Access Board News

Under Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the Federal Workforce (14035), federal agencies must ensure that their workplaces are fully accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities. To assist agencies in promoting and enhancing accessibility in their DEIA Strategic Plans, the Board has developed . . .

U.S. Access Board staff presented at conferences, webinars, and meetings to enhance participants’ knowledge on accessibility standards and advance inclusion for people with disabilities. Board staff presented on various topics, such as accessibility in the federal workplace, accessible voting and . . .

National Council on Disability (NCD) will host a public webinar on its Health Equity Framework for People with Disabilities on February 23 from 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. (ET). After a culmination of meetings, outreach, and consultation with a multi-disciplinary team of advisors, NCD recently released its Health Equity Framework that offers a blueprint for policymakers to address . . .

Phil Bratta has been appointed Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Access Board in the Office of Executive Director (OED). In this role, Bratta will design, plan, and direct the Board’s public affairs program that includes . . .

The U.S. Access Board released a direct final rule related to its standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) covered by Section 510 of the Rehabilitation Act. The MDE Standards, originally published in 2017, established minimum technical criteria to ensure . . .

Yesterday, President Joe Biden appointed eight new members to the U.S. Access Board. He also reappointed one incumbent Board member, Gregory S. Fehribach who is currently the Board’s Chair . . .

The U.S. Access Board seeks a Supervisory Technical Services Officer (GS 15) to serve in its Office of Technical and Information Services. Current or former federal employees who qualify as . . .

The U.S. Access Board hosted the virtual public event “Equity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities” yesterday. The event featured panel presentations on standards, research, and resources related to healthcare accessibility, including inclusive medical equipment, healthcare facility design, and information technology, and communication . . .

Christopher Kuczynski has been appointed General Counsel for the U.S. Access Board. He succeeds Gretchen Jacobs who retired at the end of 2021. In this role, Kuczynski will guide the Board's legal affairs and lead enforcement efforts under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). The Board's Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal expertise and counsel to the Board and staff regarding . . .

The U.S. Access Board has reopened its public comment period on advisory guidelines for aircraft onboard wheelchairs until January 17, 2022. As indicated in a published notice, the Board seeks information on . . .