and telecommunications. The ADA primarily covers work that is not Federally funded or constructed. However, certain Federal work does enforce ADA; contact a regional DBTAC (Disability & Business Technical Assistance Center) or Federal agency.
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Ensures access to programs and activities that are Federally funded. It also protects the rights of Federal employees with disabilities. Federal agencies are responsible for enforcing requirements as they apply to their own programs, services, and employment practices.
- Telecommunications Act of 1996 / Information and Communication Technology (Revised 508 Standards & 255 Guidelines) - Requires electronic and IT (Information Technology) procured by Federal agencies to be accessible according to standards issued by the Access Board.
Executive Orders (EOs)
Regulations
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
