Note that changes in level greater than 1/2 inch must be ramped. 2010 ADA Standard 303.4, Ramps, states, “Changes in level greater than ½ inch (13 mm) high shall be ramped, and shall comply with [Standards] 405 or 406.”
So, looking back at the brick walkway above that may not exceed these Standards, a disabled person using a wheelchair or walker will tell you these rough surfaces with frequent changes in level are still very difficult and uncomfortable to use even if they comply with the ADA Standards. Also, a common location for compromise in the change in level to occur is where the surface material changes, such as concrete changing to asphalt.
Another issue that pertains to floor and ground surfaces is openings. 2010 ADA Standard 302.3 [Floor and Ground Surfaces] Openings, states, “Openings in floor or ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than ½ inch (13 mm) diameter except as allowed in [Standards] 407.4.3, 409.4.3, 410.4, 810.5.3 and 810.10. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.” The graphic below is representative of this Standard. Note that if there is no clear dominant direction of travel, the 1/2 inch rule applies in all directions.