UPDATE: 05/18/2012: USDOJ extends 2010 ADA Standards for Existing Pools
The USDOJ announced that it is adopting a final rule extending the compliance date for the new 2010 ADA Standards on the provisions of accessible entry and exits to existing pools built before March 15, 2012, including existing swimming pools, wading pools, and spas. The amended compliance date for existing pools of Title II and Title III entities will take effect on January 31, 2013. Note that the final rule does not affect the March 15, 2012 effective date for newly constructed or altered pools.
UPDATE: 03/15/2012 – New 2010 ADA Standards now Mandatory
Compliance with the new 2010 ADA Standards is mandatory starting March 15, 2012 for new construction, alterations, program and alterations, program accessibility, and barrier removal.
UPDATE: 11/01/2011 – Revised 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS)
The final draft of the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (“TAS”) was approved for adoption by the Commission on November 1, 2011. The revised standards will become effective on March 15, 2012. Until that date, compliance with the current 1994 Texas Accessibility Standards is required.
UPDATE: 09/15/2011 – New 2010 ADA Standards
On September 15, 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice published revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) in the Federal Register. These regulations adopted revised, enforceable accessibility standards referred to as the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (“2010 ADA Standards”) . The 2010 ADA Standards set minimum requirements both in scoping and technical for newly designed and constructed or altered state and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
Regarding applicability and enforcement, there is an 18-month “grace period” (September 15, 2012 – before March 15, 2012) that either the previous 1991 Standards or the New 2010 ADA Standards may be used for public accommodations at new construction and alterations. On and after March 15, 2012, compliance with the New 2010 Standards for public accommodations at newly constructed facilities and future renovations at existing facilities is mandatory.
