The DCAB Office will be closed on the following holidays:

November 11, 2011 (Veterans Day)   

November 24, 2011 (Thanksgiving Day)   

December 26, 2011 (Day After Christmas)

January 2, 2012 (Day After New Year) 

   

   

Learn more about the ADA Accessibility Guidelines through the U.S. Access Board and DBTAC's continuing series of webinars and audio conferences.  General attendance is free, but a $25 fee will be charged for processing CEUs.

• November 3, 2011 @ 8:30 am - 10:00 am (Hawaii time) Accessible Marinas and Boating Facilities
• December 1, 2011 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Hawaii time) Accessible Schools
• January 5, 2012 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Hawaii time) Accessible Golf Courses  

For more information about each session and to register, please go to:

On September 19, 2011, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a rule amending provisions in its ADA regulations to improve access at rail stations.  DOT's ADA regulations include requirements for accessible rail stations and vehicles that are based on guidelines issued by the U.S. Access Board.  The regulations also include provisions that govern operations and services.  The new rule adds a requirement for level boarding in new or significantly renovated stations so that all accessible cars of a train are usable by people with disabilities in commuter, intercity, and high speed rail systems.  Alternatives to high level platforms, such as mini-high platforms or station-based or car-borne lifts, are permitted where track is shared with freight trains which require greater clearance.  This requirement does not apply to existing stations unless they are significantly altered.  The new rule is effective October 19, 2011. 

A copy of the new rule can be downloaded from  http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-09-19/pdf/2011-23576.pdf.

On September 29, 2011, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend its rules implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Section 504 requires accessibility in airport terminal facilities that receive Federal assistance.  The proposed rule includes new provisions related to service animal relief areas and captioning of televisions and audio-visual displays.  The NPRM also proposes to amend the provision concerning mechanical lifts for enplaning and deplaning passengers with mobility impairments.  The DOT is seeking comments on the proposed rule.  Comments must be sent to DOT on or before November 28, 2011.  The proposed rule is available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-09-29/html/2011-24849.htm.

DCAB is reviewing the proposed rule and plans to submit comments to DOT.  For more information about DCAB's comments, feel free to contact Charlotte Townsend at (808) 586-8121 or charlotte.townsend@doh.hawaii.gov or Curtis Motoyama at (808)586-8121 or  curtis.motoyama@doh.hawaii.gov.

Deadline to submit comments on the Proposed Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way is November 23, 2011.

On July 26, the U.S. Access Board released for public comment proposed guidelines for accessible public rights-of-way.  The guidelines provide design criteria for public streets and sidewalks, including pedestrian access routes, street crossings, curb ramps and blended transitions, on-street parking, street furniture, and other elements.  The U.S. Access Board is seeking public input about impact on transportation departments, unintended positive and negative consequences of the proposed guidelines, curb ramps, detectable warnings, accessible pedestrian signals, signs, tabling newly constructed intersections, and other topics.  The proposed guidelines are available at http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/nprm.htm.

DCAB reviewed the proposed guidelines and plans to submit comments to the U.S. Access Board.  For more information about DCAB's comments feel free to contact Curtis Motoyama, Facility Access Coordinator, at (808)586-8121 or curtis.motoyama@doh.hawaii.gov.

Q:  Are ADA Compliance and Good Design Synonymous?

A:  PROBLEM: Even when all the elements are individually compliant with accessibility requirements, there may be problems with 'usability.'  Although the two doors in the photo have compliant maneuvering clearances and the drinking fountain has compliant clear floor space, potential usability issues exist.  When the drinking fountain is in use, the user may be struck by either one of the two doors, and access to the two doors is restricted when someone is using the drinking fountain.  TIP:  Technical compliance with the ADA is often the starting point for Universal Design, but compliance is not always synonymous with Good Design.  Think about how an accessible element is to be used.  Then, think about the interaction of multiple accessible elements that are close to each other, and how they will affect each other.  The thoughtful selection of the locations of accessible elements is an important part of going beyond compliance to create good Universal Design.  (Source: Universal Design Newsletter, Volume 11, No. 4 October 2011)


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Revised HRS 103-50 Document Transmittal Form (Rev 6/11)

1991 ADAAG
 
2004 ADAAG