GSA Adopts Accessibility Standards

December 9, 2005

The General Services Administration (GSA) adopted new accessibility standards for federally funded facilities based on updated guidelines the U.S. Access Board issued in 2004. The standards apply to a range of new or altered buildings under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), which ensures access to facilities designed, built, altered or leased with federal money.

The standards take effect in six months and will replace the existing Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). The design and construction of new facilities, altered areas of existing facilities and leased facilities are subject to the standards. The new standards apply to construction and alterations that begin after May 8, 2006, and to leases entered into after this date.

Compliance with the UFAS standard will be permitted for construction and alterations that begin before May 8, 2006 and for projects whose design is substantially complete by this date.

Source: United States Access Board (USAB).