The U.S. Department of Justice is rescinding numerous guidance documents clarifying requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including some dating back to 1999.

The agency said this week that it removed the guidance in accordance with a memorandum issued by President Donald Trump aimed at lowering the cost of living.

“Today’s withdrawal of 11 pieces of unnecessary and outdated guidance will aid businesses in complying with the ADA by eliminating unnecessary review and focusing only on current ADA guidance,” the Justice Department said.

The canceled guidance includes a 10-part manual issued in 2005 for business owners and operators about what they need to do to comply with the ADA as well as documents aimed more specifically at requirements for hotels and lodging facilities, gas stations and retail establishments.

In addition, the Justice Department did away with five items that were part of an ADA question-and-answer document issued during the COVID-19 pandemic including one addressing whether hospitals and medical facilities with policies barring visitors could deny people with disabilities from having a family member, companion or aide assist them in accessing care. Other questions focused on exemptions to mask requirements, accessing businesses with a service animal, the rights of employees with disabilities during the pandemic and the obligations of outdoor restaurants.

The Justice Department said it also plans to highlight tax incentives that are available to businesses that make accessibility improvements.

“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that businesses and members of the public can easily understand their rights and obligations, including the tax incentives that are available to help businesses comply with the ADA,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mac Warner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Putting money back into the pockets of business owners helps everyone by allowing those businesses to pass on cost savings to consumers and bolster the economy.”

Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, said that revoking the guidance does not mean that requirements under the ADA have changed, but it could make it harder for people to know what the rules are and how they apply.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act guidance removed by the Department of Justice is both necessary and incredibly timely,” she said. “Although the Americans with Disabilities Act is close to 35 years old, disabled people frequently experience barriers in retail, lodging, and hospitals. Individuals, employers and other entities still need this guidance and still benefit from it.”