A Look at Some of the Most Common ADA Errors and Omissions
The Americans with Disabilities Act provides guarantees of safe access to public spaces to disabled citizens. Tactile warning systems are a major component of these guarantees. These warning systems alert visually impaired people to crosswalks, curbs, and other potentially dangerous surface navigation situations. Even with the best intentions, it can be easy to overlook some ADA requirements or make errors in design that make a space non-compliant with ADA rules. Here are some common ADA mistakes, so you can be sure to avoid them in your own business:
No Route from Parking to Entrance
Providing accessible parking for disabled citizens is one part of ADA rules for parking lots, but those parking spaces most also be close to an accessible entrance to a building. Without a specified, safe walkway, people using wheelchairs must use the road to reach the building, which is dangerous.
Ramps Landings Too Tight
Where there are ramps for wheelchair access to a building or public area, the turns of the ramp must be large enough to allow a wheelchair to maneuver. The ADA requires that each turn in a ramp be at least 60 inches by 60 inches to provide adequate space. This maneuverability is also required in doorways.
No Handrail Extensions
People who rely on canes or have balance issues need extended railings at the top and bottom of stairs for safety. Without the railings, there is nothing to balance pedestrians as they step off the bottom step and onto the landing. Hand rails are required to extend at least 12 inches past the top and bottom step or to continuously cover the landing as well as the stairs.
Becoming ADA-compliant can be a big job, but ADA Solutions, Inc. is here to help. The tactile warning systems we’ve developed to alert visually impaired people to changes in the roadway are ADA-approved, and their proven durability means they’re cost-effective solutions. In fact, our detectable warning systems and their truncated domes are twice as durable as granite. To find out how we can help you with ADA-compliant warning strips, call us at (800) 372-0519.
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