State of New Hampshire Governor's Commission on Disability

The Committee on Architectural Barrier-Free Design (AB Committee), as part of the Governor's Commission on Disability, strives to remove both structural and attitudinal barriers that prohibit access to programs and services for people with disabilities in the State of New Hampshire.

The AB Committee, mandated by NH RSA 275-C:11, consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds from throughout New Hampshire, the majority of which have a disability. While educating the public, architects, code enforcement officials and contractors about state and federal accessibility standards and the right to equal access, members of the Committee share the commitment to a common-sense approach to make New Hampshire accessible to people with disabilities.

Responsibilities of the AB Committee include:

• To develop, enforce and distribute the Code for Barrier Free Design (AB Code - found in part 300 of the rules).
       - The AB Code mandates accessibility for new public buildings and older buildings undergoing substantial remodeling
• To provide public educational opportunities on the accessibility standards that apply in New Hampshire
• To provide technical assistance and guidance regarding access
• To provide information on the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Code for Barrier-Free Design - AB Code

SCOPE

The AB Code applies to:

• Buildings, facilities and their appurtenant grounds and curbs
       - Which are used or to be used by the public; and
       - The cost of the construction, rehabilitation or substantial remodeling of which is to be paid for, in whole or in part, by federal, state, county or municipal funds.
• Refer to part 301.02 in the abfd rules www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/abfd100-300.html

STANDARDS

In part 303.01, the Code adopts the accessibility guidelines "Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities ANSI A117.1-1998" published by the International Code Council.

The AB Committee is currently amending the AB Code to adopt IBC 2006 and ANSI A117.1-2003, to reflect the recent changes in the NH State Building Code NH RSA 155-A.

The AB Code is enforced on the local level by officials who issue building permits, approve construction plans, or issue Certificates of Occupancy; including but not limited to Building Inspectors, Selectmen, Code Enforcement Officials and Fire Chiefs. Architects assure compliance with all applicable codes when they stamp construction plans. Contractors agree to comply with construction documents. Plumbers' licenses require that their work be done in compliance with applicable codes.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The ADA - the 1990 Federal civil rights law - prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability and mandates accessibility for new construction, addition and alterations through the Code of Federal Regulations 28 CFR Part 36 - Revised 7/l/94 - the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (also known as ADAAG).

Universal Design Benefits All Ages and Abilities
www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/udprinciplestext.htm

Following the principles of Universal Design is recommended by the AB Committee. Universal Design provides improved access for all of us who at some time in our lives have difficulty with opening heavy doors, reaching items that are low or high and negotiating stairs or curbs by providing automatic door openers, high/low drinking fountains, curb ramps, ramps, elevators and lifts, and larger restrooms with higher toilets. The seven principles to Universal Design are:

PRINCIPLE ONE: Equitable Use

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

PRINCIPLE TWO: Flexibility in Use

The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

PRINCIPLE THREE: Simple and Intuitive Use

Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

PRINCIPLE FOUR: Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

PRINCIPLE FIVE: Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

PRINCIPLE SIX: Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

PRINCIPLE SEVEN: Size and Space for Approach and Use

Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Resources

Access Codes in New Hampshire

NH Accessibility Checklist  

Access Basics  

Toilet Rooms
Accessible Toilet and Bathing Rooms
Accessible Single-Use Toilet Room plan  
New ANSI 2003 Requirement! Vertical Grab Bar
NH Toilet Room Checklist  

Accessible Parking Spaces
Design Standards for Accessible Parking Spaces  
Understanding New Hampshire Parking Laws  
Enforcement Tips -Accessible Parking NH
Policy on Time Limits for Accessible Parking Spaces

Disability Awareness - Disability Etiquette
People First Language
Communication Tips

ADA Accommodations
Accommodating Customers with Disabilities
Accommodating Patients with Disabilities

Online Resources
Building and Access Codes, the ADA, Accessible Playgrounds and Recreational Facilities, Emergency Preparedness, Accessible Communication, Disability Awareness, Accessible Worship, etc.

This symbol indicates the document is in Adobe Acrobat format.

This symbol indicates the document is in Microsoft Word format.

This symbol indicates the document is in PowerPoint format.

| Back to Governor's Commission on Disability |