Accessibility Information

Section 502 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires access to programs and activities that are funded by federal agencies and to federal employment. Section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act created the Access Board who was charged with ensuring compliance with standards issued under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and proposing solutions to the environmental barrier problems addressed in the ABA. Congress was clear in its intent that compliance be the primary essence of the Board's function.

Later amendments strengthened requirements for access to electronic and information technology in the federal sector (Section 508).

For TVA’s portfolio of buildings and building-related projects, the design, construction, addition to, alteration and lease of sites, facilities, buildings, and elements shall comply with the following requirements:

• Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• ANSI A117.1-2009 edition, Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings/Facilities
• International Building Code (IBC)- edition in effect at date of design
• State adopted codes and ordinances
• City or county adopted ordinances

Handicap accessible parking is made available where parking is provided for TVA employees. A state issued handicap tag is required to utilize one of these designated spaces. These spaces are made available on a first come first served basis.

The United States of America owns, and TVA manages acres of land Valley wide as part of TVA's mission of service. This is considered public land. Much of this is undeveloped, untouched by civilization and free from modern facilities. Developed lands come with amenities such as swim beaches and fishing berms, campgrounds, and picnic pavilions. TVA has approximately 380 recreation areas in developed lands that are handicap accessible. These facilities comply with Section 502 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Filing Complaints:

For information on how to file a Section 502 complaint, contact:

Externally: Tennessee Valley Authority, Attn: Architecture and Engineering, 1101 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, facilitieshelp@tva.gov

Internally: Tennessee Valley Authority, Attn: Architecture and Engineering, FM Support Services Request Form (sharepoint.com).

TVA Coordinators:

Real Estate Strategy and Support, Manager, Property Portfolio
Real Estate Strategy and Support, Manager, Property Administration
Facilities Management, Manager, Architecture and Engineering
Facilities Management, Manager, Space Management
Natural Resources, Specialist, Recreation Engineering

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal departments and agencies that develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology (EIT), also known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to ensure that these technologies provide access to information and data for people with disabilities. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a federal agency, have access to and use of information and data this is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

TVA Chief Information Officer (CIO) reports TVA’s progress and program maturity to the Chief Information Officer Council and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in February and August of each year.

Filing Complaints:

For information on how to file Section 508 complaints, contact: Tennessee Valley Authority, Atn: Gregory G. Jackson, ggjackson@tva.gov, 1101 Market Street, Chatanooga, TN 37402