How Is an Architectural Barriers Act Complaint Filed?

A complaint about a federally funded facility that may not meet the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) accessibility standards is filed with the U.S. Access Board by using the online form, by email to enforce@access-board.gov, by fax to 202-272-0081, or by mail to the Board at 1331 F Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004. Complaints cannot be filed by phone, but a person who is unable to file online or by email due to a disability may call 202-272-0050.

Which facilities are covered. The ABA applies to buildings and facilities constructed or altered by or on behalf of the United States, or leased or financed in whole or in part by the United States, after August 12, 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151). Examples include post offices, veterans facilities, national parks, Social Security offices, federal office buildings, courthouses and prisons. The standards themselves are prescribed by agencies such as the General Services Administration (42 U.S.C. 4152).

What the Board does. The Board must make sure the ABA standards are complied with (29 U.S.C. 792(b)(1)). It enforces the standards through the investigation of complaints, and it may hold hearings and issue orders (29 U.S.C. 792(e)).

Complaints the Board does not handle. Complaints about state and local government facilities or places of public accommodation such as movie theaters, restaurants and hotels go to the Department of Justice through its Civil Rights Reporting Portal. Concerns unrelated to building accessibility, such as employment benefits, do not belong in an ABA complaint.

Form renewal. The online complaint form carries OMB Control Number 3014-0012 (expiration date September 30, 2029). The news post on the ABA complaint form renewal describes the renewal request. A form without a valid control number is covered in the FAQ on OMB control numbers.

Related topics. Workplace facility rules also come from OSHA, described in the FAQ on NIOSH vs. OSHA.