Dear all
Hope you all had a good break and enjoyed the new year celebrations.
Below i have pasted an article forwarded to me.
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Time For Redrawing Access Law
Paul Bedard: Washington Whispers; Outlook 12/27/99
America's architects operate in a world of certainties and exacting
standards, which is why the Americans with Disabilities Act and its
vague rules that new buildings be accessible to those with
disabilities are driving the blueprint set crazy. "It's maddening if
you are an architect," says Jim Dinegar, vice-president of the
American Institute of Architects.
The problem: There are no national ADA building codes, and state
standards certified by the Justice Department are being challenged in
court.
The result: Architects also end up in court or planning expensive
redesigns.
"We want to get it right the first time. We can draw anything, but we
need to know the rules up front," says Dinegar. Justice agrees but
hasn't offered any help yet.
So Dinegar tells Whispers that AIA next year will seek oversight
hearings to clear up the fog in the disabilities act and lay the
groundwork for universally accepted and legally binding building
codes. "Money spent on ADA should be spent on increasing access, not
lining the pockets of lawyers."
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Given that the DDA at present does not have a certification
or similar provision is any body prepared to offer anything better
than odds on, not that I am a gambler, on this country ending up in a
similar position.
What do you think?
SURFACE
Salford University, Research Focus on Accessible Environments
Tel: 01874 636826
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