Safety never takes a holiday.
Waterparks & the ADA
Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice (the Department) released proposed rules regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These rules adopt provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines (2004 ADAAG) which were published by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers and Compliance Board (Access Board) on July 22, 2004. The rules apply to all areas of public accommodation, but contain several specific provisions for waterparks. Below is a list of critical issues addressed in the new regulations, but we strongly encourage you to read the entire report to fully comprehend all of the potential implications of the new regulations. We are asking the Waterpark community to submit comments on these issues and other concerns regarding the regulations to the Department of Justice and the IAAPA Government Relations Department. To submit a comment for the record visit the Regulations.gov webpage, then e-mail it to us. This is the industry’s chance to affect the regulations before they are put into place. We hope you will respond promptly. |
Critical IssuesExtend the comment period to 150 days. We would like to ask the Department of Justice to extend the comment period on the new rules. Currently, the comment period expires August 17. As this is the height of the season for the attractions industry, IAAPA believes more time should be given for members to examine these complicated proposals. Effective Date. The effective date of these standards could dramatically impact many members of the industry. It is IAAPA’s recommendation that members of the industry request the Department to make the effective date to be 18 months for waterpark facilities. This grace period reflects the time necessary for effective barrier removal activities. Also, this period is necessary for the process of capital funding, design and construction that are required to meet the new rules. Handrails. |
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ADA ResourcesReport Department of Justice ADA Reference Page Amusement Facilities Information
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