ADA Compliance Process This step-by-step process makes it a little easier to comply with the requirements for removing barriers in existing facilities. 1) BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE It is imperative that you have a thorough understanding of the law, even if you hire a consultant to help you. This is necessary not only for immediate barrier removal, but will be necessary for you to meet your ongoing obligations under the ADA. 2) SURVEY EXISTING CONDITIONS The checklist in this packet will help you identify existing barriers. Simple "how to" instructions are part of the checklist. A walk-through will help you understand the scope of the survey work to be done. A list of the tools you will need is in the packet. Be accurate and consistent when measuring and recording; the value of your data will depend on the care taken during the audit. 3) SUMMARIZE THE RESULTS The information collected in your survey should be assembled and analyzed in a way that is useful for planning, budgeting, and implementation. You may want to enter the survey data, results summary, and plans into a computer database. 4) CONSIDER POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS After you have identified accessibility barriers, brainstorm ideas for their removal. Involve individuals with various disabilities; they will have practical suggestions. Decide which solutions will best eliminate barriers at a reasonable cost. Be sure to consider alternatives to expensive architectural modifications which may not be "readily achievable". 5) PRIORITIZE BARRIER REMOVAL The checklist is based on the four priorities recommended by the Title III regulations for "readily achievable" barrier removal. Also consider the probable costs and your company's resources. 6) REMOVE ALL BARRIERS IDENTIFIED AS "READILY ACHIEVABLE" Whenever possible, complete your work in compliance with the priorities in the checklist. Don't modify your rest rooms if it is impossible for someone in a wheelchair to even enter your building! 7) PUT A "GOOD FAITH" ACTION PLAN IN PLACE It is critical to demonstrate a "good faith" effort in meeting the goals of accessibility. This includes documentation of everything you have done and how you plan to address future requirements. Your plan will include access to all public areas, programs and services. 8) UTILIZE A DYNAMIC PROCESS FOR CONTINUING ACCESSIBILITY Assess all new service, product, and program offerings to assure accessibility compliance. Review your Action Plan each year to re-evaluate whether more improvements have become readily achievable. Be sure you keep abreast of litigation and further definition and clarification of the ADA Guidelines. This process will provide you with a sound framework for complying with this legislation and insuring that implementation is successful. When you have questions or concerns about this complex law and its implementation, seek the assistance of a qualified expert. And remember, a little common sense goes a long way. ---------- ADA AUDIT TOOLS The following is a list of tools that will be necessary to conduct a complete, accurate evaluation of your building or facility. Floor Plans and Site Drawings. These are probably the most important tools you can have when conducting a survey. If you can't find drawings, create sketches as you go. Tape Measure. You will need a 1/2"- or 3/4"-wide 25-foot tape measure for measuring ramps, stairs, door openings and overhanging objects, and other building elements. A 100-foot tape is useful for measuring corridors, ramps, and walks. Pocket Ruler. A 6-inch ruler is useful for measuring smaller elements such as railing width, lettering height, stair nosing and uneven surfaces. Clipboard. This is an essential writing surface for filling out forms. Slope Measuring Tool. You can make a tool with self- constructed wedges and a bubble level, use a yardstick level and ruler, use a protractor or compass along with a level, or use any of several purchased tools. The "Pro Smart Level" is an excellent device for measuring slopes. It is available at hardware and lumber stores for about $130. Door-Pull Scale. You will need a device to measure the pressure required to open a door. A door pressure gauge costs about $24 or you can make a tool using an accurate fish scale for about $20. Stopwatch. This is required to determine the sweep-time of doors with automatic closers and the closing time of elevator doors. Pens and Pencils. Colored pens and pencils with erasers will facilitate the recording of data and make it easier to interpret at a later date. Color notations on maps and plans are much easier to locate. 