HUD's current Section 504 standards, which were released in 1988, ban specific acts of discrimination and mandate accessibility for new construction and changes to existing facilities.
New challenges and concerns have emerged in the interim 35 rules, which the existing regulations do not address.
HUD's planned revision of its Section 504 rules provides an opportunity to respond to questions identified by HUD and make suggestions for how the Section 504 rules should be modified.
In announcing its planned redesign, HUD noted that the existing Section 504 rules needed to be updated to address developing difficulties and asked for feedback on a number of questions about the present Section 504 rules and how they might be amended. These include, among other things, questions about whether the current definition of a "individual with disabilities" should be changed; whether the current new construction rules, which require 5% of units to be mobility-accessible and 2% of units to be visual- and hearing-accessible, adequately meet the needs of people with disabilities; and whether the accessibility needs of people receiving housing choice vouchers and other tenant-based assistance are met.
Why should you attend?
Given the expenses and dangers they impose, HUD's Section 504 requirements have had a significant daily impact on housing providers and managers. Section 504 complaints account for the majority of program-related human rights claims reviewed by HUD, according to this week's notice. The expected makeover might put more responsibility on owners and management, or it could provide the clarity that is currently lacking. It is critical that housing providers and managers take advantage of this chance to share their experiences with HUD and ensure that their views and concerns are addressed as the agency begins to amend its Section 504 standards.
Areas covered in the session:
We will cover many of these proposed rule changes. These include:
Who should attend:
Paul has been involved in the real estate industry for the past 38 years. He has been involved in sales, construction, project management, appraisal, mortgage consulting and brokerage, property management, and property management consulting/training. Through his consulting company, Property Management Solutions, he provides training and consulting services nationwide to owners, management companies, multi-housing associations, as well as state and federal agencies.
He specializes in fair housing issues and has developed fair housing and outreach programs for governmental agencies as well as conducting seminars which are presented to property management companies, apartment associations, and the general public. For over twenty years was involved in the appraisal of residential, multi-family, farm, and commercial properties throughout the Midwest.
