Opening Doors

I thought that since I talk about doors so much, I should make it clear the measurements of required doors re ADA and also that self opening doors, which we love so much are not an ADA requirement.

That means that most of the time we have to rely upon the kindness of strangers to enter a building.

I hope that after our same sex marriage license picture was in Tuesday's Stone County Leader as the first same sex couple to capture the prize, the strangers will continue to be as kind as they were before the photo.

Straight from the ADA regulations

"Opening Doors To Everyone

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People with disabilities are the largest and fastest-growing minority in the U.S. They control $1 trillion in total annual income. They have friends, family members, and business colleagues who accompany them to events and outings. And they use businesses and facilities that are accessible to them.

How can businesses provide access to people with disabilities?  They can begin by opening their doors, literally. Accessible doors welcome everyone – and they’re required by law.

Legal Requirements for Doors

The Basics

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers a wide variety of private businesses, as well as all the agencies of state and local governments. The ADA requires that these entities provide access to their programs, goods and services.

Businesses or buildings that are open or offer services to the general public are called  “places of public accommodation” by the ADA. Places of public accommodation and buildings constructed by state or local governments must be fully accessible to people with disabilities if built after January 26, 1992.

Places of public accommodation built before that date must undertake “readily achievable barrier removal.” This consists of activities that can be easily carried out without much difficulty or expense. What is readily achievable will vary from one business to another, and will depend on a number of factors, including existing structural conditions and the financial resources of the business. Tax incentives may help defray some of the costs (more info: http://www.ada.gov/taxincent.htm).

State and local governments must also take steps to ensure access to the programs and activities they offer in inaccessible facilities. In addition, state and local building codes may require different or additional accessibility features.

Door Accessibility Requirements

Which doors should be accessible?

At least one door should be accessible at these locations:

• Each accessible entrance (at least 60% of public entrances in newly built facilities must be accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs or have mobility impairments).
• Each tenant space in a mall or other building with multiple business tenants.
• Accessible rooms and spaces within buildings.
• Entrances to buildings from all parking structures, tunnels or elevated walkways.
• At least one restricted or secured entrance (if applicable).
• Along each building’s required route of escape or evacuation.
• Public entrances serving different fixed routes within transit facilities.

Good to know: Although automatic doors can provide greater accessibility, they are not required by the ADA Standards."