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House committee reviews statewide ADA compliance efforts for schools, parks and recreation
Summary
State education, parks, public safety and wildlife officials told a House committee they are implementing Act 987 (2021) and other steps to assess and improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access in school buildings, state parks and recreation programs, especially in facilities built before 2004.
The House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs heard a series of presentations July 12 on state efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Tim Cain, Director of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation at the Arkansas Department of Education, described the department's implementation of Act 987 of 2021, saying the law requires public school facilities and public charter schools to conduct assessments to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Cain said the work is focused on older buildings, noting schools built before 2004 are a priority for assessment and upgrades.
Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, and Jeff King, Deputy Director of Arkansas State Parks, told the committee the parks agency is acquiring new mobility devices and updating lodging facilities to make parks more accessible for visitors with disabilities. Mary Beth Hatch and Hollie Sanders of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission described adaptive‑recreation measures, including reduced licensing prices for residents with disabilities and veterans and an All‑Terrain wheelchair program intended to expand outdoor access.
Dennis Free, State Fire Marshal, and Diane Hughes, Construction Maintenance Coordinator in the State Fire Marshal’s Office, outlined challenges enforcing ADA requirements in private and non‑school public buildings, citing examples such as installing changing tables and other retrofits that can be technically or financially difficult for businesses to implement.
Jon Taylor, Executive Director of the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, briefed the committee on federal tax incentives and other credits that can help businesses cover the cost of equipment or modifications to support customers and employees with disabilities. Taylor characterized these incentives as tools to encourage private investment in accessibility; the committee record did not include specific dollar amounts or program limits.
No motions or votes were recorded in the minutes; the meeting concluded after public testimony and adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
