Architectural Barriers Act of 1968

Architectural Barriers Act of 1968

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) is a United States federal law that requires buildings and facilities designed, constructed, altered, or leased with certain federal funds to be accessible to persons with disabilities. The Act was one of the first pieces of legislation to address accessibility in the built environment.

Background

Prior to the enactment of the Architectural Barriers Act, there were few legal requirements for making buildings accessible to individuals with disabilities. The lack of accessibility in public buildings and facilities often prevented people with disabilities from participating fully in society. The ABA was a response to growing awareness and advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities.

Provisions of the Act

The Architectural Barriers Act mandates that all buildings and facilities constructed or altered by or on behalf of the United States, or leased by the federal government, must be accessible to and usable by individuals with physical disabilities. The Act applies to a wide range of facilities, including:

• Federal buildings
• Post offices
• Courthouses
• Military facilities

Enforcement

The enforcement of the Architectural Barriers Act is overseen by several federal agencies, depending on the type of building or facility. These agencies include:

• The General Services Administration (GSA)
• The Department of Defense (DoD)
• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• The United States Postal Service (USPS)

Each of these agencies is responsible for ensuring compliance with the ABA standards for the facilities under their jurisdiction.

Standards

The standards for accessibility under the Architectural Barriers Act are developed and maintained by the United States Access Board. These standards are known as the ABA Accessibility Standards and are designed to ensure that buildings and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Impact

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 was a significant step forward in the movement towards accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. It laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation, such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which expanded accessibility requirements to the private sector and public accommodations.

See Also

• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• United States Access Board