Abstract:

This paper explores the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on planning and zoning through case law research. In the ADA arena: 1) zoning has become defined as a public service, 2) the provision of services in the most integrated setting has been supported, and 3) the definition of a covered disability is under debate. How we deal with the need for education and participation at a multitude of levels, (of users, designers, builders, educators and legislators) will determine if the future impacts of the ADA will aggravate perceived conflicts or result in better design and planning for everyone.