Guidelines

People with disabilities should be able to arrive on site, approach the building, and enter the building as freely as everyone else. At least one path of travel should be safe and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

Path of Travel

A "path of travel" refers to the route that is used to get to and through a building or facility. When considering the accessibility of a path of travel, the needs of persons with mobility impairments and visual impairments need to be considered.

1. Is there a path of travel that does not require the use of stairs?

In order for persons with mobility impairments to effectively use a facility, there must be a path of travel from parking or public transportation stops through all areas of the building. One step counts. Many users of wheelchairs are not able to negotiate even one step. The path of travel should include all usable areas of the facility, including rest rooms.

2. Is the path of travel stable, firm and slip-resistant?

The path of travel cannot be gravel, stones, dirt, have throw rugs or a non-slip-resistant surface. The path of travel should be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.

3. Is the path at least 36 inches wide?

The path of travel must be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate the width of a wheelchair and the arc of a cane used by a person who is blind.

4. Can all objects protruding from the path be detected by a person using a cane?

In order to be detected by someone using a cane, an object must be within 27 inches of the ground. Objects hanging or mounted overhead must be higher than 80 inches to provide clear head room. It is not necessary to remove objects that protrude less than 4 inches from the wall.

5. Do curbs on the path of travel have curb cuts at drives, parking, and drop off areas?

Curb cuts, or curb ramps, allow access from the street to the sidewalk.

Ramps

Ramps not only provide access for people who use wheelchairs, they also provide access for persons with other types of mobility impairments, people with balance or dexterity impairments, and cardiac or pulmonary conditions.

6. Are the slopes of ramps no greater than 1:12? (Note: Slope is given as a ratio of the height to the length. 1:12 means for every 12 inches along the base of the ramp, the height increases one inch. For a 1:12 maximum slope, at least one foot of ramp is needed for every inch of height).

A 1:12 ramp works for most people most of the time. The less steep a ramp is, however, the better.

7. Do all ramps longer than six feet have railings on both sides?

Railings prevent "rolling off" the ramp, provide stability for people with unsteady balance, and provide guidance for people with visual impairments.

8. Are railings 38 inches high and sturdy?

Railings need to be sturdy in order to provide support. The height requirement of 38 inches provides the maximum benefit.

9. Is the width between railings at least 36 inches?

This is a standard width.

10. Are ramps non-slip?

For persons who are unsteady or who are using assistive devices, a non-slip surface is critical.

11. Is there a five-foot long level landing at every 30-foot horizontal length of ramp, at the top and bottom of ramps and at switchbacks?

Most wheelchairs require a five foot radius in order to turn around. The larger the radius, the easier it is for a chair to be maneuvered. There must be a level landing at the top and bottom of ramps to prevent "rolling back." It is difficult to open a door and push through while sitting at a 70 degree angle.

Parking and Drop Off Areas

12. Are an adequate number of accessible parking spaces available (8 feet wide for car plus a five foot striped access aisle)?

For guidance in determining the appropriate number of spaces to designate, the table below gives the ADA Accessibility Guidelines requirement for new construction and alterations. This is a minimum standard; if the spaces in your lot are frequently filled with legally parked cars, you may want to add more spaces.

Total Spaces     Accessible Spaces

1 to 25              1 space

25 to 50            2 spaces

51 to 75            3 spaces

76 to 100          4 spaces

Some states have more stringent requirements regarding the number of parking spaces. Check your state building code.

13. Are 16-foot wide spaces, with 98 inches of vertical clearance, available for lift-equipped vans?

At least one out of every eight accessible spaces must be van accessible.

14. Are the accessible spaces closest to the accessible entrance?

The accessible spaces should be located as close as possible to the accessible entrance. This may not necessarily be the primary entrance to the building.

15. Are accessible spaces marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility? Are there signs reading "van accessible" at van spaces?

In addition to the International Symbol of Accessibility, your state may have additional requirements for identification of accessible spaces. Make sure signs are not obstructed by cars. In general, they need to be at least seven feet high.

16. Is there an enforcement procedure to ensure that accessible parking is used only by those who need it?

You are probably not responsible for enforcement. You may, however, want to ensure that the police are called when spaces are used illegally.

Entrance

17. If there are stairs at the main entrance, is there also a ramp or lift, or is there an alternative accessible entrance?

Whenever possible, the main entrance should also be the accessible entrance. If this is not possible, a dignified alternative entrance may be identified. In other words, people with disabilities should not have to go through a kitchen or basement to access a building.

18. Do all inaccessible entrances have signs indicating the location of the nearest accessible entrance?

This is important. Not every person visiting your program will be aware of secondary and accessible entrances.

19. Can the alternate accessible entrance be used independently?

Independence of travel is required except under extremely limited circumstances.

20. Does the entrance door have a clear opening of at least 32 inches (for a double door at least one 32-inch leaf)?

A "clear opening" refers to the actual opening - not to the width of the door. In some cases, if an opening is less than 32", you can widen the door frame or install offset hinges.

21. Is there at least 18 inches of clear space on the pull side of the door next to the handle?

This refers to the space next to the door that will allow a wheelchair user to get close enough to the door to open it.

22. Is the threshold level less than 1/4 inch or beveled up to 1/2 inch?

The "threshold" is the "floor" of the doorway. It must be less than 1/4" to provide access to wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, and people with poor balance.

23. Are doormats 1/2-inch high or less, and secured to the floor at all edges?

See #22.

24. Is the door handle no higher than 48 inches and operable with a closed fist?

A door handle must be usable by someone in a sitting position, and by someone who does not have strong dexterity.

25. Can doors be opened without too much force (max 5 lbf)?

Doors must be usable by persons with limited strength. It should not require more than five pounds of force (lbf) to open a door.

26. If the door has a closer, does it take at least three seconds to close?

This allows people to pass through the door before it closes.

Emergency Egress

28. Is there sufficient lighting along egress pathways such as stairs, corridors, and exit routes?

Lighting is important for visually impaired persons, as well as for safety.