State and Local Governments

You probably know that major changes to the ADA regulations and accessibility standards — the first since the original ones issued in 1991 — are in the works at the Department of Justice (DOJ). (Learn about managing ADA changes.)

But did you know?…

You may need to consider a do-over of self-evaluations (of policies and practices) and transition plans (of how to make your programs and buildings physically accessible). Yours are probably out of date if they were done “on time” in 1991.

You should “plan to plan:” position yourself now for compliance when the new requirements take effect. The proposed DOJ regulations don’t require new written plans and self-evaluations, but it will be difficult to comply with the new requirements unless you do some type of planning and assessment.

You could actually be violating the existing ADA Standards if you start complying wholesale with all the proposed requirements and standards. You need to carefully consider your approach because

• Some of the proposed rules are weaker that the existing ones,
• some are more stringent, and
• some are different from state or local requirements.

You probably know that the Department of Justice has conducted compliance reviews or investigations of state and local facilities and services through its Project Civic Access (PCA). (Learn about managing ADA changes.)

But did you know?…

Through PCA, DOJ has literally gone to every state. It has reached agreements with more than 150 counties, towns, and cities, large and small.

You can learn how to assess – and probably change – your facilities and programs by seeing what others have done under PCA and using the Tool Kit for State and Local Governments, which DOJ developed from its PCA experience.

You probably know that program access and ensuring effective communication with people who have hearing, vision, or speech disabilities can cost money, and you have competing demands on your funds. (Learn about managing ADA changes.)

But did you know …?

Equal access doesn’t require exorbitant spending. Cost, reasonableness, and administrative burden are all taken into account by the laws and regulations. It’s important for you to know what’s required and what isn’t required, so that you can spend your financial and human resources in the most effective way.