It’s been a while since I have done an “Inspector’s Corner”….It was actually last April…must be an April Fools thing…but it is not. I go to many inspections and see some really interesting violations (amid all the common ones). I even learn from them. Here are three that I saw that are good to learn from:

Ambulatory Toilet compartments

The ambulatory compartment was located next to the wheelchair compartment which was only 58″ long

Cane detectable aprons at Electric Water Closets

The drinking fountain shown above if mounted along a circulation path the high one will not be detectable and will be considered a protruding object

A good solution for drinking fountains that are protruding onto the circulation path is to create “cane detection” by using a cane detectable apron which most manufactures have as an accessory that can be added after market. The apron should be located under the “protruding object” which is typically the high drinking fountain. If mounted correctly it will reach the 27″ a.f.f. which provides cane detection and will resolve the violation.

The issue becomes when the use of the cane detectable apron is misunderstood. Some contractors do not understand why they are being installed and will mount them to the wrong drinking fountain.

The drinking fountain shown above has a cane detectable apron mounted under the wheelchair accessible drinking fountain. That drinking fountain was not the protruding object but in addition not the wheelchair drinking fountain does not have a knee clearance due to the apron.

the cane detectable apron was mounted under all the drinking fountains. In addition, the cane detectable apron was not required since the wing walls that were installed would have been used as cane detection as well.

Changes in Level

The ADA Standards has a chapter called “Changes in Level” which states that along the accessible route you may not have any changes in level greater than 1/4″ or 1/2″ with a bevel.

The drawing is showing the location of the turning space which overlaps inside the roll in shower.

This was a photo of the collapsable curb at the roll in shower.

Based on the advisory of section 304 which discusses turning spaces, this is acceptable:

Advisory Advisory 304.2 Floor or Ground Surface Exception.

As used in this section, the phrase “changes in level” refers to surfaces with slopes and to surfaces with abrupt rise exceeding that permitted in Section 303.3. Such changes in level are prohibited in required clear floor and ground spaces, turning spaces, and in similar spaces where people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices must park their mobility aids such as in wheelchair spaces, or maneuver to use elements such as at doors, fixtures, and telephones.

Click her to watch the video to introduce our newsletter

ADA Section 213 Toilet Facilities and Bathing Facilities

Section 213.2 of the ADA explains that where toilet room and bathing rooms are provided, each one must comply with the Standards.

There are a few exceptions that allow some toilet rooms and bathing rooms not to have to comply. This newsletter will explain those exceptions and when they can be taken.

ADA Section 213.2 Exceptions

Exception #1 explains that not all restrooms would be required to comply in an alteration when it is technically infeasible to comply and cannot be made compliant due to existing conditions, they do not all have to comply and a the owner must apply for a variance with the AHJ. In such cases, a single user restroom can be used instead.

Exception #2 In a Historic facility (a facility regsitered with the National Register or Landmark Commission) is not required to have all toilet rooms accessible. One unisex restroom will be allowed to be used.

Exception #3 if there are multiple single user portable toilet or bathing rooms that are clustered at a single location, no more than 5% of each must comply.

This is a single user portable toilet room

Exception #4 Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location, no more than 50% of the single user toilet rooms for each use at each cluster shall be required to comply. This section only gives the exception to toilet rooms (even though it is part of the same section that also discusses bathing rooms)

The above image is of two single user restrooms clustered together. Only one must comply

The above image is of two single user restrooms that are not in a cluster because the doors open to separate areas. In the Advisory it explains that a cluster are “within sight of or adjacent to one another”. Both of these toilet rooms must comply

The above image is of multiple single user toilet rooms and multiple single user bathing rooms in a cluseter. In this plan only restroom 117 and 119 can take the exception because they are toilet rooms in a cluster and they are of the same kind.

All the other toilet rooms have showers and therefore are considered bathing rooms. Even though they are in a cluster, there is no exception for bathing rooms that are in a cluster, so all of the bathing rooms must comply.

Section 213.2.1 Unisex or single user restroom or Family restroom and unisex bathing rooms is defined as containing no more than one lavatory,and two water closets without urinals or one water closet, one urinal and one urinal. In addition, a unisex bathing room is considered unisex when it has one shower or one shower/tub, one lavatory and one water closet.

Even though these individual toilet compartments have a lavatory and a water closet, they are located inside a multi-user toilet room and therefore only one compartment is required to comply. These are not single user toilet rooms. These are toilet compartments inside one multi-user toilet room.

