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Accessibility Overview

The Smithsonian Institution follows all federal guidelines with respect to public accessibility issues. In many instances the Smithsonian has elected to exceed there guidelines. The documents listed in this section will assist in the proper consideration of accessibility issues in all Smithsonian design and construction projects.

Accessibility Standards

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board: A federal agency committed to accessible design. The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. It operates with about 30 staff and a governing board of representatives from Federal departments and public members appointed by the President. Key responsibilities of the Board include:

  • developing and maintaining accessibility requirements for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology
  • providing technical assistance and training on these guidelines and standards
  • enforcing accessibility standards for federally funded facilities

The site also contains links to ADAAG and UFAS information.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG):
This document contains scope information and technical requirements for accessibility to buildings and facilities by individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. This information is to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities covered by titles II and III of the ADA to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation, under the ADA.

Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS):
This document sets standards for facility accessibility by physically handicapped persons for Federal and federally-funded facilities. These standards are to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities to the extent required by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended. The UFAS FAQ can answer frequently ask questions about the Architectural Barriers Act and the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards.

Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Design (SGAD): SGAD is a comparison of the following standards and codes that are relevant to accessible design and construction of buildings and sites:

  • Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS).
  • Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), also known as the Standards for Accessible Design.
  • Life Safety Code/National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 101) 1992 Edition
  • Building Officials & Contractors Association Code (BOCA) 1990 Edition
  • Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation
  • Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.1)

A checklist for surveying buildings and facilities is available as part of these documents. Unfortunately these documents have never been updated since they were developed in 1997 and therefore their value is somewhat limited.

Executive Summary SI Wide Accessibility Project , Implementation Plans: This document is a synopsis of the Phase II and Phase III Smithsonian Institution Wide Accessibility Study, which examined the public spaces and the grounds for ten facilities and one facility for public and staff spaces in Washington , DC , in order to evaluate each on its accessibility to people with disabilities. A budget costs spreadsheet is also included.

Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibit Designs: The Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibition Design is a living document. The design tools here, like all creative resources, must be mixed and matched and tested in different combinations to find workable solutions. Updates, adjustments and refinements will be distributed by the Accessibility Program as better tools are devised.

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