- Every public lot must contain reserved ADA parking.handicap parking only sign image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
The Americans with Disabilities Act provides a range of regulations regarding wheelchair access to public buildings and other areas. Stores must provide ramp access and reserved parking, for example, but the provisions extend far beyond that to the very design of ramps, stairwells, and the positioning of water fountains among other items. - Note that both the parking spot and the wall in front of it are marked appropriately.handicapped parking space and sign image by TMLP from Fotolia.com
Rules require prominent display of ADA signs in several areas. These include parking spaces reserved for disability access, entries when not all entrances are ADA accessible, wheelchair passenger loading zones, and ADA accessible toilet facilities if not all facilities are accessible. ADA signs typically have a blue background with white striping, and compliant ADA signage includes braille or other raised lettering. - Many locales offer ADA compliant parking meters.handicap parking meter image by pixelcarpenter from Fotolia.com
At least 50 percent of entries for any publicly accessible building must be wheelchair accessible. Not only does this include the primary entrance, it extends to each entry space within the structure as well. Additionally, double doors must have a minimum width of 48 inches to assure adequate passage for wheelchairs. Even the direction of a door's swing must be considered when building to ADA code specifications. - At least one water fountain must be wheelchair accessible.fountain image by Charlene Bayerle from Fotolia.com
There must be wheelchair accessibility for at least one water fountain, where one or more drinking facilities are available. Spout outlets should be no more than 36 inches above the floor. Bottled water dispensers are ADA compliant. - ADA wheelchair laws give all Americans equal access to public buildings and facilities.man in wheelchair image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Wheelchair access ramps should have a rise of no more than 1:8, or 1 inch of rise for 8 inches of length. Ideally, the rise should be 1:10 or 1:12. The maximum rise for any ADA ramp is 30 inches per run, terminated with a level platform at both top and bottom. The minimum compliant width for wheelchairs to pass one another is 60 inches. - Hallways and other passage must have sufficient clearance at door openings.Modern asian inspired hallway with bamboo floors image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
Public passages must comply with minimum width requirements to allow wheelchair access. Ramps, aisles, or hallways should have a clear width of 36 inches. Landings should have a minimum 360-degree turn radius of 60 inches or more. - This boardwalk includes ADA compliant handrails.bridge 3 image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com
ADA handrails should have a minimum clearance between the rail and the wall of 1 1/2 inches. Rail ends should be round or end directly against the wall or ground. Rails should be placed 34 to 38 inches above the floor or ramp surface.
previous post
next post