September 10, 2004—BOMA International hailed the introduction of new design guidelines from the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Compliance Board (U.S. Access Board) that cover access for people with disabilities under the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Architectural Barriers Act.
The Boards guidelines detail how accessibility is to be achieved in new construction and alterations. They also provide specifications for various building elements and spaces including entrances, ramps, parking, restrooms, and telephones, among others. The new guidelines are more consistent with model building codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) and industry standards. The guidelines await separate rulemaking by the U.S. Justice Department to become enforceable standards under the ADA.
“We applaud the actions of the U.S. Access Board in releasing these new guidelines,” said BOMA International Chairman and Chief Elected Officer Steven W. Ford, senior managing director of Cushman & Wakefields facilities management group in East Rutherford, N.J. “BOMA International has represented the commercial real estate industry in the development of these guidelines, and calls upon the Justice Department to adopt them as the new Standards for Accessible Design as soon as possible. It is also imperative that the Justice Department include a broad grandfather clause for all existing buildings built or renovated in accordance with the current guidelines.”
BOMA has also led the way with a number of publications on ADA issues, including the latest update, Guide to ADA & Accessibility Regulations: Complying with Federal Rules and Model Building Code Requirements.
