February 22, 2018

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) strongly oppose H.R. 620, entitled the "ADA Education and Reform Act," which amends the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to require persons with a disability to provide written documentation of an ADA violation to a business before seeking legal remedies.

As the organizations that represent the interior design industry at large, we continually examine cultural, societal, and economic shifts and consider how design impacts, and is impacted by, these movements. It is our belief that design – residential or commercial, for private or public intent – truly affects everyone. This is why we unwaveringly advocate for universal design, a practice that seeks to create environments that can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible regardless of age, sex, size, or ability. As designers, it is our job to think about design with people and purpose in mind, so that no one person has to bear the weight or responsibility of access, which is as fundamental to human rights as it is to good design. We oppose any effort that disincentives businesses to build or update spaces according to these principles.

“Universal design was a matter of practice before it was a matter of law,” says IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, LEED AP. “IIDA believes that access and equity are inherent in what designers do, despite what might be articulated by this pending legislation.”

“The ADA is a guideline to ensuring accessible spaces, and we support legislation that strengthens the Act, not weakens it,” states ASID CEO Randy Fiser, Hon. FASID. “ASID believes that design impacts lives – this includes using the principles of universal design to ensure buildings and spaces are created for all people.”

IIDA and ASID will be closely monitoring H.R. 620 as it makes its way to the Senate.

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About International Interior Design Association
IIDA is the Commercial Interior Design Association with global reach. We support design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients through our network of 15,000+ members across 58 countries. IIDA advocates for advancements in education, design excellence, legislation, leadership, accreditation, and community outreach to increase the value and understanding of interior design as a profession that enhances business value and positively impacts the health and well-being of people’s lives every day. www.iida.org

About American Society of Interior Designers
The American Society of Interior Designers believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Society’s programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide. www.asid.org