Even though these individual shower compartments, they are located inside a multi-user toilet room and therefore only one compartment is required to comply.

Click her to watch the video to introduce our newsletter

Before we start designing…..

Before starting to design operable parts by looking in section 309, we should begin in section 106.5 Defined Terms. This section will give us guidance on what is defined as an operable part:

Operable Part. A component of an element used to insert or withdraw objects, or to activate, deactivate, or adjust an element.

Now that we know what is defined as an “operable part” we can then go to Section 205 which gives us information on how many and which type are required to comply with the technical standards found in 309.

Section 205 begins with some exceptions. According to this section, operable parts on an accessible element, accessible route and in accessible rooms must comply. In the same section we also have a few exceptions.

1.Operable parts that are intended for the use only by service or maintenance personnel do not have to comply:

The medical equipment in this patient room is only for the use of the medical service personnel and does not have to be mounted within reach range

2 . Dedicated use electrical receptacles do not have to comply

The outlets that are used for appliances or specific electrical uses above the counter will not have to comply

3 . Where two or more outlets are provided in a kitchen above the length of counter top that is uninterrupted by a sink or appliance, one outlet shall not be required to comply

There are two outlets above the counter. Because they are not interrupted by a sink or appliance only one outlet will have to comply

The exercise equipment controls do not have to comply.

Section 309 Operable parts

Once we have determined which operable parts are required to comply, we read the requirements on those operable parts in section 309: There are several requirements but in this newsletter we will focus on reach ranges which are found in section 308.

The rules about reach ranges are to locate the maximum and minimum heights to the operable parts.. In essense the height to the parts of the element that will need to be operated so that the element can work.

309.3 Height. Operable parts whsll be placed within one or more of the reach ranges in section 308

Section 308 requires that the operable part be within reach. Either unobstructed forward or side.

This light switch was mounted so that its operable part is at 48 1/2″ a.f.f. rather than the required BELOW 48″ a.f.f. to the top of the switch (which is what make it operate)

The rocker light switch was mounted so that it was 48″ a.f.f. to the middle of the switch. The problem with this is that the switch is operable by pushing the top or the bottom of the switch, not the middle.

The low reach (forward or side) can be no lower than 15″ a.f.f The charging outlet at these booths are mounted 8″ a.f.f.

Operable parts could also be located so that they are reached over an obstruction, either forward or side approach.

the outlet at the wall behind the counter is a type of operable part that will need to be within reach range. Most of the times the outlets are located at the gyp board, which in this case it is located more than 25″ away from the edge

operable parts over the obstruction can only be located a maximum of 25″ from the edge of the obstruction. The soap dispenser is located 26″ away

operable parts at classroom lab tables must be within reach also

the operable part is more than 25″ from the edge of the obstruction

Operable parts have many requirements, including the ability to reach it in order to operate if. The reach range requirements are to the part of the element to operate it, rather than the middle of the element, or the top of bottom. In addition, the location should never be exactly at the “maximum” or “minimum” . Construction is not a perfect science and tolerances are built in to the requirements. So when we are designing the elements keep in mind how it is operated and always design within the reach range, not higher or lower.

Sinks and Lavatories

Accessible Kitchens

1. Kitchens that are not staffed with employees that have fixed cooking appliances
2. kitchens located in residential facilities like multi-family housing units, dorms, social service facilities, assisted living facilities or emergency personnel facilities like fire stations used by residents

What does the Fair Housing Act Design Guidelines require at accessible counters in kitchens?

There are two types of kitchens described in the Fair Housing Act: Parallel or U-Shape.  The parallel or pass through type kitchen requires 40″ between counters.  This is measured between counters not the base cabinet.

b) The second difference is that the ANSI does not stipulate that the clearance should not be measured from the face of the hardware.  

The requirements for the U-Shape kitchen is only for 60″  between counters.  There is no exception for a narrower or wider kitchen.  Below the 2009 ANSI  A117.1 Standard figure.

What does the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible design require?

Just like the other standards require 40″ at the face of the base cabinet, counters or appliances at a pass through kitchen.  And just like the Fair Housing Act design guidelines, the clearance is measured from the face of the appliance and not from the hardware of the appliance.  Below the 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design figures

Advisory 804.2 Clearance. Clearances are measured from the furthest projecting face of all opposing base cabinets, counter tops, appliances, or walls, excluding hardware

Transient Lodging

It is summer and it is time to take vacations! As you travel you might stay at hotels or motels. People with disabilities also enjoy traveling and the ADA has requirements for guest rooms in hotels (as well as other type of transient lodging) that will accommodate mobility impairments, visual impairments and hearing impairments as well. This newsletter outlines a few of the requirements for designing transient lodging facilities for people with disabilities.

