Fair Housing Joint Statement: Accessible Multifamily Dwellings
Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST Training Event
DATE: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
TIMES: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) – OR – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Eastern Time)
Description:
This 90-minute Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST (FHAF) training provides a practical overview of the Joint Statement issued by HUD and the Department of Justice on accessible design and construction requirements for covered multifamily dwellings under the Fair Housing Act. Participants will learn how the Joint Statement interprets key accessibility questions, including requirements for accessible pedestrian and vehicular routes, covered units and entrances, and public and common-use spaces.
The session also explains how the FHA interacts with other laws and standards, such as the ADA and state or local building codes, and highlights common areas where overlapping requirements can cause confusion. Real-world examples help illustrate how the Joint Statement can be used to support consistent, compliant design decisions.
An accessibility subject matter expert (SME), Eric Contreras, will be available during the dedicated Q&A portion to answer design and construction accessibility questions.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- interpret and apply the guidance in the Fair Housing Joint Statement on accessible multifamily dwellings,
- identify key FHA protections and the purpose of the document,
- recognize standards for accessible routes including when vehicular routes may substitute for pedestrian routes,
- determine requirements for accessible entrances and adaptable covered units,
- understand how the ADA and FHA interact,
- compare state and local codes with higher accessibility standards,
- identify accessibility needs for rental offices and common areas,
- review requirements for emergency warning systems in public spaces and dwelling units, and more.
This training offers:
- one hour of focused training on the Fair Housing Act
- knowledge checks to strengthen memory and understanding
- 30+ minute live Q&A session with accessibility expert Eric Contreras
- a download of all webinar materials in the participant workbook.
Each attendee who attends for 45 minutes or longer will receive a certificate of attendance. Certificates are also available for passing the final quiz.
The 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Eastern Time) training session includes ASL interpreters.
Who Should Attend?
- Architects and Designers
- Contractors
- Civil Engineers and Landscape Architects
- Developers and Builders
- Disability and Housing Advocates
- Other Individuals interested in Fair Housing Accessibility
Note: This 90-minute training with be offered twice on June 30, 2026. Both sessions will include the same information.
Register for Training:
Register for Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Eastern Time
Register for Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern Time
The 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Eastern Time) training session includes ASL interpreters.
Format: Webinar using Zoom platform
Cost: Free
Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST Training Calendar
Web: hud.gov/hud-partners/accessibility-first-training
English