The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and information technology.
Communications & IT Access to information and communication technology (ICT) is addressed by Board standards and guidelines issued under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communications Act. The Board jointly updated its Section 508 Standards and Section 255 Guidelines in January 2017.
- Section 508 Standards and Section 255 Guidelines for ICT (Updated)
Buildings & Sites Standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) address access in new construction and alterations to state and local government facilities, places of public accommodation, and commercial facilities. Similar standards apply under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) to facilities funded by the federal government. The Board issued supplementary guidelines for emergency transportable housing in 2014 that are not yet part of the ADA or ABA Standards.
- ADA Standards
- ABA Standards
- Accessibility guidelines
Recreation Facilities
Access to recreation facilities, including play areas, swimming pools, sports facilities, fishing piers, boating facilities, golf courses, and amusement rides is addressed in the ADA and ABA standards. The ABA Standards also include provisions for trails, picnic and camping areas, viewing areas, and beach access routes on federal lands.
- Recreation Facilities (ADA and ABA Standards)
- Outdoor Developed Areas (ABA Standards)
Streets and Sidewalks New guidelines the Board is developing will cover access to public rights-of-way, including sidewalks, intersections, street crossings, and on-street parking. The Board is also addressing access to shared use paths providing off-road means of transportation and recreation.
- Public Rights-of-Way
- Shared Use Paths
Transportation Board guidelines issued under the ADA address access to public transportation facilities and vehicles. New guidelines for passenger vessels are in development.
- Transportation Facilities
- Transportation Vehicles
- Passenger Vessels
Health Care The Board has issued standards for medical diagnostic equipment and guidance on prescription drug container labels.
- Medical Diagnostic Equipment Accessibility Standards
- Prescription Drug Container Labels (advisory guidance)