Best Practices
What You Need to Know About the New ADA/ABA-AG Standards, but Were Afraid to Ask
Anticipated changes that affect lodging and other facilities

by John P. S. Salmen, AIA

Summary: Universal accessibility has long been a requirement for most built works in the U.S. Requirements can be confusing and sometimes contradictory, however. Addressing this dilemma, accessibility expert John P. S. Salmen, AIA, has developed a quarterly periodical to keep design professionals abreast of developments, the Universal Design Newsletter. Here is an excerpt from the October 2006 edition highlighting the top 10 awareness items for the upcoming 2007 version of the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines.

The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed adopting the Americans with Disabilities Act /Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADA/ABA-AG) in 2007 as the new ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Although nothing is set in stone, the following issues will likely have a significant effect on lodging and other types of facilities.

1. Everything Is Covered. In the existing ADA Standards, things that are not described are not covered, and many non-fixed items, such as dining tables are exempted. The new standards cover everything (fixed or not) even if not described.
2. Limited Construction Tolerances. Minimums, maximums, and ranges are now defined, creating problems with standard construction details, e.g., toilet centerline.
3. Parking Space Numbers and Signage. Increased number of van accessible parking spaces and modified signage/striping details.
4. Numbers of Accessible Guest Rooms. “Rounding up” increases the numbers required during alterations. There is an increase in the number of rooms for the hearing impaired. Portable kits are not allowed.
5. 48” High Maximum Reach Range. No 54” H side reach allowed with side approach.
6. Partially Obstructed T-Turn. One leg of T-Turn can provide only knee and toe clearance.
7. 5’ Clear Width at All Toilets. Every accessible toilet needs side access.
8. Vanity Equity. Accessible guestrooms must have bath vanities of the same size as comparable type standard rooms.
9. Recreation Access Criteria. New criteria for changing benches, swimming pools, playgrounds, golf courses, etc.
10. ADA/ABA-AG Defines Barriers. The DOJ proposes to make the new criteria apply to existing buildings to the extent it is readily achievable.

Copyright 2006 Universal Design Newsletter. Reprinted with permission.