New Construction
and Alterations
The ADA requires that newly constructed facilities, first occupied on or after January 26, 1993, meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Standards). Alterations to facilities, spaces or elements (including renovations) made on or after January 26, 1992, also must comply with the Standards. If you build a new facility or modify your existing one, (for example, work such as restriping the parking area, replacing the entry door or renovating the sales counter), make sure to consult the Standards and the title III regulations for the specific requirements. Renovations or modifications are considered to be alterations when they affect the usability of the element or space. For example, installing a new display counter, moving walls in a sales area, replacing fixtures, carpet or flooring, and replacing an entry door. However, simple maintenance, such as repainting a wall is not considered an alteration by the ADA.
Many communities also have State or local accessibility codes enforced by local building inspectors. When a local accessibility code exists, you must follow both the code and the ADA requirements.
ADA Information
Sources
Department of Justice
ADA Information Line
The ADA Information Line provides information and technical assistance on the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and other ADA provisions applying to businesses, non-profit service agencies and state and local government programs. Information Specialists are available to answer general and technical questions during business hours on weekdays. The Information Line also provides 24 hour automated service for ordering ADA materials and an automated fax back system that delivers technical assistance materials to fax machines or fax modems.
800-514-0301 (voice)
800-514-0383 (TDD)
Internet
www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
Electronic Bulletin Board
202-514-6193
Disability and Business
Technical Assistance Centers
(DBTACs)
The ten regional centers are funded by the Department of Education to provide technical assistance on the ADA. One toll-free number connects to the center in your region.
800-949-4232 (voice & TDD)
Access Board
Offers technical assistance on the ADA Accessibility Guidelines.
800-872-2253 (voice)
800-993-2822 (TDD)
Internet
www.access-board.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC offers technical assistance on the ADA provisions for employment which apply to businesses with 15 or more employees.
Employment questions
800-669-4000 (voice)
800-669-6820 (TDD)
Employment documents
800-669-3362 (voice)
800-800-3302 (TDD)
Local Libraries
Technical assistance materials including the title III regulations that apply to businesses have been distributed to 15,000 libraries nationwide. This collection, is known as the ADA Information File. Contact your local or regional library to find if it has the ADA Information File and where it is located. You may also contact the regional DBTAC (800-9494232) to obtain the name of a local library that has the ADA Information File.
Small Business
Information Source
Small Business
Administration
800-827-5722 (voice/relay)
(800-U ASK SBA)
Internet
www.sba.gov
