Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines

REVIEW OF the ADA Companion Guide: Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a civil rights law that’s all about equality, inclusion and integration for people with disabilities. The focus of the ADA is not bricks and mortar, anymore than the focus of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the mounting heights of drinking fountains or the dimensions of lunch counters.

That being said, the built environment must be made accessible to ensure that folks with disabilities can get to the government programs or public accommodations housed inside physical structures. Concisely-written, well-organized resources that clearly explain the relevant standards are always welcome.

For the most part, Marcela Abadi Rhoads’ recently published (WILEY.COM) tome, “The ADA Companion Guide: Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)” is such a resource. Both a registered architect and a registered accessibility specialist, as well as an experienced Accessibility Plan Examiner and Accessibility Building Inspector, Abadi Rhoads has the experience and credentials needed to pen this useful, soft cover guide.

The book is organized into sections that cover changes between the existing ADAAG and the design guidelines published in 2004 by the US Access Board, as well as the application, scoping requirements and building blocks of the design guidelines. It also covers the application and scoping of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), a set of standards used primarily for facilities designed, built, altered or leased with federal funds.

The majority of the book is dedicated to laying out the 2004 design guidelines, with exceptions and advisory notes integrated throughout. But what makes this book valuable over and above the guidelines, which are available online for free, are the instructive black and white photos and commentary that both clarify the standards and provide practical advice for design professionals, capital project managers, contractors, ADA professionals and facilities managers.

For example, in the section on ramps, the author’s commentary mentions why a compliant cross slope is critical: “People using the ramp…could lose their balance or have difficulty navigating…if the path of travel perpendicular to the direction of travel is not level.” Unfortunately, there are some missed opportunities here as well. Abadi Rhoads would have done well to advise that ramps be designed with a running slope no greater than 1:14. Designing with a slope lesser than the maximum can guard against things that can go awry during construction, including concrete’s tendency toward slump. Such smart design makes the odds better that you’ll end up with a compliant ramp.

Despite its flaws, the $45 book is a useful resource, provided one keeps in mind that the US Department of Justice may ultimately promulgate enforceable regulations that are more stringent than the Access Board guidelines.

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470583924.html