Accessibility Program Overview
Oct-2006
History
The Department of Veterans Affairs has played a major role in formulating accessibility policy in the
United States. In 1968 VA was a major advocate for The Architectural Barriers Act, Public Law 90-480,
that insures that buildings financed with federal funds are so designed and constructed as to be
accessible to everyone. This law requires all construction, renovation, or leasing with federal funds to
meet Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards, UFAS. These standards brought all Federal agencies
under a common accessibility guideline for the first time. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of
1990 set accessibility requirements for state and local government, as well as private sector projects,
similar to the requirements set for Federal projects through the Architectural Barriers Act. The ADA
guidelines are called the ADAAG Standards. In addition, VA uses the Barrier Free Design Guide the
barrier free needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs in its health care facilities.
Program
The Office of Facilities Management directs the Accessibility Program for VA. This program complies
with the provisions of UFAS, represents VA at various accessibility Committee/Board meetings, and
provides liaison and technical staff to the Secretary of the Department concerning accessibility
complaints against VA facilities.
The Secretary, or his designee, is a member of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board (ATBCB), an agency of the Federal government that oversees compliance by the
various agencies, such as VA, with accessibility standards. Since 1994, the Secretary designated the
Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration as VA's Board member. The accessibility
program involves reviewing agenda information for ATBCB meetings, and representing the VA Board
member at these meetings.
Results
VA's Accessibility Program continues to implement the provisions of UFAS. VA has the lowest number
of accessibility complaints of all the major Federal departments. This is largely due to VA being an
advocate for the rights of the disabled and the hard work and dedication of VA's facility managers and
engineering staff, who strive to provide access to all VA facilities for everyone.
Contacts
Department of Veterans Affairs Accessibility Program
Dennis Hancher, Accessibility Officer 202.565.5825
Office of Facilities Management
811 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
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