ACCESSIBILITY TAC

January 28, 2008

The TAC convened at 3:00 with a quorum present. The minutes of the October 2, 2007 meeting were unanimously approved. The agenda was set and the following item were discussed.

Legislative Initiative to Pursue Binding Interpretations. The TAC previously decided to pursue the possibility of obtaining legislative change to allow issuance of binding interpretations of Chapter 11, FBC. At the March meeting, the TAC and Accessibility Advisory Council will act as hosts of a public forum to which industry representatives, architects, engineers, local building departments and disability advocacy groups will participate and determine if sufficient interest and support is available towards achieving the goal. TAC members will also independently approach their elected representatives to gain support.

Implementation of New ADAAG Guidelines. The Department of Justice is in the process of reviewing and adopting a federal rule to enable the new standards to be adopted and enforced. It is anticipated that the new guidelines will be approved either in July to coincide with passage of the ADA or in October. The TAC will conduct an in-depth review during the interim and prepare a recommendation whether to accept the guidelines or modify them to reflect provisions of the Florida code.

Update on Hotel Charette . In addition to items previously identified for review at the charette, participants will also review alternate paths of travel when unusual circumstances such as construction will not permit the primary paths to be used.

Information in Alternative Formats . DCA staff will continue to research the availability of providing information accessible to a variety of people with different disabilities. In addition to the taped Commission proceedings on the website, requests will be entertained, on request, to provide Braille or CDs with verbal Commission proceedings.

Future Workplans. At the March meeting the TAC will review the new elevator requirements in multifamily buildings and detectable warnings from the Access Board.