HUD’s Section 504 regulations were originally published in 1988 and have not been significantly updated since. There have been many changes since the original publication like the availability and forms of assistive technology. The percentage of the United States population who are individuals with disabilities has also increased. It is crucial that the 504 regulations are clear, consistent, and current. HUD recognized the need for reform after they continued to find widespread discrimination on the basis of disability in HUD-assisted programs and activities and an ongoing need for affordable, accessible, and integrated housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities who are eligible for the programs and activities administered by recipients of Federal financial assistance from HUD.

Learning Objectives:-

All of the proposed changes will be broken out and discussed in detail so one can see how the proposed changes will affect the attendees.

Areas Covered:-

These are the overreaching topics of the proposed rule changes:

• Revisions to the definition of “individuals with disabilities” to be consistent with the ADA Amendment Acts of 2008 and DOJ’s Title II ADA regulations.
• Examples of direct and indirect discrimination against those with mental or physical disabilities in securing affordable housing.
• Auxiliary Aids and Services in Housing and Community Development Programs and Activities.
• Percentage of Units that are Mobility-Accessible and Visual and Hearing Accessible.
• Housing Choice Vouchers, Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, and Unit Affordability.
• Harmonization of Varying Accessibility Standards.
• Deeming Notice – 2010 ADA Standards (Title II of ADA).
• Accessibility Features in Common Areas and Units of Affordable Housing Developments.
• Construction and Design of Accessible Housing Developments
• Clarification on Reasonable Accommodations.
• Compliance and Complaint Process, Policies, Practices, and Procedures.
• Accessibility relating to Tribes and Tribal Entities.
• Intersectionality Considerations.

Background:-

Section 504 impacts the obligations of housing providers and managers. Providers of assisted housing must operate such housing so that when viewed in its entirety, it is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with a disability. HUD has continued to find widespread discrimination on the basis of disability in HUD-assisted programs and activities and an ongoing need for affordable, accessible, and integrated housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. HUD hopes to update its implementing regulations for Section 504 to address current emerging issues and environmental, societal, and technological advances.

Why Should You Attend:-

HUD seeks public comment on this advanced notice of proposed rulemaking and invites all interested parties and members of the public to submit their views, comments, and recommendations for changes that HUD is considering to its implementing regulations for Section 504 by July 24, 2023. Comments may be submitted electronically or by mail as described in the proposed rule.

This webinar will go over the proposed changes. The changes are outlined in detail and will be relative to the public comments.

Who will Benefit:-

• Managers
• Owners
• Leasing agents
• Housing authorities
• Attorneys