United Spinal Appoints Marsha Mazz, Leading Developer of Federal Accessible Design Guidelines as Director of Accessibility Codes and Standards

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Oct 02, 2018, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association recently appointed to its Accessibility Services program Marsha Mazz, an experienced accessible design professional who was instrumental in the development of accessibility guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).

"Marsha's distinguished career in improving access for wheelchair users and all people with disabilities to our built environment will be a tremendous asset to our vision of a barrier-free society," said Dominic Marinelli, VP of United Spinal's Accessibility Services program.

Before joining United Spinal, Mazz headed the U.S. Access Board's Office of Technical and Information Services, which is responsible for the development and maintenance of its accessibility guidelines and standards, as well as its training and technical assistance programs.

Mazz, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and former advocate for the independent living movement, is most known for her efforts to harmonize federal accessibility requirements with their counterpart codes and standards in the private sector. This includes codes and standards authored by the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the World Wide Web Consortium.

"I'm honored to be asked to carry on United Spinal Association's historic commitment to improving accessibility in building codes and standards. The organization's long record in this field is exceptional," said Mazz.

Recognized for her technical expertise and mastery of detail in architectural accessibility and building codes and standards, Mazz has received numerous accolades during her career. For her work at the Access Board to improve accessibility and remove barriers for people living with disabilities, she received the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) 2010 Ronald H. Brown Standards Leadership Award.

On October 17, 2018 the ANSI will also honor Mazz with the Meritorious Service Award for her significant contributions to remove barriers and strengthen accessibility standards.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. United Spinal has played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

SOURCE United Spinal Association