Guest Rooms with Mobility features

A hotel must have  a certain number of rooms provided with features that people in wheelchairs and other mobility equipment will use.  The number of guest rooms required is based on the total number of guest rooms in the hotel and based on the table below

This table will also tell you how many rooms without “roll in showers” are required.   Once you have more than 50 guest rooms then you will need to provide a roll in shower (and it the number gets greater as the number of guest rooms increase).  When a guest room states that a room should not have roll in showers, then a accessible tub or transfer shower should be provided.

In addition, these rooms must be dispersed by type of rooms, type of beds and type of amenities provided in the room.

Other items that are required for mobility are the following:

1) All doors in the hotel must have a clear width of 32″ min.  Since traveling is a social activity, and people with disabilities would travel with friends and family, they should be able to go “visit” another room.  The clear width makes that possible.  Mobility rooms doors must also meet the requirement in Section 404

2) Living and dining areas within the guest room must be accessible.

3) At least one sleeping area shall provide a clear floor space complying with 305 on both sides of a bed. The clear floor space shall be positioned for parallel approach to the side of the bed.

4) At least one bathroom that is provided as part of a guest room shall comply with 603. No fewer than one water closet, one lavatory, and one bathtub or shower shall comply with applicable requirements of 603 through 610. In addition, required roll-in shower compartments should have a seat within.

This restroom is not compliant due to the fact that there is no enough clearance at the toilet, the mirror is mounted too high and the flush control is located opposite of the transfer side.  There are other issues with the shower.

5) If vanity counter top space is provided in non-accessible guest toilet or bathing rooms, comparable vanity counter top space, in terms of size and proximity to the lavatory, shall also be provided in accessible guest toilet or bathing rooms.

6) Kitchens and kitchenettes shall comply with 804.

7) Turning space shall be provided within the guest room.

8) Where operable windows are provided in accessible rooms for operation by occupants, at least one opening shall comply with 309.

9) Other elements must comply with the standards, such as reach ranges for closet rods, locks, and other fixed elements.

Guest Rooms with Communication features

In addition to mobility features, a certain number of rooms must also provide communication features.  These would be for people that are hearing impaired and visually impaired.  The number of rooms with communication features are found in the table below:

These rooms must be dispersed also by type of rooms.  Only 10% of the communication rooms can also be a mobility rooms.Factors to be considered in providing an equivalent range of options may include, but are not limited to, room size, bed size, cost, view, bathroom fixtures such as hot tubs and spas, smoking and nonsmoking, and the number of rooms provided.

Some other requirements for these rooms are:

1. Where emergency warning systems are provided, alarms complying with 702 shall be provided in rooms with communication features
2. Visible notification devices shall be provided to alert room occupants of incoming telephone calls and a door knock or bell. Notification devices shall not be connected to visible alarm signal appliances. Telephones shall have volume controls compatible with the telephone system and shall comply with 704.3. Telephones shall be served by an electrical outlet complying with 309 located within 48 inches (1220 mm) of the telephone to facilitate the use of a TTY

Need CEUs

July 12th: “Applying the ADA and Fair Housing in Residential Facilities” at 11:00 a.m. for the ASID Dallas July Event: Day of CEUs and Happy Hour @ Daltile

August 11th “How Accessible Is your Workplace” Metrocon16  at 3:00 p.m.

August 12th.”How Accessible is your Workplace” Metrocon16 at 7:30 a.m

August 16th: “ADA and Urban Regeneration” at AIA Dallas (Time TBD)

On Demand Webinar: “Understanding the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design”

On Demand webinar “How Accessible is Your work place?”

On Demand webinar “ADA and Residential Facilities”

On Demand webinar  “Applying the ADA on Existing and Altered Buildings”

If you are interested in Building Code seminars check out my colleague Shahla Layendecker with SSTL Codes

If you want to learn more about these standards, be sure to check out my books:

“The ADA Companion Guide”  “Applying the ADA” published by Wiley. 

