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From: Curtis.Oglesby@p13.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Curtis Oglesby)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: ADA
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Date: 9 Aug 90 19:59:22 GMT
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Index Number: 9706

Hello all,

I have followed the discussions and the jubilation over the passage
of the ADA.  This is a major step forward.  However, a recent
article in Engineering Times has prompted me to write this note.
It was pointed out that the ADA is not a national building code,
and unless state or local codes incorporate the ADA requirements,
the ADA will not be enforced.  Court action will be the only
recourse.  This means once wronged, we can seek to correct a
problem.  BUT that's not the same as having building codes
requiring a certain accomodation in new construction to prevent
these problems from arising in the first place.

There is NO national building code in which accessibility standards
can be incorporated.  Building codes are the responsibility of
states, counties, cities, etc.  So we must see that these building
codes are revised to meet the standards set forth in the ADA.
Let's not wait several years and become outraged that some new
buildings don't reflect accessibility standards required by ADA.
We would have lost valuable time and numerous buildings to
inadequate accessibility.

Start by contacting those in your city, county, state, or other
local government entity responsible for building codes.  We must
start now to be ready when the law is enacted.

Please keep some things in mind.  The Rehabilitative Act of 1973
has resulted in minimum accessibility standards for all new federal
or federally-funded facilities.  IMHO, these standards are quite
good.  Urge your state and local governments to incorporate these
standards in their building codes.

Existing buildings will be a difficult issue.  "Readily achievable"
changes that aren't difficult or expensive to implement will be
required on existing facilities upon the bills enactment.  This
kind of statement was a deliberate decision to keep from a
carte-blanche requirement of expensive retrofitting of existing
facilities.  This stance really is okay.  As I've said previously,
the federal government has made "reasonable accomodations" in
existing buildings as the need arose.  This approach can work well
under ADA-required accessibility standards.  But, don't expect a
5-man company to install an elevator in a 3-story building just to
give you access to their office.  Use reason and commonsense.  This
approach will also prevent the backlash against us that Joe C. is
concerned about. But, on the other hand, don't let someone run over
you because they claim excessive expense as their way out of doing
any accomodation.

Remember, this year is an election year.  Make your vote count and
make your government representatives know what your vote requires.

There is still much to be done.

Curt

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