What is the Architectural Barriers Act and what does it cover?
The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) (42 U.S.C. ยง4151-4157) requires that certain buildings financed with Federal funds must be designed, constructed, or altered in accordance with standards that ensure accessibility for persons with physical disabilities. The ABA requires that covered buildings comply with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). The ABA does not cover privately-owned housing, but covers buildings or facilities financed in whole or in part with Federal funds. The ABA applies to public housing (24 CFR 40), and to buildings and facilities constructed with CDBG funds (24 CFR 570.614). In practice, buildings built to meet the requirements of Section 504 and Title II of the ADA will conform to the requirements of the ABA.
