ADA: Doing it Right [1/14/19]

Please see the photo below. This is the hallway in front of some of the public restrooms at the 100 Oaks Mall in Nashville, TN. See if you can identify all the things they did right here, with respect to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

First, you might notice how the drinking fountains are installed in an alcove and with staggered heights. Standard 211.2 [Drinking Fountain] Minimum Number, states, “No fewer than two drinking fountains shall be provided. One drinking fountain shall comply with [Standards] 602.1 through 602.6 and one drinking fountain shall comply with [Standard] 602.7.” Those standards apply to such issues as the number of fountains required, reach requirements, clear floor space, height of the fountains, and spout height and location.

Next look at the signage. There is a lot, and more than most installations. Standards 206 and 703 cover the requirements for signage. This installation complies with the signage requirements and then some. Most noticeable in the photo above is the height above the finished floor and the proximity to the different spaces. This is a great example of ADA done right! And a great example of going the extra mile for signage is shown below.

In this photo the owner/operator has even labeled the Utility Room where compressed gas is stored. Clearly this is not something most people care about, but it would be very helpful to those disabled with impaired vision. This sign could help prevent those with limited vision from going into a room they don’t want to access. Again, ADA done right! This location would be a great candidate for the Certificate of Excellence program at ADAIN.

If you observe a building that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.