The Access Board’s research program is focused on the study of accessibility relating to architecture and design, communication, and transportation. A key mission of the Access Board is developing and maintaining accessibility guidelines and standards under several different laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes design requirements for facilities in the private and public sectors, transportation vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and federal electronic and information technology. Most Access Board research projects are designed to develop information for its use in writing or updating these design criteria. The Access Board may fund the development of technical assistance and training materials useful to its audience, including designers, specifiers, and consumers. However, research reports and guidance materials on this page were prepared under contract to the Access Board by independent contractors. As such, they represent the analysis and views of the contractors only and are not a statement of Access Board policy or position.
The Access Board welcomes information on research initiatives related to accessibility and accessible design. The Access Board maintains a strong interest in coordinating research with other entities and in exploring potential partnerships.
For more information about the Access Board’s research program, email ta@access-board.gov.
Completed Research
Building Elements and Spaces
- Dimensional Tolerances in Construction and for Surface Accessibility (2011)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (2006)
- Toilet and Bathing Facilities for Assisted Transfers: Design Best Practices (2001)
Communication and Information
- Accessible Information/Transaction Machines (2000) Trace Research and Development Center
- Assistive Listening Systems
- Exhibit Design Relating to Low Vision and Blindness Summary Report (2011) National Center on Accessibility
Exterior Surfaces
- Development of Surface Roughness Standards for Pathways Used by Wheelchair Users: Final Report (2014)
- Engineered Wood Fiber - Play Surfaces (2003)
- A Longitudinal Study of Playground Surfaces to Evaluate Accessibility (2013) National Center on Accessibility
- National Trail Surfaces Study: Final Report (2014) National Center on Accessibility
Human Measures/ Mobility Aids
- Anthropometry for Persons with Disabilities (1997)
- Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility Project (2011) IDEA Center
- Guidelines for Aircraft Boarding Chairs: Technical Paper (1987)
- The Impact of Transfer Setup on the Performance of Independent Transfers - Phase I (2011) VA Human Engineering Research Laboratory
- Independent Wheelchair Transfers in the Built Environment: How Transfer Setup Impacts Performance - Phase II (2015) VA Human Engineering Research Laboratory
- Analysis of Low Wheelchair Seat Heights and Transfer Surfaces for Medical Diagnostic Equipment) (2022) Clive D’Souza, University of Pittsburgh
Passenger Vessels
- Access for Persons with Disabilities to Passenger Vessels and Shore Facilities: The Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Final Report, July 12, 1996; Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
- ADA Access to Passenger Vessels: Finding Safety Equivalence Solutions for Weathertight Doors with Coamings: Background and History (2004/2005)
Public Rights-of-Way
- Common Problems Arising in the Installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (2009)
- Interfacing Audible Pedestrian Signals and Traffic Signal Controllers (2003)
- Pedestrian Access to Modern Roundabouts (2001)
- Synthesis of Literature Relevant to Roundabout Signalization to Provide Pedestrian Access (2007)
- Visual Detection of Detectable Warning Materials by Pedestrians with Visual Impairments (2006)