Fair Housing Act Requirement 6: Reinforced Walls for Grab Bars
Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST Training Event
DATE: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
TIMES: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) – OR – 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Eastern Time)
Description:
This 90-minute Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST (FHAF) training offers an in-depth examination of Requirement 6 of the Fair Housing Act, which addresses the installation of reinforced walls for future grab bars. Participants will review the technical specifications for reinforcement around toilets, conventional and non-conventional bathtubs, and showers, along with practical guidance for integrating blocking and structural support during design and construction. The session highlights common field issues and resources that help ensure reinforcement is accurately placed before finishes are installed. Real-world examples illustrate how safe harbors and the Accessibility Guidelines define compliant reinforcement layouts and dimensions.
During the Q&A part of the training, accessibility expert Eric Contreras will answer your questions about the Fair Housing Act, Fair Housing Act Design Manual, Safe Harbors, and other accessibility issues live.
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 – 3:30 PM (Eastern Time) training session includes ASL interpreters.
What is Covered?
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify FHA guidance to gain practical knowledge to apply when designing bathrooms.
- Identify the technical requirements for Reinforced Walls for Grab Bars under the Fair Housing Act.
- Identify FHA guidance to gain practical knowledge to apply when designing reinforcing for grab bars at toilets.
- Identify FHA guidance to gain practical knowledge to apply when designing reinforcing for grab bars at conventional bathtubs.
- Identify FHA guidance to gain practical knowledge to apply when designing reinforcing for grab bars at non-conventional bathtubs.
- Identify FHA guidance to gain practical knowledge to apply when designing reinforcing for grab bars and seats in showers.
- Identify strategies, tips, and resources to aid compliance with FHA Requirement 6.
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 April 21, 2026. Both sessions will include the same information.
Training Dates & Times:
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Eastern Time
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern Time
The 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Eastern Time) training session includes ASL interpreters.
Register for Training:
Register for 10:00 AM (Eastern Time) Training
Register for the 2:00 PM (Eastern Time) Training
Format: Webinar using Zoom platform
Cost: Free
Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST Training Calendar
Web: hud.gov/hud-partners/accessibility-first-training
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