Architectural Barriers

The article discusses legal rights, legislative developments, and societal considerations pertaining to the rights and accommodations for people with physical disabilities, exploring issues related to accessibility, discrimination, and advocacy efforts for inclusion and equal opportunities during 1976.

Goldman, Charles D. “’Access America’-- Rights of Physically Disabled.” Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities Newsletter 3, no. 2 (1976). http://www.jstor.org/stable/43872008.

Following the implementation of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) in 1968, progress in accessibility within businesses and public facilities remained slow-moving for several reasons. One significant issue was the limited enforcement mechanisms within the ABA. While the Act mandated that buildings constructed, altered, or leased with federal funds be accessible, enforcement and oversight of compliance were inadequate. This lack of stringent enforcement allowed many entities to bypass the accessibility requirements without facing consequences. Businesses and public facilities often cited financial concerns as a barrier to implementing accessibility features. Retrofitting existing structures to comply with accessibility standards was deemed costly, and some entities were hesitant to invest in these modifications. Some businesses and facility owners might have been resistant to altering their existing structures or operational methods to accommodate individuals with disabilities, perceiving it as an inconvenience or disruption.

Achieving full compliance with accessibility standards was a gradual process, especially for older buildings and establishments. This transition period, where many facilities were not immediately subject to the ABA regulations, contributed to slow overall progress in achieving comprehensive accessibility. Overall, the slow progress in accessibility following the implementation of the Architectural Barriers Act was due to factors such as insufficient enforcement, cost considerations, limited awareness, resistance to change, technical challenges in retrofitting, and the gradual nature of the transition process for existing structures.