Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility GuidelinesDavid Capozzi, US Access Board, USA Changing technologies, new advances in accessible design, and the need to update guidelines to be more consistent with model building codes over the past ten years, led the United States to revise the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The initial accessibility standards were developed in 1991 to apply to the design and construction of buildings and facilities covered by the ADA. ADAAG is one of the most comprehensive accessibility standards in the world. In 2004, revisions to this standard were finalized. Revised ADAAG also includes new accessibility guidelines to address judicial, correctional, and recreation and play facilities. Revisions to the provisions for various elements and facilities covered in ADAAG were made to reflect technological advances. A change in the requirement for automatic teller machines reflects new advances in providing audible features for persons who are blind and visually impaired. Technical provisions are included for the newer destination-oriented elevators. Teletype devices for the deaf (TTY)'s are required in both interior and exterior locations, now that TTY's designed for exterior use are commercially available. Other changes were made to technical provisions to address changing needs and demands. Revisions to the reach ranges required for accessing the operable parts of elements were made to improve access for persons of short stature. A decrease in the number of wheelchair spaces required in large assembly facilities such as arenas and stadiums were included to reflect demand and usage trends. Increased access to work stations and circulation paths better supports the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the work environment. Revisions were also made to the accessibility guidelines in an effort to harmonize with model building codes and other Federal accessibility standards. The new guidelines combine accessibility requirements, ensuring consistent accessibility for persons with disabilities in all government and private entity buildings and facilities. Significant contributions from the building code community, ensure that both standards are as consistent as possible. Requirements for accessible means of egress and visual alarms in revised ADAAG, reference model codes rather than having duplicative or inconsistent requirements. Newly developed accessibility provisions encompass facilities with unique features, where no previous guidance was provided. Specific provisions address detention and correctional facilities, judicial facilities, elements designed for children, residential facilities (federally funded), and numerous recreation facilities. Developing accessibility guidelines in these unique areas required extensive information gathering and significant input from the public. In most cases, accessibility standards in these areas did not exist in either the U.S. or in other countries. |