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The Access Board is an independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards.
The Board is structured to function as a coordinating body among federal agencies and to directly represent the public, particularly people with disabilities.
Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, medical diagnostic equipment, and information technology. It also provides technical assistance and training on these requirements and on accessible design and continues to enforce accessibility standards that cover federally funded facilities.
Twelve of the Board’s members are representatives from most of the federal departments. Thirteen others are members of the public appointed by the President, a majority of whom must have a disability.
Several different laws shape the work of the Board and its mission:
Under the ADA, the Board is responsible for accessibility standards covering newly built and altered facilities.
The Access Board also maintains and enforces accessibility standards under the Architectural Barriers Act.