BOISE - Architects, builders, contractors, civil engineers, project managers and local building inspectors are encouraged to attend free workshops on accessible design and construction August 7-9 in Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls. The workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Pocatello City Council Chambers at 911 North 7th Avenue, WestCoast Hotel at 475 River Parkway in Idaho Falls, and in Twin Falls at the Ameritel Inn at 1337 Blue Lakes Boulevard North.

The workshops-coordinated by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association with support from the Idaho Department of Commerce, Wells Fargo Bank and several housing industry groups-is aimed at preventing fair housing design and construction violations and reducing housing discrimination and cost. Gail Austin, a professional accessibility consultant for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and private clients, will be the main presenter.

Although the workshop is free to participants, seating is limited. Pre-registration is required no later than August 2 to ensure space, lunch and handout materials. Detailed information and registration forms may be obtained under the What's New link at www.ihfa.org.

or by e-mail to: access@ihfa.org. For more information on the Fair Housing Act and other fair housing efforts in Idaho, visit IHFA's Web site: www.ihfa.org/research_training.asp.

"These training sessions are a must for architects, civil engineers and builders of apartments or condominiums," said Austin. "This information can help reduce liability and save them and their clients money. These are practical sessions to help participants avoid common design and construction errors I've seen in over 140 on-site inspections and plan reviews."

Austin is a nationally known expert on the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines and the design and construction requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She also reviews plans and inspects public facilities for compliance with the Standards for Accessible Design under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The training will also focus in part on a new law, which takes effect January 1, 2003 and requires local governments to adopt the International Building Code. This includes rules promulgated by the Idaho Building Code Board to provide equivalency with provisions of the accessibility guidelines of the Fair Housing Act. and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A recent Urban Institute study found that most Americans support the Fair Housing Act, "despite a marked lack of understanding" of how the law works and when it applies. This lack of understanding has led to violations and enforcement that have cost local housing providers hundred of thousands of dollars in recent years.