ADA Access to Goods and Services

In the last blog post, we discussed having an accessible approach and entrance that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Today, we are going to discuss the second of the four priorities: having access to goods and services.  According to the ADA, “The layout of the building should allow people with disabilities to obtain materials or services without assistance.” Use the following list from the ADA to assess whether or not your facility is ADA compliant when it comes to accessing goods and services.

Horizontal Circulation

1. The accessible entrance should provide direct access to the main floor, lobby, or elevator.
2. All public spaces need to be on an accessible route of travel.
3. There must be an accessible route to all public spaces that is at least 36 inches wide.
4. There should be a 5 foot circle or a T-shaped space in order for a person using a wheelchair to change direction.

Doors

1. Doors leading to public spaces must have at least a 32-inch opening?
2. There must be at least 18 inches of clear wall space on the pull side of the door, so a person using a wheelchair or crutches can get near to open the door.
3. Doors should be able to open without excessive force.
4. Door handles must be at a maximum 48 inches high.  You must be able to open the door handles with a closed fist.
5. Thresholds must be no more than a quarter inch high unless they are beveled.  Beveled edges must be no higher than ¾ inch high.

Rooms and Spaces

1. All aisles and pathways to materials and services must be a minimum of 36 inches wide.
2. As with horizontal circulation, rooms and spaces require be a 5 foot circle or a T-shaped space in order for a person using a wheelchair to change direction.
3. It is pertinent for carpeting to be low-pile, tightly woven, and secure around the edges.
4. All obstacles must be can detectable in circulation paths through public areas.

Emergency Egress

1. Emergency systems must have both flashing lights and audible aspects

Signage for Goods and Services

Depending on the sign, requirements may differ

1. Make sure to follow the requirements for signs and room numbers designating permanent rooms and spaces where goods and services are provided.

Controls

1. All controls that are available for use by the public should be located at an accessible height and operable with a closed fist.

Seats, Tables, and Counters

1. Aisles between fixed seating must be at least 36 inches wide.
2. Spaces for wheelchair seating should be distributed throughout.
3. Tops of tables and/or counters should be between 28 and 34 inches high.
4. Knee spaces at accessible tables should be at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep.
5. There must be a portion of the main counter at each type of cashier counter that is a maximum of 36 inches high.
6. A portion of food ordering counters must be maximum 36 inches high.  If not, there must be a space on the side or passing items to customers who have difficulty reaching over a high counter.

Vertical Circulation

1. Ramps, lifts, and/or elevators should be provided to all public levels.
2. Any place there is stairs; there must be an accessible alternative route.

Stairs

1. Treads must have a non-slip surface.
2. Stairs must have continuous rails on both sides. The top and bottom of stairs must have extensions to the railings.

Elevators

1. There should be both visible opening/closing and floor indications as well as audible ones.
2. Call buttons in the hallways must be no higher than 42 inches high.
3. Controls inside the cab of the elevator should have raised and braille lettering.

 Source: Americans with Disabilities Act, 2010

It is very important for all customer and employees to feel welcome in your place of business.  Following ADA laws may be a large undertaking, buttaking small steps can help you get there.  

Works Cited

Americans with Disabilities Act. (2010, September 15). Retrieved March 5, 2014, from 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design: http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm#titleIII