60" Circle. A pre-cut 60" diameter circle makes it easy to determine if adequate turning radius for wheelchairs is provided. Felt is a good, inexpensive fabric for this or cut one from a shower curtain. Camera. Occasionally a situation will arise that does not lend itself to written or graphic description. A camera will be useful to record these situations. Be sure to make a note of the camera position and the directions of view on the facility diagram. Also, photographs will provide great documentation for "before" and "after." ---------- BASIC DIMENSIONS - A QUICK LOOK It's important to know the basic dimensional tolerances for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA Accessibility Guidelines Standards for Accessible Design give complete information for applying these basics, as well as scoping requirements for new construction. If you need more help, don't hesitate to post your specific questions on our e-mail. WHEELCHAIR SPACE ALLOWANCES AND REACH RANGES: ----------------------------------------------------------------- * Clear width - 36" continuously and 32" at a point (doorway, etc.) * Width for passing - 60" minimum. * Turning space - 60" diameter minimum. * Clear floor space - 30" x 48" minimum for stationary wheelchair. * Forward reach - 48" maximum high reach, 15" minimum low reach. * Side reach - 54" maximum high reach, 9" minimum low reach. * Reach over an obstruction - Varies, see ADAAG. SUMMARY OF THE BASICS: ----------------------------------------------------------------- Remember, these dimensions are the minimum for new constuction! * 36" clear width for wheelchair * 60" clear turning diameter for wheelchair * 30" x 48" clear floor space for wheelchair * 15" to 48" mounting height to operable part of switches, handles, dispensers, controls (desirable for forward approach) * 80" high clear head room * 27" high clear knee space * 28" to 34" high table and counter tops * 32" wide clear openings for doors, passages * 8' wide parking with 5' wide access aisle (8' + 8' for van) * 60" high to centerline of signage * 34" - 38" AFF for handrails * 33" - 36" AFF for grab bars HINT: mount all grab bars and handrails 35" AFF * All controls, door handles, etc. operable with a closed fist * Accessible parking maximum slope - 1:50 * Path of travel maximum slope - 1:20 * Ramps, curb cuts maximum slope - 1:12 * Beveling at thresholds, level changes maximum slope - 1:2 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Table for Converting Slope Ratios to Degrees or Percent of Grade. Refer to this table if you use a tool which measures slope degrees or percent instead of slope ratios. slope ratio = degrees = percent 1:50 = 1.1 = 2% maximum for accessible parking & cross slopes. 1:20 = 2.8 = 5% maximum for sidewalks, walkways 1:12 = 4.7 = 8% maximum for ramps, curb cuts 1:10 = 5.7 = 10% maximum curb cut flared sides 1:2 = 26.6 = 50% maximum beveling level changes ADA ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC ELEMENTS: ----------------------------------------------------------------- Sidewalks (path of travel) - 36" minimum clear width, with passing space of 60" x 60" provided every 200'. Clear head room of 80" minimum. No changes in level greater than 1/4 without beveling. Protruding objects - 4" maximum for objects projecting from walls with their leading edge between 27" and 80" AFF. Head room - 80" minimum for walks and other circulation spaces. Carpet - 1/2" maximum pile thickness. Gratings - 1/2" maximum wide spaces in one direction. Parking spaces - 96" minimum wide with 60" minimum wide access aisle for accessible spaces. Surface slope not exceeding 1:50. 96" wide space with 96" wide access aisle for vans (minimum of one required). 114" vertical clearance. Complying signage mounted so as not to be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space (no dimension stated, we suggest not less than 72" high.) Curb ramps - 1:12 maximum slope. 1:20 maximum slope for adjacent surfaces. 1:10 maximum slope for flared sides. 36" minimum width. Ramps - 1:12 maximum slope. 30" maximum rise for any run. 36" minimum clear width. Level landings at top and bottom at least as wide as the ramp and 60" clear length. (60" x 60" if ramp changes direction) 1:50 maximum slope for cross slopes. Handrails - Ramps with a rise greater than 6" or a horizontal projection greater than 72" must have handrails on both sides. 12" extension parallel to ground top and bottom. 11/4" - 11/2" diameter of gripping surface. 