 

They are available for sale now. (also available as an e-book)

If you have any questions about these or any other topics, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Marcela Abadi Rhoads, RAS #240
Abadi Accessibility
214. 403.8714
marhoads@abadiaccess.com
www.abadiaccess.com

Employee Work Areas

Monday, May 2nd, 2016

A work place can be complicated to understanding as it pertains to the requirements for accessibility. Some spaces in work areas are exempted while some require full access.  Because the ADA requires that a person with disabilities is given the same opportunity to seek employment, an employer may not decide that his establishment will not employ persons with disabilities, and therefore will not make the work areas accessible. So what does the ADA require the employer to provide?

This newsletter will  give an overview of what requirements exist in the ADA about work areas and when the ADA Standards apply.

Work Areas

According to the ADA the definition of an employee work area is:

Employee Work Area. All or any portion of a space used only by employees and used only for work. Corridors, toilet rooms, kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee work areas.

Work Area Equipment. Any machine, instrument, engine, motor, pump, conveyor, or other apparatus used to perform work. As used in this document, this term shall apply only to equipment that is permanently installed or built-in in employee work areas. Work area equipment does not include passenger elevators and other accessible means of vertical transportation.

Per the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design:

203.9 Employee Work Areas. Spaces and elements within employee work areas shall be designed and constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter, and exit the employee work area.

An example of a work area that only requires an approach, enter and exit would be a janitor’s closet.  Elements within the janitor’s closet such as the faucet for the mop sink will not be required to comply.

An exam room is partially a “work” area and partially a “patient” area.  The area that is only used by the doctor (the sink) will be exempted from having to comply.

Employee work areas, or portions of employee work areas, other than raised courtroom stations, that are less than 300 square feet and elevated 7 inches or more above the finish floor or ground where the elevation is essential to the function of the space shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

This toll booth is less than 300 s.f. and elevated more than 7″ a.f.f. and therefore do not require an accessible route to it or the ability to approach it and enter it.

The Standards sometimes provide additional guidance through “advisories”.  These are NOT requirements, but they are suggestions that might make your design a better one.  Below are some of the advisories on work areas:

Advisory 203.9 Employee Work Areas. Although areas used exclusively by employees for work are not required to be fully accessible, consider designing such areas to include non-required turning spaces, and provide accessible elements whenever possible. 

Under the Title I of the ADA, employees with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace; accommodations can include alterations to spaces within the facility. Designing employee work areas to be more accessible at the outset will avoid more costly retrofits when current employees become temporarily or permanently disabled, or when new employees with disabilities are hired. 

In addition to approach, enter and exit, the employee work area shall also comply with the following sections of the ADA Standards: 206.2.8, 207.1, and 215.3. These will be explained in detail below.

206.2.8 Employee Work Areas. Common use circulation paths within employee work areas shall comply with 402.

The circulation path should meet the requirements for ADA Section 402 which includes a minimum 36″ width along the circulation path.

EXCEPTIONS: 

1. Common use circulation paths located within employee work areas that are less than 1000 square feet (93 m2) and defined by permanently installed partitions, counters, casework, or furnishings shall not be required to comply with 402.2.

This employee work area is less than 1,000 s.f. and therefore the step is allowed

Common use circulation paths located within employee work areas that are an integral component of work area equipment shall not be required to comply with 402.3.

This commercial kitchen has equipment that is an integral part of the work area.  The 36″ min. circulation path in this space is not required to comply due to the location of the work area equipment.

Advisory 206.2.8 Employee Work Areas

Exception 2. Large pieces of equipment, such as electric turbines or water pumping apparatus, may have stairs and elevated walkways used for overseeing or monitoring purposes which are physically part of the turbine or pump. However, passenger elevators used for vertical transportation between stories are not considered “work area equipment” as defined in Section 106.5.

An accessible route/circulation path up to the elevated walkway used to monitor work area equipment is not required to be provided.

Common use circulation paths located within exterior employee work areas that are fully exposed to the weather shall not be required to comply with 402.

A dumpster is considered an extension of a work area.  Although a circulation path within the work area might be required, because the dumpster is located on the exterior and fully exposed to the weather, a circulation path will not be required.

Advisory 206.2.8 Employee Work Areas Exception 1. Modular furniture that is not permanently installed is not directly subject to these requirements

The modular furniture in an open office is not required to be installed so that there is a minimum 36″ width is provided.  They are essentially exempted from having to comply (unless they are permanently attached to the ground or wall)

207.1  Employee work areas are required to have an accessible means of egress per the requirements in the IBC

215.3 Employee Work Areas. Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, the wiring system shall be designed so that visible alarms complying with 702 can be integrated into the alarm system.

Employee Areas that are not work related

The requirements thus far have been for areas that are considered part of the “work” areas in a space.  But there are other areas that are also part of an employee area, but are not related to the work they perform.  Those areas that are NOT related to their job description will not be exempted and must comply.  Below are a few examples of areas that might be for employees only, but must be fully compliant with the Standards:

Break Rooms

The sink in this break room and the height of the counter are required to comply.  The microwave shown in this photo is not permanently attached and therefore the reach range is not required to comply.

LEED Showers for employees

Some showers that are accessed through a private office have less requirements.  But if it is a common use shower for all employees to use, then they must comply with section 608

Employee Restrooms

All restrooms including employee restrooms must comply with the requirements in Sections 603-606

Employee Locker Rooms

The lockers as well as the bench in this locker/dressing room must comply with the Standards

Employee dining counters

5% of the dining counter is required to be between 28″-34″ a.f.f. and provide a knee space like the photo above.

Employee parking

Parking that is designated for employees should have accessible spaces as well.

Vocational schools where they teach how to use certain “work area equipment” is not exempted.  Because it is considered a “public accommodation” , the equipment or access to it will have to be provided.  Sometimes that is not reasonable, and at that situation, the school will have to get a variance from TDLR or provide reasonable accommodations for the students with disabilities

Barrier Free Day in Dallas Texas

Experience what it is like to have a disability and be in a work space.  The AIA Dallas Codes and Standards Committee is having their annual Barrier Free Day this May 5th.  If you would like to participate, please sign up today.  If you would like to just get a 1 hr. Barrier Free CEU, join us at the happy hour where participants will share their experience of their day with a disability.

Need CEUs

May 5th- Barrier Free Day Panel Discussion  5:30-7:30 at the Eberhard 2107 N. Henderson Dallas Tx 75206 1 hr. HSW Barrier Free CEU

May 23-27th  Building Industry Professionals: University of Texas at Arlington 416 Yates Street Arlington, TX 76010

May 24th: Legal and ADA issues of Practicing Architecture at Building Industry Professionals Conference, Arlington Texas

On Demand Webinar: “Understanding the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design”

AIAU “Applying the ADA on Existing Buildings”

If you are interested in Building Code seminars check out my colleague Shahla Layendecker with SSTL Codes

If you want to learn more about these standards, be sure to check out my books:

“The ADA Companion Guide” “Applying the ADA” published by Wiley. 

They are available for sale now. (also available as an e-book)

If you have any questions about these or any other topics, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Marcela Abadi Rhoads, RAS #240
Abadi Accessibility
214. 403.8714
marhoads@abadiaccess.com
www.abadiaccess.com

Fair Housing

Monday, February 1st, 2016

Which projects have to comply?

The Federal Fair Housing Act covers newly constructed multi-family housing projects that are first time occupancy residential.  The projects must also have more than four dwelling units.  In an a building with elevators, ALL dwelling units must comply with the guidelines.  In a building without an elevator, only the first floor units must comply.  If the building is only two story units, then none of them must comply.

In addition to the Fair Housing Act, some municipalities have also adopted the ANSI A117.1 for their residential dwelling units.  These dictate that a certain percentage must be built as with mobility features (for the mobility impaired) and a percentage with communication features (for the hearing and visually impaired)

Seven Requirements

The Fair Housing Act Guidelines have seven requirements for the covered residential dwelling units.  Here is the definitions.  This newsletter will just give an overview and will not describe all the details for each requirement.  We will plan to explain in more detail in future newsletters:

REQUIREMENT 1

Accessible Building Entrance on an Accessible Route:

Covered multifamily dwellings must have at least one building entrance on an accessible route, unless it is impractical to do so because of terrain or unusual characteristics of the site. For all such dwellings with a building entrance on an accessible route the following six requirements apply.

REQUIREMENT 2

Accessible and Usable Public and Common Use Areas:

REQUIREMENT 3

Usable Doors:

All doors designed to allow passage into and within all premises must be sufficiently
wide to allow passage by persons in wheelchairs.

REQUIREMENT 4

Accessible Route Into and Through the Covered Dwelling Unit:

REQUIREMENT 5

Light Switches, Electrical Outlets, Thermostats and Other Environmental
Controls in Accessible Locations:

All premises within the dwelling units must contain light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental controls in accessible locations.

REQUIREMENT 6

Reinforced Walls for Grab Bars:

All premises within dwelling units must contain reinforcements in bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars around toilet, tub, shower stall and shower seat, where such facilities are provided.

