ACCESSIBILITY TAC
March 17, 2008
The TAC convened at 3:00 with a quorum present.
Review of Pursuing Code Interpretations. The TAC reviewed comments received at a public workshop to determine whether to pursue obtaining the authority to issue code interpretations. The workshop was held from 1:00 to 2:00 at which time ten individuals spoke regarding the need for interpretations. The options available were to allow the status quo to remain; to pursue binding interpretations; to pursue declaratory statements; and to obtain authority for non-binding interpretations. Some speakers recommended all three options, while others favored one or more and one disabled advocate expressed concern that interpretations could infringe on the civil rights of persons with disabilities. With that exception, the group’s consensus was that interpretations are necessary to help ensure clarity and uniformity of enforcement. Following a motion and second, the TAC unanimously voted to seek authority for the Commission to issue declaratory statements; for DCA staff to be permitted to provide technical assistance; and if the Commission accepted the recommendation, to have it included in the 2008 legislative package.
Hotel Charette: The charette has been postponed from the next meeting to solicit further participation and to reduce potential conflicts with legislative proceedings.
ADAAG Update: The Department of Justice is in the process of finalizing its review of the proposed new ADAAG and if accepted, may publish a notice of public comment in the Federal Register by mid-April.
Materials in Alternate Formats: Staff reported that sources had been located and beginning at the next meeting, information will be available in Braille, large type and if software purchasing is complete the ability to translate non-accessible PDF documents into accessible electronic format.
New Elevator Requirements. It is still unclear where the new standards will be located in the code and staff will conduct further research.
Review of New ADAAG
Standards: TAC members are to review
the proposed standards and identify areas that may be problematic with respect
to