Most people with disabilities in the US are familiar with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). The ADA is a civil rights law. It ensures that people with disabilities are not discriminated against in accessing schools, jobs, transportation, and facilities that are open to the public. These protected rights are similar to those provided to persons on the basis of their age, gender, national origin, race, or religion.
But few have heard of the ABA (Architectural Barriers Act).
The ABA is another civil rights law that applies to buildings or facilities used by federal agencies. These include federal office buildings, federal prisons, national parks, post offices, Social Security offices, veterans’ medical facilities, and US courthouses. The ABA also applies to some non-government facilities that use federal funding, such as mass transit systems, public housing, and some schools.
The technical requirements of the ABA are similar to those of the ADA. An accessibility barrier under the ADA is most like an ABA violation if it appears at a federal facility.
The major difference between the ADA and the ABA is in enforcement. The ADA is enforced by several different agencies. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title 1 of the ADA. The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces Titles 2 and 3. The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces ADA regulations relating to transit. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforces telecommunication accessibility.
The ABA is the responsibility of the U.S. Access Board. They handle accessibility complaints related to federal or federally-funded institutions. Reports of violations can be made anonymously.
The accessibility standards that must be met are listed here: https://www.access-board.gov/aba/
The process for filing a complaint is explained here: https://www.access-board.gov/enforcement/
You can also learn what must be reported elsewhere at the above link.
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