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Access to Health Care
In its Spring/Summer newsletter, the DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center addressed the issue of Access to Health Care. The article offers tips to health care providers on communicating with people with disabilities as well as information on facilities, equipment and tax incentives. For more information, visit: http://www.adainfo.org/publications/newsletter/spring_summer08.asp
“Top Ten”
Issues for Hospital Design in the
New ADA Standards
Note: The US Department of Justice has proposed adopting the ADA/ABA-AG as the new ADA Standards for Accessible Design in 2007
1. Everything is Covered
In the existing ADA Standards things that are not described are not covered, and many non-fixed items, such as dining tables are exempted. The new standards cover everything (fixed or not) even if not described.
2. Limited Construction Tolerances
Minimums, maximums and ranges are now defined, creating problems with standard construction details, ie., toilet centerline.
3. Parking Space #’s and Signage
Increased number of Van Accessible parking spaces required and signage/striping details are different.
4. 48” High Maximum Reach Range
No 54” H side reach allowed with side approach
5. Partially Obstructed T-Turn
One leg of T-Turn can provide only knee and toe clearance.
6. 5’ clear width at all toilets
Every toilet needs side access.
7. Lavatory Knee Clearance
29” apron height has been eliminated making the knee and toe clearance consistent with other requirements in the document
8. Wheelchair Turning Radius Can Overlap Roll-In Shower
With the proper shower edge conditions, the 5’ diameter turning space and overlap the shower
9. “Cluster” Concept
Groups of nearby and similar facilities (such as specimen rooms, dressing rooms and single user restrooms in clinics) can be grouped together to determine the required minimums.
10. Dispersion of accessible patient rooms
Not required but strongly recommended.