National reports have raised concerns about the physical accessibility of public school facilities for people with disabilities. These facilities serve important roles as schools, voting locations, and emergency shelters, among other things. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to examine the physical accessibility of public school…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

Offers tips on developing a clear and detailed plan that can keep a school rehabilitation project on time and within budget. Developing proper communication between stakeholders, knowing the regulations, probing for facts about deterioration, and being persistent and demanding in monitoring the construction project are stressed. (GR)

Explains how important it is for educational facilities planners to refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines when designing science classrooms, so every student can have the opportunity to experiment with science firsthand. Addresses how to work with the guidelines, and specific areas of concern. (GR)

At the request of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) has conducted "a literature search and review to identify best practices in [school] building design for accommodating the evacuation and sheltering needs of individuals with special needs or…

Argues that barrier-free designs should be incorporated in the first steps of school facility planning to avoid the difficulties in meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines during renovations. Explains why not all barriers need be removed to make a facility accessible to everyone. Discusses issues involving ADA guidelines and child…

Discusses school district progress in complying with the facility accessibility aspects outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It notes inconsistent compliance and the need for greater school district spending. The ADA's current impact and future concerns are addressed. (GR)

This guide provides guidelines for meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act in college and university buildings. The publication is divided into 10 chapters, the first 7 of which present construction drawings, evaluation criteria, and specifications for: (1) site accessibility (external path of travel,…

Addresses the concept of universal design in school planning and construction that can help remove barriers found in today's new and diverse educational requirements. Universal design and its impact on diversity and inclusion, technology, and community/school relationships are discussed. (GR)

Each month, "American School & University" provides a mix of thought-provoking features, how-to-articles, industry reports, exclusive surveys, new sections, insightful columns, new product introductions and case histories to assist education officials in better performing their jobs. This October 2004 issue includes the following:…

Public schools are not specifically mentioned in any one of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) titles. Cites a number of other federal laws and sets of regulations that already hold schools to standards that meet or exceed ADA provisions. Summarizes provisions of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (MLF)

Addresses the practical requirements in providing barrier-free access to schools. Special attention is given to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Outlines requirements for the following areas: (1) parking, passenger loading, and building access; (2) corridors, elevators, and stairs; (3) classrooms; (4) restrooms; (5)…

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II applies to schools, each school district should have a coordinator to develop an action plan covering the school system. Requirements fall into four areas: general nondiscrimination, equally effective communication, program accessibility, and employment. Compliance with the law is the…

For several years, Weaver High School (Hartford, Connecticut) has used a grant to fund the services of a consultant to provide information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Weaver has a program that allows students with multiple disabilities to be part of the school program and all activities. Activities have provided…