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American with Disabilities Act
American with Disabilities Act
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most comprehensive federal civil-rights statute protecting the rights of people with disabilities and affects access to employment; state and local government programs and services; access to public places including businesses, transportation and non-profit service providers; and telecommunications.
Historic Properties are not exempt for the ADA requirements and they should to the greatest extent possible be made as accessible as non-historic buildings. There are, however, provisions of the Act which provide special consideration for historic structures.
Properties that cannot be made accessible without "threatening or destroying" their significance can pursue alternative requirements. Properties that are listed or eligible for the National Register and properties listed on the State Register are eligible for consideration for special accessibility provisions. In Connecticut the Connecticut Historic Commission/SHPO will determine if a property is eligible and will provide owners with technical assistance for projects that seek to use the minimum standards. The SHPO/SHPO will also help develop alternative access proposals if it is determined that even the minimum standards would threaten or destroy the architectural and historical significance of a property.
When considering making an historic building accessible in compliance with the ADA the National Park Service's Preservation Brief #32 " Making Historic Properties Accessible" is a must read.
For further information please select from one of the links provided below.
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