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Abstract
Nearly every building in the United States must conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applying these access requirements to historic buildings can often harm or destroy the building's historic integrity.|This thesis examines the requirements of the ADA, including the alternative minimum accessibility standards available for use by historic properties. The acceptable treatments of historic buildings, as set forth by the Secretary of the Interior are also explained. The problems with combining ADA requirements and the standards for historic properties are then examined. Accessibility features are profiled, including examples of historic buildings that utilize these features.|This thesis identifies several needs, including the need for exemptions from ADA requirements for historic buildings, for design assistance in applying accessibility features and for financial assistance in providing the best solution. The thesis concludes with recommendations for identifying the most appropriate access solutions for historic properties.