2010 ADAS 304.3.1 Circular Space
The turning space shall be a space of 60 inches diameter minimum. The space shall be permitted to include knee and toe clearance complying with 306.
Code according to 2010 ADAS. Check your state’s accessibility laws. Some states such as California, Georgia and Florida have additional requirements and standards.
Accessibility and compliance with the ADA was front and center for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in 2019. With as many as four lawsuits challenging the MTA’s subway accessibility record the MTA has been working to correct the situation. In a series of announcements the MTA, the largest public transit authority in the United States, has expanded on its original accessibility improvement plan.
On September 19, 2019: “MTA Commuter Railroads Announce the Addition of 11 ADA-Accessible Stations as Part of 2020-2024 Capital Plan”
Most recently on December 19, 2019: “MTA Announces 20 Additional Subway Stations to Receive Accessibility Improvements Under Proposed 2020-2024 Capital Plan”
Public transportation is a major resource for people of all abilities and with our aging population it is sure to see even greater demand in the years to come. Funding such long term initiatives is frequently a challenge. A challenge the MTA is taking head on, setting a foundation for a more inclusive and accessible public transportation in the future.
Sources: MTA Press Releases
http://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/mta-board-approves-additional-funding-subway-station-ada
http://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/mta-commuter-railroads-announce-addition-11-ada-accessible-stations
http://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/mta-announces-20-additional-subway-stations-receive-accessibility
2010 ADAS 406.4 Curb Ramp Landings
Landings shall be provided at the tops of curb ramps. The landing clear length shall be 36 inches minimum. The landing clear width shall be at least as wide as the curb ramp, excluding flared sides, leading to the landing.
EXCEPTION: In alterations, where there is no landing at the top of curb ramps, curb ramp flares shall be provided and shall not be steeper than 1:12.
Code according to 2010 ADAS. Check your state’s accessibility laws. Some states such as California, Georgia and Florida have additional requirements and standards.
2010 ADAS 406.3 Sides of Curb Ramps
Where provided, curb ramp flares shall not be steeper the 1:10 (10%).
Code according to 2010 ADAS. Check your state’s accessibility laws. Some states such as California, Georgia and Florida have additional requirements and standards.
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes specific compliance requirements for all government agencies with 50 or more employees. The Transition Plan is the cornerstone of these requirements. A Transition Plan paints a clear picture of the current barriers to access at municipal facilities, programs, and services. It also describes the process of barrier removal, mitigation, and a timeline for corrections to be made. No plan is a perfect look into the future. To remain flexible in addressing unforeseen challenges, while staying the long term course, requires a continual self assessment program focused on best practices and completing a feedback loop into Transition Plan updates. This methodology creates what we at BlueDAG refer to as a Living Transition Plan.
In Chattanooga Tennessee, “several area municipalities recently completed self-assessments and established transition plans.” The Cities of Red Bank and Soddy-Daisy, along with the Town of Signal Mountain are now putting those plans into action with millions of dollars. The money will be put into multiple projects to improve accessibility for people of all abilities in the years to come. These plans ensure compliance with the ADA and are required to continue receiving federal funding.
Creating welcoming and inclusive public spaces and programs, while making accessibility a top priority, is an ambitious and worthy ideal to pursue. A pursuit justified by the positive impact on people’s day to day lives. The importance of funding as fuel for accessibility efforts can not be understated.
Source: Chattanooga area municipalities improve accessibility of programs, facilities
By: Emily Crisman December 17th, 2019
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/community/story/2019/dec/17/area-municipalities-improve-accessibility-programs-facilities/510587/
New and grand public buildings often open to great fanfare. Typically well received, they offer new and modern solutions to the needs of the organizations and people who use them. However, Universal Design doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in what some might call function following form. The Americans with Disabilities Act has been law for many years, It is reasonable to expect modern public buildings to be free of obvious accessibility oversights. Unfortunately this expectation is not always met. The much anticipated Queens Public Library at Hunters Point is one such case, and unfortunately the oversight has lead to a lawsuit.
While opening difficulties are not uncommon for new buildings, situations like this serve as a stark reminder to civic and business leaders that compliance with accessibility laws are a minimum standard. Much can be done to go above and beyond the minimum requirements to create truly inclusive, accessible and welcoming environments.
Source: Lack Of Handicap Accessibility At Flashy New Hunters Point Library Sparks Lawsuit
By: Elizabeth Kim Nov. 26, 2019 1:32 P.M.
https://gothamist.com/news/lack-handicap-accessibility-flashy-new-hunters-point-library-sparks-lawsuit
Across the nation, federal investigators are continuing their audits of municipalities for ADA violations. From curb ramps and sidewalks to facilities and services, many cities and counties are taking the necessary steps to identify their barriers and update their transition plans.
El Paso County, Colorado, recently completed an ambitious effort with a draft transition plan to set the foundation of their ADA compliance initiative. “El Paso County is committed to full and equal opportunity for all its citizens, including individuals with disabilities,” said Vince Maciunskas, Infrastructure Project Manager. “The County recognizes that its community’s continued vitality, strength and vibrancy results from the valuable contributions from the entire community.”
El Paso County’s work is critically important to creating an accessible and equitable community for all. For those that haven’t made it a priority, the DOJ is imposing fines of several million dollars and has frozen federal funding from other agencies.
Source: El PAso County Public Notice, October 24, 2019
https://www.elpasoco.com/seeking-public-comment-ada-transition-plan/
2010 ADAS 406.2 Counter Slope
Counter slopes of adjoining gutters and road surfaces immediately adjacent to the curb ramp shall not be steeper than 1:20, 5%. The adjacent surfaces at transitions at curb ramps to walks, gutters, and streets shall be at the same level.
Code according to 2010 ADAS. Check your state’s accessibility laws. Some states such as California, Georgia and Florida have additional requirements and standards.
Over the past 29 years, the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) has led thousands of accessibility initiatives in communities across the country. In some of the best cases, local cities have worked with their small businesses to ensure compliance with street parking, along sidewalks, and into the business itself. Recently, the City of Fresno created the Accessible Fresno Small Business Initiative to help its small business community get into compliance with the ADA.
Public-private partnerships like this are not just reducing legal risks and helping small business owners, but also taking some of the sting out of compliance. In the end, this project is a win-win for the City of Fresno and its business community by helping create a more inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment for everyone. How can partnerships like this make a positive impact on the lives of people of all abilities where you live and do business?
Source: Fresno looks to help small businesses navigate ADA headaches
By: George Hostetter, October 22, 2019
http://sjvsun.com/news/fresno/fresno-looks-to-help-small-businesses-navigate-ada-headaches/
ADAS 2010 404.2.6 Doors in Series and Gates in Series
The distance between two hinged or pivoted doors in series and gates in series shall be 48 inches minimum plus the width of doors or gates swinging into the space.
Code according to 2010 ADAS. Check your state’s accessibility laws. Some states such as California, Georgia and Florida have additional requirements and standards.