Americans With Disabilities Act Construction Specifications

Standards for State and Local Government Facilities

• Under ADA design guidelines, standards for state and local government facilities includes but is not limited to: social service centers, assembly halls, medical care facilities and detention and correctional facilities. Construction guidelines at facilities such as these call for the implementation of accessible paths of travel, entrances and drinking fountains and restrooms among other design specifications. In some cases, ADA compliance includes enlarging toilet stalls, lowering drinking fountains to accessible heights and installing amplification devices or a text telephone.

Standards for Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities

• Under ADA design guidelines, standards for public accommodations and commericial facilities includes, but is not limited to, train stations, airport terminals, places of lodging and shopping centers or malls. Construction guidelines at facilities such as these call for the implementation of accessible paths of travel, parking and restrooms among other design specifications. In some cases, ADA compliance includes enlarging doorways, installing ramps and putting in an elevator.

Exceptions to ADA Design Guidelines

• In rare circumstances, certain new construction and existing structures are legally exempt from full compliance with ADA design guidelines if it can be demonstrated that it would be structurally impractical to implement the design changes. For example, if it can be shown that the installation of an elevator would damage a historic building or that enlarging doorways and installing entrance ramps would be cost prohibitive. However, the facility would have to comply with ADA guidelines to the extent practical. Therefore, while an elevator would not be installed, there would still need to be access for the hearing or sight impaired.

Mandatory Compliance Dates

• On March 15, 2012, compliance with the 2010 Standards will be required for all new construction and alterations to existing structures. Until that date, builders may choose between the 1991 Standards, the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards and the 2010 Standards. Projects built under those guidelines will be considered in compliance with federal laws. The 2010 ADA Standards For Accessible Design be viewed online or downloaded from the ADA website (see Resources). The guide is also available in large print, audiotape, Braille and computer disk for those with disabilities.