Making Swimming Pools Accessible for All

Judy Woodruff reports on the Department of Justice decision requiring government and private building owners to alleviate architectural barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from taking full advantage of facilities' amenities.

1 minute read

March 17, 2012, 7:00 AM PDT

By jerinbrent


Though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been in place for two decades, accessibility is an ongoing issue. The Department of Justice has indicated that all government and private building owners are required to ensure that there are no architectural barriers that prevent a person with a disability from fully utilizing the building. Based on a 2010 revision of federal guidelines, which extended the ADA to cover recreational facilities, the Justice Department mandate will extend beyond the building.

Of particular interest to the hospitality industry and municipalities will be the mandate to install wheelchair lifts in swimming pools. Two South Carolina Senators have already introduced a bill that would prevent the Attorney General from enforcing the rules covering swimming pools and the Hotel Association has asked the Justice Department for a delay in implementing the rules. The Justice Department remains strong on the issue, however, even if it means seeing closed pools as the summer months approach.

Thanks to Jessica Brent

Thursday, March 15, 2012 in PBS NewsHour

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing