ADA

Forum Post: Re: Ask An ADA Expert

Tim Giles — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:41:00 GMT

For the fixed pool lift's do they need to be operated by the person using it or can they also be the type that needs an operator to lower and lift the person out? We have one that is manually pumped by hand and I read that the user needs to be able to not ask for help when using the lift.

Forum Post: Register of Historical Places Impact on ADA Compliance

Naomi Millán — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:14:00 GMT

Our town library is on the second level of the building. The building is on the register of historical places, but houses City Hall, City Court as well as Commission Meetings, etc... on the first floor. When we asked if they would install an elevator so those of us with disabilities could have access, we were told they didn't have to comply because the building was on the register of historical places and it would alter the building. Should this be a relevent excuse to prevent us from having access. Our town is small and a lot of us miss the opportunity to attend functions that take place in the library such as computer access and classes, guest authors for book signings, wildlife speakers with live specimens to study, etc.... All of which we would love to be able to attend. If I need a book or need to research something, instead of driving 4 blocks to our local library, I have to drive about 15 miles to the next city and use their library.

The same is said for our railroad depot. The top floor is part of a museum but for those not able to climb steps, they will never know all the interesting items up there to enjoy. I'm not trying to stir up trouble of any kind, but until you have disabilities that prevent you from doing things you have always done, you will never fully.

understand what being "left out" feels like.

Marian Quinn Burgess

Originally posted as a comment to an article. Find the original post here: www.facilitiesnet.com/.../Avoiding-ADA-Lawsuits--10433

Forum Post: Re: ADA Pool Lift Regulation

Ed Sullivan — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:36:00 GMT

Gerard,

I contacted Joan Stein, an ADA consultant who is a frequent author and speaker on ADA topics. DOJ has delayed the implementation of pool requirements until January 31, 2013. At this point, DOJ's interpretation of the regulations (which they wrote) is that a lift has to be secured to the pool deck and be able to be independently operated by a guest with a disability, and that it must be in place at all hours the pool is open to guests.

Forum Post: Re: Barrier Removal Elevator Required?

Bill2 — Thu, 31 May 2012 21:53:00 GMT

Since it a two story,elevator is not required. Stairway should meet all other ADA requirement. Post a directional sign to indicate entrance to upstairportion.

Forum Post: Re: ADA: Who has final authority and jurisdiction?

Joan Stein — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:59:00 GMT

the ADA is a federal civil rights law and is enforced either by the Department of Justice or by a private lawsuit filed in federal court. Settlement Agreements or Consent Decrees where the property owner agrees to the modifications and timeframe for completion wiht the DOJ investigators. Many of these can be read on the DOJ website at www.ada.gov. A Plan of Correction (POC) sounds like a term of art connected wtih state or local codes. ADA and building codes are not the same and are not enforced in the same way.

Forum Post: Re: Looking for ADA Questions

Joan Stein — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:39:00 GMT

Ryan:

The requirements for readily-achievable barrier removal under the ADA began in 1992. As facilities have gone through renovations or alterations, the ADA requires that when alterations are made to a "primary function area" of a facility, that 20% of the renovation/construction costs be spent on barrier removal on the path of travel. For ADA purposes, the path of travel also includes water fountains and rest rooms. The ADA, similar to model building code, does not require barrier removal on the path of travel that exceeds 20% of the cost of the renovation, which is then considered to be "disproportionate". You can find the specifics in the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Sec.36.403 Alterations: Path of travel.

Typically, the federal standard (ADA) will supersede a state or local code unless the code provides for greater or equal protection of individuals with disabilties (Sec.36.103 (c).

Hope this is helpful.

Joan Stein

ADA, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA

Forum Post: Questions about ADA Restroom Post

Joan Stein — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:00:00 GMT

The recent posting by Jon Rose about rest room dispensers provides some very useful advice. My question to Mr. Rose is that a number of the requirements stated at the bottom are not ADA requirements (i.e., mounting heights of dispensers and toilet paper dispenser requirements). I am not as familiar with California's Title 24 requirements, is that the source for these?

Forum Post: Maintaining ADA Compliance - Restroom Dispensers

Jon Rose — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 06:02:00 GMT

Accessible dispensers can easily be installed in the wrong location, creating a non-compliant situation, whether during new construction or through routine maintenance and replacement. Non-compliance with ADA requirements can lead to Civil and Department of Justice lawsuits.

It’s not uncommon for even new buildings to have non-compliant fixtures or dispensers. Plant managers often state that since their new building passed final inspection, it must be fully ADA compliant, right? .......Wrong!

