FEDERAL AGENCY:

ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE BOARD

AUTHORIZATION:

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sections 502 and 508, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 792 and 794(d); Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.; and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. 255.

OBJECTIVES:

To enforce Federal laws requiring accessibility for persons with disabilities in certain federally funded buildings and facilities throughout the Nation; set guidelines and requirements for accessibility standards prescribed by Federal agencies. Provide technical assistance and training on its design guidelines and standards to organizations, agencies, and individuals; and to conduct research to determine appropriate specifications for accessibility.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Dissemination of Technical Information. Place Cursor Here for Definition

Applicant Eligibility: Requests for information may be made by the general public as well as all agencies of Federal, State, and local government.

Beneficiary Eligibility: General public, all levels of government, and private organizations will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Pre-application Coordination: This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure: Requests for information and assistance should be sent to the Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, Suite 1000, 1331 F Street, NW. Washington, DC 20004-1111. Telephone: (202) 272-5434 (voice); (202) 272-5449 (TTY); FAX: (202) 272-5447; Web Site: www.access-board.gov; E-mail: info@access-board.gov; Technical Assistance: 800-872-2253 (voice), (800) 993-2822 (TTY). This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure: Not applicable.

Deadlines: Not applicable.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable.

Appeals: Not applicable.

Renewals: Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable.

Reports: Not applicable.

Audits: Not applicable.

Records: Not applicable.

Account Identification: 95-3200-0-1-751.

Obligations: (Salaries and expenses) FY 01 $4,615,000; FY 02 est $4,784,000; and FY 03 est $5,015,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:
Not applicable.

Key missions of the Board include: Developing and maintaining accessibility guidelines for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and standards for electronic and information technology; providing technical assistance and training on these guidelines and standards; and enforcing design standards for federally funded facilities. The Board develops its accessibility guidelines and standards through a process common to most Federal regulations that invites public comment through publication in the Federal Register. The Board is in the process of updating its facility guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). In addition, the Board is developing new guidelines for recreation facilities under the ADA. In 2000, the Board issued new standards for electronic and information technology in the Federal sector under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Board will be proposing new guidelines for access to outdoor developed areas, passenger vessels, and public rights-of- way. The Board provides technical assistance and training on its guidelines and standards. In fiscal year 2000, the Board responded to over 12,500 technical inquiries and conducted 83 training sessions across the country, reaching a collective total audience of approximately 8,900 people. About 30 publications are available from the Board, including copies of all its guidelines and standards and related guidance material, such as technical bulletins and brochures. A total of 5,855 packets of information were mailed to customers in fiscal year 2000. The Board investigates complaints filed under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and opened 82 cases in fiscal year 2000, in addition to 77 cases that were active at the beginning of the fiscal year. A total of 68 investigations were completed during the year. The Board funds and coordinates research to develop information necessary for producing guidelines or technical assistance materials.

Guidelines and standards available from the Board include the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines, and Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards. General literature and various guidance material, such as technical bulletins and brochures, are available too.

Regional or Local Office: Not applicable.

Headquarters Office: Director, Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, Suite 1000, 1331 F Street, NW., Washington, DC 20004-1111. Telephone: (202) 272-0080 (voice), (202) 272-0082 (TTY); FAX: (202) 272-0081; e-mail: info@access-board.gov. Technical Assistance: (800) 872-2253 (voice), (800) 993-2822 (TTY).

Web Site Address:  
http://www.access-board.gov

Not applicable.

Not applicable.