Status of Rulemaking

The U.S. Access Board is currently developing accessibility guidelines for access to outdoor developed areas under the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The U.S. Access Board's Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Outdoor Developed Areas addressed scoping and technical provisions for campgrounds, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, trails and technical provisions for campgrounds, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, trails and beaches. The Regulatory Negotiation Committee submitted recommendations to the U.S. Access Board in September 1999. The next step is for the U.S. Access Board to release a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Outdoor Developed Areas for public coment.

• Outdoor Developed Areas Status of Rulemaking



• Final Report of the Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas

Research

• NCA National Trails Surface Study - Initiated in 2005, this longitudinal study is primarily the result of questions that the National Center on Accessibility has, for many years and continues to receive from organizations, agencies and individuals who desire to make their trails accessible; are interested in an unobtrusive surface that blends and is friendly to the environment; and provides a quality trail experience for people with and without disabilities.



• NCA Longitudinal Trail Research Program on Soil Stabilizers - (1999) A two-year study on the effectiveness of surface treatments for creating trails accessible to people with mobility impairments.

Publications

• Preferred Natural Environments and People with Disabilities by Terry J. Brown, Rachel Kaplan & Gail Quaderer
• Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) - NCA factsheet developed for the National Center on Physical activity and Disability (Coming Soon!)

Online Resources

• American Trails Accessibility Resources and Library

Products

• Surfaces and Manufacturers

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