Introduction
The Access Board enforces accessibility standards issued under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA). The ABA requires that buildings or facilities that were 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, be accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. The Access Board enforces the ABA through the investigation of complaints.
When to File an ABA Complaint
You should file an ABA complaint if you have encountered or are aware of an accessibility barrier at a building or facility covered by the ABA. Examples include U.S. post offices, Veterans Affairs medical facilities, national parks, Social Security Administration offices, federal office buildings, U.S. courthouses, and federal prisons.
These facilities must meet standards for accessible design, which indicate where access is required and provide detailed specifications for ramps, parking, doors, elevators, restrooms, assistive listening systems, fire alarms, signs, and other accessible building elements.
When Not to File an ABA Complaint
Do not file an ABA complaint if your concerns are related to something other than the accessibility of covered buildings (e.g., COVID protocols, employment benefits, health insurance, taxes). If your concerns are about the accessibility of state or local government facilities, or places of public accommodation (e.g., movie theaters, restaurants, hotels), or if you believe you have been discriminated against based on your race, color, national origin, disability status, sex, religion, or familial status, file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice using its Civil Rights Reporting Portal. For information on other Federal laws that address accessibility and protect the rights of people with disabilities, please refer to these other resources.
How to File an ABA Complaint
- Online ABA Complaint Form recommended
- E-mail: enforce@access-board.gov
- Fax: 202-272-0081
- Mail: U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004
Complaints cannot be filed by phone, but if you are unable to file online or by e-mail due to a disability, call 202-272-0050 (voice).
Online ABA Complaint Form: Statement Concerning the Paperwork Reduction Act
Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3), note that the United States Access Board may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB Control Number. The Online ABA Complaint Form has OMB Control Number 3014-0012 (Expiration Date: 10/31/2026).
Online ABA Complaint Form: Privacy Act Statement
Authority
The legal authority for collecting the information is 29 U.S.C. 792(b)(1); 42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.; 36 CFR 1150; and 36 CFR 1191.
Purpose
The collection of contact information, which is voluntary, is to permit the agency to communicate with complainants throughout the investigative process.
Routine Uses
The information collected in the complaint form may be disclosed to a federal agency for the purpose of investigation and informal or formal resolution of the alleged violation of the ABA or if requested by another Federal agency pursuant to an administrative, civil, or criminal legal proceeding in which the Federal agency is a party. The identity of the complainant will only be shared if the complainant consents to disclosure. The information collected may also be disclosed in accordance with the other routine uses listed in the SORN USAB.002 CTS. Access Board Privacy Policy.
Disclosure
Voluntary; however, failure to provide contact information will prevent the Access Board from keeping complainants up to date on the status of the investigation or any corrective action taken by the agency or department in question.