REQUIREMENT 7

Usable Kitchens and Bathrooms:

Dwelling units must contain usable kitchens and bathrooms such that an individual who uses a wheelchair can maneuver about the space.

Inspector’s Corner

Requirement 1 of the Fair Housing Act states that an accessible entrance is required to the dwelling units.  This photo shows three steps up to the stoop which leads to the entrance, and no ramp or lift to get them to the stoop.  This unit does not meet the requirement.

Need CEUs

February 24th: “How Accessible is Your Work Space” at Herman Miller Showroom in Dallas, Texas

On Demand Webinar: “Understanding the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design”

AIAU “Applying the ADA on Existing Buildings”

If you are interested in Building Code seminars check out my colleague Shahla Layendecker with SSTL Codes

If you want to learn more about these standards, be sure to check out my books:

“The ADA Companion Guide”  “Applying the ADA” published by Wiley. 

They are available for sale now. (also available as an e-book)

If you have any questions about these or any other topics, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Marcela Abadi Rhoads, RAS #240
Abadi Accessibility
214. 403.8714
marhoads@abadiaccess.com
www.abadiaccess.com

Accessible Residences

Sunday, March 24th, 2013

In the new ADA there are residential scoping and technical guidelines.  But these guidelines only deal with Federally funded housing, residences in places of education or social service establishments that have dwelling within.  Other residential facilities, do not fall under the ADA, but Fair Housing or Model Codes.  There are four types of residential projects, but only two are required to follow the ADA Standards.

1. Single Family Housing
2. Multi-Family Housing
3. Federally funded multi-family housing
4. Residential facilities as defined by ADA

This newsletter will explain single and multi-family housing that are not required to meet ADA Standards.

Privately funded Multi-Family Housing

The Fair Housing Act requires that any multi-family project be made accessible to the disabled community. Therefore the owner of a multi-famly property cannot discriminate against a family or individual who is disabled on the grounds that the property is not accessible.

ALL multi-family housing projects are required to be accessible per the Fair Housing Act.  This includes apartment complexes, and even condominiums as long as there are four or more units in the property.

Here are the requirements from the fair housing act guidelines:

– At walk-ups (no elevator) ALL ground level units must meet the requirements

–  in an elevator building ALL units must meet the requirements

Building code and ADA does have percentages for how many units are required to be fully compliant vs. adaptable, but fair housing does not.  Therefore all units must be designed using the minimum guidelines listed below.

There are seven requirements:

1) Accessible building entrance on an accessible route: At least one entrance into the building or unit

2) Accessible and Usable public and common use areas: Places such as parking lots, mail boxes, recreational area, lobbies, laundry areas, community building must be accessible and usable.

3) Usable doors: all doors that allow passage must be wide enough (32″ nominal) and the main entrance must have proper hardware

4) Accessible route into and through the covered dwelling unit

5)  Light switches, Electrical outlets, thermostat and other environmental controls in accessible locations

6) Reinforced walls in bathrooms for future installation of grab bars

7) Usable kitchens and bathrooms: Should be designed and constructed so an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver in the space provided.  No knee clearances are required

To understand more in detail the requirements, visit the Fair Housing Act website or click here for the Design Manual

Single Family Housing

Single family homes, duplexes, triplexes and multi-story townhouses  are not required to be accessible by any accessibility standards. Therefore any single family home development are essentially exempted from having to be accessible to the disabled.

A new movement called “Aging in Place” are advocating for remodeling or retro-fitting homes in order to make them more usable to the disabled and more universally designed so that families can stay together as they age. Below are some of the enhancements we did in a kitchen of a family with a disabled mother and son.  It is also good for their able body husband.

Before the upgrades:

After the upgrades:

Inspector’s Corner

This was a remodel of a single family home.  We installed a pull down shelving which made the shelves within reach range

Click here to watch the video of pull down shelving

For more information

If you want to learn more about the new Standards, The ADA Companion Guide explains the 2004 ADAAG Guidelines  with commentary and explanations throughout.  The 2004 Guidelines were adopted by the DOJ to create the 2010 Standards and by Texas to create the 2012 TAS.  This book explains the technical requirements for both.

 If you have any questions about these or any other topics, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Marcela Abadi Rhoads, RAS #240

Abadi Accessibility

214. 403.8714

marhoads@abadiaccess.com

www.abadiaccess.com

 

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