OTHER LAWS AFFECTING THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE - Accessibility

Americans with Disabilities Act, P.L. 101-336, 104 Stat. 327, 42 USC §12101

• States that all new construction and programs will be accessible. Planning and design guidance for accessibility is provided in the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (36 CRF Part 1191). Additionally, NPS Special Directive 83-3 states that accessibility will be proportional to the degree of development, i.e., areas of intense development, visitor centers, museums, drive in campgrounds, etc., will be entirely accessible and areas of lesser development, i.e., back country trails and walk-in campgrounds, would have fewer accessibility features. There are no waivers for historic properties.

Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, P.L. 90-480, 82 Stat. 718, 42 USC §4151 et seq.

• Buildings or facilities constructed, altered, leased, or financed by the federal government or a federal grant since August 12, 1968 are subject to the statute. Standards are established for design/construction or alteration of buildings to insure physically handicapped persons will have ready access to and use of such buildings. Historic structures are not subject to the standards until they are altered.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, P.L. 93-112, 87 Stat. 357, 29 USC §701 et seq. as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974, 88 Stat. 1617

• Sets forth a broad range of services and basic civil rights for handicapped individuals. Establishes the architectural and transportation barriers compliance board to ensure compliance with standards set by GSA and other federal agencies. Contains data-gathering and reporting requirements. Prohibits discrimination (section 504) against persons with visual, hearing, mobility, and mental impairments.