American’s with Disabilities Act of

1990The ADA is civil rights legislation that focuses on the ability of people with disabilities to function in our society without discrimination due to their disability. It is comprised of 5 sections, called titles.

Title I- Employment Regulations

Generally states that people with disabilities cannot be discriminated against in the hiring or maintenance of employment.

Title II- Public Entities• Generally states that activities, services

& programs of public entities must be available to all people without discrimination due to disability.

• Public entities are state and local government, and any of its departments, agencies, etc.

• Includes such things as courts, town meetings, police & fire departments, motor vehicle licensing, voting, etc.

Title III- Public Accommodations• Focuses on accessibility (mobility

and sensory) in public spaces • Does not govern accessibility in

private homes• Guidelines are for NEW construction

(after 1990); old buildings do not HAVE to comply BUT whenever renovations are made to existing buildings a certain % of the $$$ must go toward improving accessibility

Title IV-Telecommunications

• focuses on telecommunications, especially for deaf/ hard of hearing; instigated satellite relay program where anyone can communicate with a person using a TDD (telephone device for the deaf) by going through a special operator who acts as translator.

Title V- Remedies

talks about time frames for bringing ADA into reality

Title IIIAccessibility Guidelines

(ADAAG)• Builds on previously used

guidelines including Uniform & ANSI Standards

• Local & state building codes must also be followed. In any situation the code (or guideline) that is most strict should be enforced

ADA Accessibility Guidelines and guidelines for home building are DIFFERENT

• When you’re doing home accessibility, use ADAAG as a guide, but you need to address YOUR CLIENT’S needs

• Likely to differ from ADAAG• We’ll go over ADAAG first, then

talk about private homes

So, what does the ADA cover?

Parking

• up to 25 spaces, one must be van accessible; the number goes up from there

• accessible spaces must be on shortest accessible route to accessible entrance

• clear signage

Changes in Level (i.e.. curbs, steps)

• RAMP- Ratio of rise to run

• 1:12• 5 slope

Pathway• Must be at least 36" wide• If it’s less than 60" wide and

longer than 200 feet, there has to be places where it is at least 60"

• Forward reach- 48”• Side reach- 54”• Width clearance- 32”

Common Measurement

s

Home Accessibility

Some of the following information is not governed by legislation and depends on the needs of your individual client and his/her situation.

Personal homes are NOT governed by ADA, but regulations are a good starting place.

Doorway

• Direction of swing• Force to open door (5

lbs per square inch- indoors)

• Width clearance- measure with and without door

• Threshold (door saddle)- (ADA) less than 1/2"; otherwise it’s considered a step and needs a ramp

What can you do if the door is too narrow?

Bathroom

Toilet

• Space for transfer• Seat height (17-

19” ADA)• Accessible/usable

flusher• Accessible TP• Grab bar

Bathroom SINK

• knee clearance at basin (height and depth)

• depth of basin• height of vanity or sink

edge (34” max ADA)• faucets• exposed pipes-

insulate

Adaptive Equipment Storage Closet

Shower/bath

Sleeping Area

• Bed• Clothing storage• Commode?

Kitchen

• Appliances• Table

– height of top of surface

– knee clearance

• counters• floor plan

Stairs• Railing• Steps should all be

same height (rise)• Is run deep

enough for foot to rest?

• Does foot catch on overhang?

• LIGHTING• Floor surface• W/C up and down?

SensoryVision

Impairment• signage must be

easy to see– size– universal symbols– color contrast

Hearing Impairment

• visual alarms must accompany auditory alarms

• sign language interpretation must be available (or arrange-able)

• TDD must be available

General Issues• Remove area/scatter rugs-

easier wheelchair rolling and lessens likelihood of tripping

• Lighting- is there enough? can (s)he get to switches?

• Electrical cords should be out of the way

• Room temp and air circulation• Remove all unneeded clutter

including furniture. larger, open areas are easier to navigate

Communication • telephone-

VERY IMPORTANT in all cases!!!!

• answer door

• emergency call system

Don’t forget about access for leisure activities!