Introduction

Physical Accessibility

Assistive Technology

Universal Design

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As you approach a building with a flight of steps leading to the front entrance, what do you think? Probably nothing! In all likelihood, you just walk up the steps and go in the door without thinking twice about it. But what if you used a wheelchair to get around? How would your perspective differ in this same situation?

Before passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (See the Legal Rights and Protections unit for more information on these Acts), which legally ensured accessibility to all private and public sectors for persons with disabilities, there was no guarantee that a person using a wheelchair, for example, could actually access any building he or she chose. In fact, prior to the passage of these Acts, there were no laws protecting the civil rights of persons with disabilities in terms of accessibility. That means if a building, restaurant, restroom, elevator, city bus, etc. were not accessible for a person with disabilities, he or she had no legal rights protecting him or her against such an injustice.

So now that you know laws are in place to ensure the accessibility of private and public places, what exactly makes a place accessible? There are 6 main areas of consideration that a facility must provide for in order to be accessible. Below is a general list of things to look for within each of the 6 areas:

Entrances
o Is there a path of travel to the building that does not require using stairs?
o If the main entrance has stairs, is there a ramp, lift, or alternative entrance that is accessible?
o Are the slopes of the ramps such that they are not too steep?
o Are there an adequate number of accessible parking spaces available?

Access to goods and services
o Are all public spaces in the building accessible and have an accessible path of travel?
o Do doors have a large enough opening? Can doors be opened without too much force? Are door handles operable with a closed fist?
o Are all aisles and pathways wide enough and provide enough space for a wheelchair to turn around?
o Are obstacles cane detectable?
o Are all controls located at an accessible height and operable with a closed fist?
o Are there ramps or accessible elevators to all levels?
o Is there space for wheelchair seating at tables and counters?

Telephones
o Is there clear floor space in front of the phone(s)?
o Does the phone have push button controls?
o Is it hearing aid compatible?
o If there are four or more public phones in the building, is at least one phone equipped with a telecommunications device for the deaf?
o Is there a hands free speaker phone with a large keypad available for individuals who have difficulty holding a receiver and dialing numbers?

Restrooms
o Is at least one restroom fully accessible (entrance/exit, height of handles, a stall with a railing and large enough for a wheelchair, etc.)?
o Are there signs at inaccessible restrooms that direct individuals to an accessible restroom?
o Is at least one stall door operable with a closed fist?
o Can the faucet be operated with a closed fist?
o Are soap and hand dryers reachable for a person in a wheelchair?

Signage
o Are signs well lit?
o Are signs in clear, contrasting colors?
o Are signs also in Braille?

Additional access: Other amenities that are available to the general public should be accessible to people with disabilities. For example:
o Is there at least one drinking fountain with clear floor space in front?
o Are controls on drinking fountains mounted on the front and operable with a closed fist?

These are just some of the main points that need to be considered when thinking about accessibility. Another concern might include accessing a building from the parking lot. Is there a clear path of travel from the parking lot to the building? What about in between buildings (such as on a college campus)? While moving about an environment for one person may require no thought or effort, this same task can be quite daunting to another person if that person has special needs that have not been accounted for. It is important to consider the accessibility of buildings and other areas in our society so we can ensure that nobody is ever excluded.

Reference:

National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult. Access for All in Workforce Development.

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Once you have completed the above activity, you are ready to proceed to the Assistive Technology section!

Introduction

Physical Accessibility

Assistive Technology

Universal Design