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Bush to Overhaul Access for Disabled

Proposal would vastly expand 1990 disabilities act

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 16, 2008 7:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – With an eye to aging Boomers and Iraq vets, the Bush administration is set to propose wide-ranging new rules to improve disabled access to public spaces from retail stores to golf courses, the New York Times reports. The move, which updates  implementation of the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act, would affect 7 million businesses and all state and local government agencies. While some call the plan's $23 billion price tag too steep, advocates for the disabled say it’s not enough.

The rules will be published tomorrow and be available for 60 days of public comment before being finalized. They include:

  • Required lifts or ramps in courthouses, auditoriums, and swimming pools
  • Height requirements for hotel-room light switches and fishing-pier railings
  • Disabled accessibility to at least half the holes at mini-golf courses
  • Accessibility to playground equipment for children in wheelchairs

The Bush administration's planned expansion of accessibility rules will update a 1990 disabilities act.
The Bush administration's planned expansion of accessibility rules will update a 1990 disabilities act.   (Shutterstock)
The Bush administration plans to propose a major expansion of disabled-access rules.
The Bush administration plans to propose a major expansion of disabled-access rules.   (Shutterstock)
New accessibility rules will require ramps or lifts in courthouses, auditoriums, and swimming pools.
New accessibility rules will require ramps or lifts in courthouses, auditoriums, and swimming pools.   (Shutterstock)
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