On April 25, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced its intention to update regulations requiring accessibility features and prohibiting disability discrimination in HUD-assisted housing.

HUD’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking asks for public comments on HUD’s existing regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance from HUD.

In the Advance Notice, HUD acknowledges the need to align HUD’s Section 504 regulations with environmental, societal, and technological advances and emerging issues.

Specifically, HUD is asking for feedback on how to account for advances in accessible design, the use of websites and other technology, and auxiliary aids and services in it Section 504 requirements. In addition, HUD is considering whether to adopt an updated Federal accessibility standard.

Comments are due to HUD by July 24 and LeadingAge will work with members to submit feedback.