11/2" clear space between rail and wall. Top of gripping surfaces mounted 34" - 38" above ramp surface. Ends of rails rounded or returned smoothly to floor, wall, or post. Stairs - 11" minimum wide treads, uniform riser heights and tread widths. 11/2" maximum nosing projection, undersides to be sloped with a minimum angle of 60degree from the horizontal. Complying handrails both sides. 12" horizontal projection of handrail at top; handrail to continue to slope width of one tread plus have 12" horizontal extension at bottom. Elevators - Hall call buttons - 42" AFF to centerline. Hall lantern fixtures - 72" AFF minimum to centerline. Door reopening device - 5" AFF and 29" AFF. Car control floor buttons - 54" AFF maximum (side approach), 48" AFF maximum (front approach.) Raised letters & Braille. Car emergency controls - 35" AFF minimum to centerline. Emergency communication system - 48" AFF maximum to highest operable part. Hoistway entrances - floor designations both jambs, 60" AFF to centerline of 2" high characters (raised & Braille). Car size - 54" deep by 80" wide minimum (68" wide alternate). Illumination levels - not less than 5 footcandles. Doors - 32" minimum clear width. 48" plus width of door swinging into space clear width for two doors in a series. 1/2" maximum threshold height. 48" maximum height for door handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices - operable with closed fist. 3 seconds minimum sweep (closing) period. 5 lbf maximum opening force for interior hinged, sliding, or folding doors. Opening force for exterior doors reserved (probably will be 8.5#) Fire doors to have minimum opening force allowed by appropriate authority. Automatic and power-assisted doors to comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.10-1985. Drinking fountains - Spout - 36" AFF maximum to the spout outlet. Flow of water - 4" minimum high. Clear knee space - 27" minimum between the bottom of the apron and the floor, 30" minimum wide, 17" to 19" deep. 30" wide x 48" deep clear floor space for forward approach. Controls at front and operable with closed fist. Water closets (toilets) - Clear floor space varies by configuration, see ADAAG. 17" - 19" high to top of toilet seat. Grab bars required - 36" rear grab bar, 42" side grab bar, see ADAAG for various positioning. Flush controls maximum 44" AFF, mounted on the wide side of toilet areas. Toilet stalls - Standard stall 60" wide and 56" - 92" deep. See ADAAG for alternate stall sizes, configurations. Toilet stall doors to comply with door requirements, with handles both inside and outside, mounted 48" maximum AFF. Urinals - 17" maximum AFF to rim. 30" wide x 48" deep clear floor space for forward approach. Flush controls 44" maximum AFF. Lavatories (sinks) - 34" maximum AFF to rim or counter surface. 29" minimum clear knee space AFF to bottom of apron. 27" minimum clear AFF to bottom of sink bowl. Clear space 30" wide by 19" deep underneath sinks. 61/2" maximum sink bowl depth. 30" wide by 48" deep clear floor space for forward approach. Faucets operable with closed fist. Mirrors - Bottom edge of reflecting surface 40" AFF maximum. Restroom dispensers - 48" maximum height AFF. Fixed storage (cabinets, shelves, closets, drawers, etc.) - Clear floor space of 30" x 48" for forward or parallel approach. Reach ranges apply to accessible storage spaces. Clothes rods or shelves 54" maximum AFF for side approach, 48" maximum AFF for forward approach. Controls and operating mechanisms - 30" x 48" clear floor space for wheelchair approach. 48" - 54" maximum AFF height to highest operable part for forward or parallel approach (48" maximum is recommended). 15" minimum AFF for electrical and communications system receptacles on walls. All controls and mechanisms to be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, with maximum force of 5 lbf for activation. (The "closed fist" test for handles and controls: if you can operate the mechanism with one hand, held in a fist, so can a person with limited use of the hands.) Alarms - Visual signal devices are required in restrooms and general usage areas such as meeting rooms, hallways, lobbies, and any other area for common use. 80" above the highest floor level within the space or 6" below the ceiling, whichever is lower. No place in any room or space more than 50' from visual signal. See ADAAG for other requirements. Signage - Width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1; stroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10. 