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Access Board Publishes Final Rule
for Outdoor Developed Areas

New Standards Apply to Federal Trails, Picnic Areas, Campgrounds

On September 26, the U.S. Access Board published its Final Rule on accessibility standards for outdoor developed areas including trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, scenic viewing areas and beaches.  The new standards are part of the Architectural Barriers Act.  The final rule applies to the following federal agencies and their components that administer outdoor areas developed for recreational purposes: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service); Department of Defense (Army Corps of Engineers); and Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service). The final rule also applies to non-federal entities that construct or alter recreation facilities on federal land on behalf of the federal agencies pursuant to a concession contract, partnership agreement, or similar arrangement.  The new standards will become effective November 25, 2013.  Read more >

Fraser and Murdock Explain Dynamic Process to Transition Planning

Accessibility Coordinators Share Insights to Transition Planning

Both Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require state, local and federal entities to develop Transition Plans for the removal of architectural and communication barriers to participation by people with disabilities. But what does a Transition Plan look like? More importantly, what should be the process for developing and administering a successful Transition Plan? In July, NCA hosted the second webinar in the Arts and Recreation series to address questions on Transition Plans. 

John Wodatch, former Disability Section Chief at the Department of Justice, provided an overview of transition plan requirements. Joining John were accessibility coordinators representing two of the largest federal and state park systems in the nation, Cheri Murdock, Yosemite National Park, and Carole Fraser, New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Cheri and Carole discussed how each Transition Plan is as unique as the entity developing it, what they used as guiding principles for prioritizing barrier removal, and other secrets to successful implementation.

"Cheri and Carole gave a spectacular perspective on the dynamic process that goes into successful transition planning," said Jennifer Skulski, moderator for the event. 

The session was the second in a six-part webinar series produced by the Great Lakes ADA Center, the National Center on Accessibility, the ADA National Network, the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center on Performing Arts. Session archive >

Webinars Offer Continuing Education
Access Board Offers Webinar on New Outdoor Standards 
& NCA Playground Surface Research 
Distance learning through webinars continues to be a great way to stay informed on standards, research and emerging trends when budgets are tight on training dollars.  The Access Board and the ADA National Network offer a variety of webinar topics monthly.  Of special note to NCA constituents:

Accessible Playground Surfaces

October 3

The Access Board and the National Center on Accessibility recently completed a longitudinal study on playground surfaces. The purpose of the study was to examine how various surfaces performed over time in terms of accessibility and safety. Details on engineered wood fiber, poured in place rubber, rubber tiles, and other hybrid surface systems performed during the study will be addressed in this session.

FINAL RULE Accessibility Standards for Trails, Picnic and Camping Facilities, and Beach Access Routes

October 17

Presenters will review the scoping and technical requirements of the new guidelines and explain their implementation as standards under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), including effective dates.

View the full schedule for Accessibility Online and the ADA National Network Online Learning.

Access Featured in Museum Journal
July Curator Focuses on Access for Patrons with Disabilities
The July issue of Curator: The Museum Journal was dedicated to the topic of accessibility for patrons with disabilities.  Contributors included Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Centered Design, and Beth Ziebarth, Accessibility Coordinator for the Smithsonian Institution.  Articles ranged from museum experience around the world, application of universal design, experiential learning and technology.  Curator: The Museum Journal (July 2013) >

NCA Staff Venture Across Rockies
NCA Works with Park Staff for Future Improvements 
The entire NCA team was at the Rocky Mountain National Park last month to assist park personnel prepare for future transition planning.  The NCA team ventured to all corners of the park to get the total visitor experience including spectacular sites like Bear Lake, Longs Peak and Wild Basin.  Over the coming months, NCA staff will make recommendations to expand program access and utilize the principles of universal design. 

Check out the  NCA Facebook page for more photos from the trip.

NCA Product Files: Ameristep Hunting Blinds

Variety of Products Make Hunting Season Accessible

The Ameristep Doghouse Blind is ideal for firearm and bow hunting. Portable and compact concealment with shoot-through mesh windows. The Penthouse Blind is ideal for the hunter standing at full draw. It can even completely conceal an ATV. Portable and compact concealment with shoot-through TSC mesh kit included.

NCA does not sell, promote, or endorse this product or any product, service, or vendor listed in the Products Directory. Nor does NCA assume any responsibility or liability related to the accessibility, usability, or application of the products, services, and vendors listed. Consumers are encouraged to do comparison shopping before making any purchase. Read ADA Approved and Other Accessible Product Myths Choosing Products to Improve Access at Your Parks & Facilities.