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A Look at the New Americans With Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines

The long awaited changes to the ADA Guidelines have finally been completed. The Access Board published the new guidelines on July 23, 2004. However don't think that the wait is over. The Department of Justice still must adopt these standards before they become part of any building codes. That can be a lengthy process as well. The DOJ is currently accepting comments until May 31, 2005, which is the first step in the process. Studies of cost analysis and impact analysis on existing structures will need to take place before the new guidelines are adopted. So does this mean business as usual? Yes and no.

Any designer that has used the existing guidelines will be thrilled with the new format and expanded explanation. The new look includes new diagrams, most in a larger format, as well as, charts that indicate the percentage of accessible spaces required for telephones, drinking fountains, hotel rooms, check out aisles, etc. for commercial buildings. Every section has been expanded to include clearer explanations. Exceptions are well noted, and advisories, designated in a blue box, are given continuously to help clarify issues. The Guidelines have been reorganized and renumbered to harmonize better with the International Building Code. Chapters have been added and the diagrams are included within the body of text, not just referenced to a group of diagrams in the back. If you order the new guidelines on CD you also get a list of figure descriptors that explain the drawings completely.

The new Guidelines combine the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Those of you familiar with ANSI A117.1 1998 will also be glad to see that much of it has been incorporated as well.

Any of the supplemental information that was added in 1998, 2000, and 2002 is also included, such as; building elements for children, play areas and recreation facilities.

From an Interior Design point of view I think that the information isn't totally different, just more in depth. Yes, there are some changes in restroom design with toilet placement, clear floor space at fixtures, rear grab bar size, side reach from a wheelchair, etc. But, for interior designers most of the changes are in the form of additional information and more flexibility in space ranges. However, one deletion is the option to use an 18" clearance from the centerline of the toilet to the edge of the lavatory in toilet rooms or single occupant restrooms. Now you must comply with stall design and keep a 42" clearance on the approach side of the toilet. The exception to this would be in a residential application. Also deleted is the parallel approach to drinking fountains, except for children.

The plumbing section also includes heights and sizes for children's restroom fixtures by age and water fountain heights. Children's needs are also addressed in railing heights, dining and work surfaces heights.

Clear explanations and better understanding can be found in the door section, along with more diagrams and a chart as to when the 18 " and 12" requirements on the push and pull sides of the doors must be met, along with other clearances.

Dressing room and point of sale counters are now included, as well as, laundry facilities, assisted listening devices, several elevator designs and lifts for both commercial and residential applications. There is residential information for kitchens including work spaces, sinks, ranges, ovens, and refrigerators.

Signage has probably undergone the most changes by expanding from one page to sixteen. The new information has taken the guess work out of what is intended. There is a new chart for character size based on the placement of the sign and the viewing distance. Contrasting character and background are defined as light on dark or dark on light. Upper and lower case can now be used in visual signage, with all caps still required for tactile words. If you have been using A117.1 1998 signage, it's basically the same information.

Let's go back to the original question. Is it business as usual? At this time, you must continue to use the guidelines as adopted in your model building codes. But, when you take a closer look at the new codes you will see additional information that can also be used since it does not conflict with the old code as can be seen in most of the new signage information. Many of the new guidelines will enhance or be stricter than the old guidelines, so in cases where there is no conflict, go ahead and use the new guideline.

For your free copy of the ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines contact www.ada.gov/publicat.htm or download from http://access-board.gov/ada-aba.htm

Donna Kirby is an adjunct instructor at Seminole Community College. She is currently completing her Master's Degree at Florida State University in Universal and Barrier Free Design. Her experience includes 20 years in the commercial design field.