3" minimum character height for signage mounted overhead. Letters and numerals to be raised 1/32", upper case, and 5/8" to 2" in height. Grade 2 Braille to accompany raised text. Pictogram field to be at least 6" high. Characters and symbols to contrast with background (70% typical) Signs to be installed on wall adjacent to the latch side of door at 60" AFF to the centerline of the sign. (exit signs can be mounted directly on out-swinging doors.) Accessible elements to be identified with the international symbol of accessibility. Telephones - 30" x 48" clear floor space for wheelchair approach. Highest operable part to be within reach ranges (48" AFF is safe) 29" minimum cord length. Telephone books within reach range. See ADAAG for hearing aid compatible, volume control, and text telephone requirements. Fixed or built-in seating and tables - 27" high, 30" wide, and 19" deep knee space required for wheelchairs. Tops of accessible tables and counters to be 28" to 34" AFF. Automated teller machines - Provide for parallel approach and both forward and side reach. Instructions and all information for use is to be accessible to and independently usable by persons with vision impairments. Dressing and fitting rooms - 60" diameter clear floor space. 32" wide clear opening. 24" x 48" bench fixed to the wall along the longer dimension, mounted 17" to 19" AFF. Full length mirrors, 18" wide by 54" high mounted to afford a view from the bench. Restaurants and cafeterias - 5%, but not less than one, of fixed tables are to be accessible. Counters and bars are to have an accessible area, 60" long. 36" wide clear access aisle to be provided to accessible seating. Food service lines to be 36" minimum wide, 42" preferred; tray slides mounted maximum 34" AFF. Tableware and condiment areas to be within reach ranges. Vending machines and other equipment to have operable parts within reach ranges. ---------- Simplifying Signage 1) EXTERIOR * Parking Spaces * Passenger Loading Zones * Accessible Entries * Inaccessible Entries New site signage MUST comply with requirements such as character size, high contrast, non-glare finish, etc. 2) PERMANENT ROOMS & SPACES * Room numbers and/or names * Rest Rooms * Exit Signs MUST have raised (tactile) Upper Case Sans Serif characters which are 5/8" - 2" high. MUST have Grade II Braille. MAY require pictograms. MUST be installed on wall adjacent to latch side of the door. MUST be mounted 60" AFF to centerline of sign & in a location so a person can safely approach within 3". MUST have non-glare finish. MUST have characters which contrast highly with background (70%-100%). MUST meet other technical criteria. 3) SIGNS INDICATING ACCESSIBILITY * Parking Areas * Entrances & Exits * Restrooms * Areas of Rescue Assistance * Text Telephones * Volume Control Telephones * Assistive Listening Systems * Check-out Counters * ATMs Specific Internationally-recognized pictograms must be used to indicate accessibility of the above. 4) DIRECTIONAL & INFORMATIONAL * Directional such as "Accounting Upstairs " * Informational such as "No Smoking" Tactile & Braille are not required. Both upper & lower case are permitted. No size stated for characters & pictograms. Pictograms can be used without accompanying text. No particular mounting specifications. MUST conform to requirements for non-glare finish and contrast. MUST meet typestyle requirements for width to height and stroke to height ratios. MUST meet all other technical criteria. NOTE: Temporary signs, such as building directories, tenant names & logos on doors, and items such as menus & price tags do not need to meet the ADA's signage design standards.. QUALITY COUNTS If evaluating tactile signage, look for: * Clean, easy-to-read typestyles. * Thin, consistent line strokes. * Easy-to-trace characters. * Well-separated characters. Avoid signs with tactile characters that: * Are "exotic", hard to read. * Have varying stroke widths. * Are too large. Look for Braille which: * Is well separated from other raised elements so the finger touches only the Braille. * Has dots with rounded or domed shape that are clearly separated. * Has numbers distinguished from letters. Avoid Braille which: * Is squeezed in between other raised elements. * Has straight sides and flat tops. * Is too large to read with fingertips. The signage requirements of the ADA can be quite confusing, or even intimidating. Do not rely on sign fabricators to assure compliance with the law. "Wayfinding" is very important, not just for people with mobility or visual impairments, but for the non-disabled public. ---------- End of Document