(a) Design and construction. (1) Each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall be designed and constructed in such manner that the facility or part of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the construction was commenced after January 26, 1992. (2) Exception for structural impracticability. (i) Full compliance with the requirements of this section is not required where a public entity can demonstrate that it is structurally impracticable to meet the requirements. Full compliance will be considered structurally impracticable only in those rare circumstances when the unique characteristics of terrain prevent the incorporation of accessibility features. (ii) If full compliance with this section would be structurally impracticable, compliance with this section is required to the extent that it is not structurally impracticable. In that case, any portion of the facility that can be made accessible shall be made accessible to the extent that it is not structurally impracticable. (iii) If providing accessibility in conformance with this section to individuals with certain disabilities (e.g., those who use wheelchairs) would be structurally impracticable, accessibility shall nonetheless be ensured to persons with other types of disabilities, (e.g., those who use crutches or who have sight, hearing, or mental impairments) in accordance with this section.

A guide to real-world applications of The 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design Applying the ADA helps architects and developers understand better how the rules for eliminating barriers in the built environment apply to everyday life and how to best implement them in the design and construction of a broad variety of buildings and facilities. By showing how The 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design have been applied in various contexts and building types, this extensively illustrated guide helps readers quickly understand the requirements of the standards and how to apply them to both new construction and renovation. Written by an architect who consults regularly on accessibility issues for design professionals, building owners, and facility managers, this user-friendly guide features 100 photos and 150 drawings that take the guesswork out of applying the standards to real-world projects. Building types covered include: Healthcare and senior living facilities and hospitals College and university facilities Elementary and high schools Hotels and other transient lodging facilities Amusement parks and play areas Historic preservation and remodels Retail and office spaces Applying the ADA is an indispensable resource for architects, interior designers, owners, developers, and facility managers. It is also important reading for students of architecture and interior design.

Revision of the author's Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This report is based on the public hearing on the Americans with Disabilities Act which the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held on November 12-13, 1998 to "investigate how the ADA was accomplishing its objectives of ensuring equality, independence, and freedom for people with disabilities"--P iii

The future of disability in America will depend on how well the U.S. prepares for and manages the demographic, fiscal, and technological developments that will unfold during the next two to three decades. Building upon two prior studies from the Institute of Medicine (the 1991 Institute of Medicine's report Disability in America and the 1997 report Enabling America), The Future of Disability in America examines both progress and concerns about continuing barriers that limit the independence, productivity, and participation in community life of people with disabilities. This book offers a comprehensive look at a wide range of issues, including the prevalence of disability across the lifespan; disability trends the role of assistive technology; barriers posed by health care and other facilities with inaccessible buildings, equipment, and information formats; the needs of young people moving from pediatric to adult health care and of adults experiencing premature aging and secondary health problems; selected issues in health care financing (e.g., risk adjusting payments to health plans, coverage of assistive technology); and the organizing and financing of disability-related research. The Future of Disability in America is an assessment of both principles and scientific evidence for disability policies and services. This book's recommendations propose steps to eliminate barriers and strengthen the evidence base for future public and private actions to reduce the impact of disability on individuals, families, and society.