Architectural Barriers Act Standards

Mobility Access Standards

• The ABA requires all federally funded buildings have at least one wheelchair-accessible ramp. Doors must either be designed so that a handicapped person can open it himself or have a button that opens the door for him. "Managing Facilities for Results: Optimizing Space for Services" by Cheryl Bryan says "at least one accessible route shall connect each store and mezzanine in multistory buildings and facilities." Ramps and hallways must provide at least 60 inches of space for a wheelchair to make a turn. Items are not allowed to protrude from the walls or ceiling into the travel path except for hand rails. Bryan continues, "a portion of the counter surface that is 30 inches long minimum and 36 inches high maximum shall be provided." It must also provide adequate knee and toe space for someone in a wheel chair to use.

Visually Impaired Standards

• Signs must have tactile characters, such as Braille. However, the visually impaired with limited vision must also be accommodated with easy-to-read signs. For signs, Bryan further states that "characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background."

Facilities Not Covered

• The ABA does not apply to private housing. However, the law does apply to residential properties and military housing funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Private businesses do not have to meet the ABA but must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standard in public areas where they serve customers.

Subsequent Laws

• According to "Disability Discrimination Law, Evidence and Testimony" by John Parry, "it was not until 1972, with the creation of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board under the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, that an administrative enforcement scheme was included." The Americans with Disabilities Act expanded accessibility design requirements to buildings used by groups that receive federal funding. "The ADA Companion Guide" by Marcela A. Rhoads says "the ABA is very similar in scoping and technical requirements to the ADA but with a few minor differences".