U.S. Access Board Law and Legal Definition
The United States Access Board or Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. The Board was established in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities. Now, the Board is a leading source of information on accessible design. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology. Additionally, the Board provides technical assistance and training on these requirements and on accessible design and continues to enforce accessibility standards that cover federally funded facilities. It is also known as the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
The Board acts as a coordinating body among various federal agencies. It directly represent the public, particularly people with disabilities. Fifty percent of its members are representatives from most of the federal departments. And the other half is comprised of members of the public appointed by the President, a majority of whom must have a disability.