There are many steps along the new construction route that can lead to non-compliance. Let me start from the end and work back.

1. Final Inspection - Building inspectors are required to know many codes, but ADA is a specialty in and of itself and the finer details of ADA compliance, including dispenser placement, can be missed easily. It happens all the time.

2. The installers - can incorrectly mount fixtures, based on personal guess work, or incomplete blueprint details.

3. The blueprints - can often lack the accessible details or proper notes needed to provide full compliance.

Below is a list of those details needed for proper installation and maintenance of accessible dispensers.

Mirrors – If only one is provided, then it shall comply for accessibility. When there are more than one mirror, at least one shall be accessible. The mirror shall be mounted within 40 inches above the floor, measured to the lowest reflective edge of the glass (and not the frame).

All dispensers -including soap and paper towel dispensers shall be mounted at a maximum of 40 inches above the finished floor to the highest operable part. Again, like mirrors, only one of each, but no less than one of each shall be accessible

Accessible toilet stall dispensers – are never to be mounted above grab bars. The area above grab bars shall always be maintained free of any protrusion. Grab bars are not only used as a gripping surface, but are often used with the entire forearm wedged between the grab bar and the wall to transfer on or off the toilet.

Toilet paper dispensers - in accessible stalls shall be mounted fully within 12 inches of the front of the toilet, beneath the side grab bar, with a minimum of 1-1/2 inch clearance to the grab bar above. Additionally, toilet paper dispensers are not to project any farther than 3 inches from the wall. This then requires, at a minimum, a semi-recessed dispenser with a maximum projection of 3 inches. The 3 inch maximum projection ensures that the required clear floor space in front of the toilet is not encroached upon.

ADA Questions? Ask the expert.

Jon Rose is a California Certified Access Specialist and founder of CASp Plus, Inc. in Burbank, Ca.

Respond to this post, or call me at (818) 391-2570

Forum: ADA Products & Services Marketing

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:33:00 GMT

This forum is designed for managers seeking out promotional materials related to cutting-edge ADA products and technology. This is the only forum in which manufacturers and service providers should participate.

Forum: ADA Discussions

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:28:00 GMT

This forum is designed to create dialogue among facility, maintenance, and engineering managers — not sales and marketing professionals. Managers can share their experiences related to ADA with their colleagues.

Files: ADA Media

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:25:00 GMT

Forum: ADA

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:39:00 GMT

Forum Post: Re: Welcome! ADA laws are here to stay.

CaliforniaArchitectCE.com — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:20:00 GMT

Yes, access laws are definitely here to stay and it should go without saying that it's a good thing.

Access laws don't just benefit the disabled. I appreciated curb ramps when I was pushing a baby stroller, and accessible businesses help themselves when they're able to serve our entire population.

As an architect who has seen access laws develop from their inception, I view accessibility as a welcome challenge... and a responsibility.

Forum Post: Good day to ADA Group Members from Optimal Performance

Jane_Sleeth — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:24:00 GMT

I am a new member to this group and have found reading the Posts very helpful and interesting.

I am not sure how many of the Facilitiesnet groups are based in Canada or have offices located in Ontario, Canada. For those of you who manage facacilities in Canada you may want to learn that our firm specializes in the areas of ergonomic/human factors design and in the new AODA Act (Accessibility similar to ADA).

Our firm has on line training programs for employees to ensure mandatory ergonomic and AODA training is in place; and we provide design expertise specific to the areas of ergonomic and universal design.

We will endeavour to add a CDN flavour to your discussions about ADA as I think sharing of ideas in both directions toward achieving compliance will be useful.

JE Sleeth Managing Director & Sr Consultant OPC Inc j.sleeth@optimalperformance.ca or our Blog opctoday.blogspot.com or www.optimalperformance.ca

Forum Post: Re: I can assist with ADA code compliance.

stancosignage — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:56:00 GMT

My company manufactures evacuation maps / Braille ADA signage and wayfinding signage to comply with safety and directional requirements

We have a GSA contract for federal agencies and facilities as well

would like to assist or offer help on any project you might have in the future..

john curtis

adaexitsigns.com

1 800 580 6668

stanco signage systems, inc.

Forum Post: Re: Medical Facilities ADA Compliant Signage

Amanda_Wilson — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Hi Elaine,

The majority of my job handles door hardware but we did just pick up a signage line by "InPro". I cannot believe all the different types of signage that are out there and all the rules/codes that go with them. I'm plundering through trying to learn all the specifics but would love to give you an estimate for the experience if you are still interested. We are located in Gainesville, Florida but ship all over the country. Amanda