Smithsonian Accessibility  

Smithsonian Directive 215, Accessibility for People with Disabilities Policy (SD 215)

This Smithsonian directive follows the guidance provided by the legislative provisions of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and their amendments, using the most current architectural standards stated in the General Services Administration (GSA) Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design.

Smithsonian accessibility policy, as specified in SD 215, applies to all new construction, exhibits, barrier removal, alterations, and repair and restoration of facilities and grounds, (as defined in the ABAAS and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, whichever is more stringent), whether the Smithsonian owns or leases the property. The policy also applies to all programs held at or by the Smithsonian, whether they are developed, co-sponsored, or hosted by the Institution.

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