Recognizing the need to improve physical access to many federally funded facilities for all people of the United States, particularly people with disabilities.
Summary
This concurrent resolution recognizes the need to improve physical access to federally funded facilities for all people, particularly those with disabilities. It reaffirms support for the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The resolution also pledges to make universal and inclusive design a guiding principle for all infrastructure bills and projects.
Expected Effects
The resolution aims to improve accessibility to federally funded facilities. This could lead to increased independence and participation in society for people with disabilities. It also encourages full compliance with existing accessibility laws and promotes inclusive design in future infrastructure projects.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accessibility to federally funded facilities for people with disabilities.
- Enhanced independence and participation in society for individuals with disabilities.
- Promotion of universal and inclusive design principles in infrastructure projects.
- Encouragement of full compliance with existing accessibility laws.
- Potential for reduced unemployment rates among people with disabilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with retrofitting existing facilities to meet accessibility standards.
- Possible delays in infrastructure projects due to the implementation of universal design principles.
- The resolution itself does not create new enforceable standards, relying on existing laws and future actions.
- No specific funding mechanisms are outlined, which could hinder implementation.
- Potential for unintended consequences or challenges in implementing universal design in certain contexts.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the principles of equality and freedom upon which the United States was founded. While the Constitution does not explicitly guarantee accessibility for people with disabilities, the spirit of the document, particularly the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, supports the idea of equal access to government services and facilities. The First Amendment's guarantee of the right to peaceably assemble also implies the need for accessible public spaces.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).