Thank you TJ. Those commenting should also be sure to praise the inclusion of Section 1105.1 in this proposed code. This section requires all new buildings (and those substantially altered), with occupant loads of over 200, to have at least one entrance with automatic or power assisted doors. This goes beyond
E. Elaine Gardner
Director, Disability Rights Project
Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
(202) 319-1000 ext. 131
From: DRPA_workgroup@
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:58 AM
To: DRPA_workgroup@
Subject: [DRPA_workgroup] Alert: Public Roundtable on Proposed Construction Codes, Fri. 9/19 10 AM
* Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested.*
Dear Disability Rights Protection Act (DRPA) supporters:
We've just learned that the DC Council Committee on Public Services will hold a public roundtable (hearing) this Friday, September 19th at 10 AM (details at the bottom of this email and attached in PDF).
Last summer, DCRA proposed draft regulations on the construction codes. The proposed construction codes can be accessed by clicking on the following web link and opening the first PDF document, "Proposed 2008 DC Construction Code":
http://dcra.
The proposed code include a section on accessibility, which begins on page 143 of the PDF document.
The building codes are an opportunity for the District to provide detailed guidance on how new and renovated buildings should be accessible to people with disabilities. Potential concerns about the code as presented by DCRA include:
1) A missed opportunity for the District to incorporate standards for "visitability" e.g., provisions to ensure that all new construction include basic level ascess to enable persons with disabilities to visit.
2) Failure to incorporate the goal of 8% of all housing to be fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities. This goal is stated in both the District's Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Housing Strategy. However, the numeric targets for accessible units in the proposed building code fall below the 8% level.
3) The need for DCRA to work more closely with the disability community and the DC Office of Disability Rights to ensure that the building codes state a strong policy of advancing access for people with disabilities.
Procedurally, the DC Council must consider the proposed construction codes as a single document. **THE DC COUNCIL CANNOT AMEND THE PROPOSED CODE.** The Council can only vote the codes up or down (approve or reject), as a block.
Anyone wishing to testify or provide written comment about the proposed code should contact DC Council Committee Clerk Aukima Benjamin at 724-4902 or abenjamin@dccouncil
PUBLIC ROUNDTABLE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2008
10:00 AM, ROOM 120
PUBLIC ROUNDTABLE, COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Mary M. Cheh, Chairperson
"Construction Codes Amendment Resolution of 2008", PR 17-0866. To approve the proposed rules to amend Title 12 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations for the purpose of providing for amendment to the regulations to replace the existing Title 12 Construction Code Supplement of 2003, with a new Title 12, Construction Code Supplement of 2008.
To testify: Contact Aukima Benjamin at 724-4902 or abenjamin@dccouncil
To provide written comment: Submit written comment by 5:00 PM on Monday, September 22, 2008 to Aukima Benjamin at abenjamin@dccouncil
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T.J. Sutcliffe, Director of Advocacy & Public Policy
The Arc of the
Phone: 202-636-2963
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