2010 ADA Standards Go Into Compliance

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Willie Kimbrough

As of March 15, 2012, the 2010 ADA Standards for new construction, alterations, program accessibility, and barrier removal went into compliance. Although under certain circumstances, the revised regulations permit the use of the 2010 Standards before the compliance date of March 15, 2012. Please note that formal compliance is administered at the state and local levels, and that many states and municipalities have already adopted the new standards. You can find the new regulations here.  There is also a new checklist out as well called the ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal.  

This means on or after March 15, 2012, all newly constructed or altered facilities must comply with all of the requirements in the 2010 standards. However if elements in existing facilities already comply with corresponding elements in the 1991 Standards and are not being altered, then entities are not required to make changes to those elements to bring them into compliance with the 2010 Standards. This is known as safe harbor.

Also, public entities must comply with the “new regs” in making architectural changes to achieve program accessibility and for all new construction and alteration. They must also consider the supplemental requirements (such as swimming pools and play areas) in the 2010 Standards to assess compliance with program accessibility.

If you are interested in learning more about these new regulations and want to become actively involved in making your community more accessible, we still offer trainings in the Jim Tuscher Institute. And, don’t forget about becoming a Community Advocate as we are starting on our field assessments this year. Give us a call at 314-289-4334. Hope to hear from you soon.