United States Access Board

Access to information and communication technology (ICT) is addressed by Board standards and guidelines issued under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communications Act.

Standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) address access to buildings and sites nationwide in new construction and alterations. Similar standards apply to building and sites funded by the Federal government under Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).

Access to recreation facilities, including play areas, swimming pools, sports facilities, fishing piers, boating facilities, golf courses, and amusement rides is addressed in the ADA and ABA standards.  New provisions cover access to trails, picnic and camping sites, and beaches on Federal sites.

New guidelines the Board is developing will cover access to public rights-of-way, including sidewalks, intersections, street crossings, and on-street parking. The Board is also addressing access to shared use paths providing off-road means of transportation and recreation.

Access to public transportation is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws. Standards issued under the ADA address access to facilities and to vehicles of public transit systems. The Board is developing new guidelines for passenger vessels under the ADA.  

The Board is developing accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment under the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.”  The Board is also develping guidance on accessible prescription drug container labels.