Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Revisions

The Department of Justice has issued final rules on the ADA Titles II and III, effective September 15, 2010.

The revised standards, called the Standards for Accessible Design, must be met by March 15, 2012, although they are permitted to be used as of September 15, 2010. These standards are to be applied to any new construction, alterations and, where required for public accommodations, barrier removal.

The 2010 standards provide specifications for a wide range of architectural features, including public stairwells, elevators, restrooms, parking spaces, signage, and assembly areas. The Title II and Title III final rules also amended existing Title II and Title III regulations, effective March 15, 2011. The amended Title III provides guidance on the definition of “service animal,” among other topics. The Title II guidance for state and local entities includes similar guidance on the definition of “service animal.”

Below are links to the adoption of the Standards for Accessible Design fact sheet, the Title II fact sheet and the Title III fact sheet that identify major changes in the rules:

http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/factsheets/2010_Standards_factsheet.html

http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/factsheets/title2_factsheet.html

http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/factsheets/title3_factsheet.html