Wheelchair accessible refers to facilities, buildings, and spaces that are designed to accommodate people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. The goal of wheelchair accessibility is to provide equitable access and use to people with limited mobility so they can maneuver through and utilize spaces in a safe and convenient manner without assistance.
Wheelchair Accessibility Laws and Regulations
In the United States, wheelchair accessibility is mandated by federal laws and regulations including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. These laws require public accommodations and commercial facilities to meet accessibility standards for new construction and alterations. Compliance is overseen by the Department of Justice and enforcement is carried out at the federal, state, and local levels.
The ADA sets guidelines and requirements for wheelchair accessibility including:
- Having at least one wheelchair accessible entrance
- Providing accessible routes between public areas
- Ensuring accessible parking spaces, ramps, elevators, doors, restrooms, and more
- Allowing service animals
- Making reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities
In addition to federal laws, many states and local jurisdictions have their own accessibility codes and standards. These laws work concurrently with federal legislation to provide expanded protections and requirements for wheelchair users in certain regions.
Wheelchair Accessibility Standards and Guidelines
In conjunction with accessibility laws, design standards and guidelines provide the specific technical criteria for wheelchair accessible design. Commonly used standards include:
- ADA Standards – Issued by the Department of Justice, the ADA Standards lay out minimum accessibility requirements for new construction and alterations.
- ABA Standards – The Architectural Barriers Act Standards apply to facilities designed, built, or altered with federal funds.
- UFAS – The Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards are an earlier standard that can be used for certain buildings predating the ADA.
- ICC A117.1 – This standard is referenced by many state and local building codes for accessibility.
These standards provide details on the quantity, location, size, maneuvering clearances, and reach ranges for accessible elements. Technical criteria covers doors, signage, ramps, elevators, parking, restrooms, assembly areas, and more. Standards are periodically updated to improve accessibility and address safety.
Wheelchair Accessibility Categories
Wheelchair accessibility encompasses various categories of access and use including:
- Mobility Access – The ability to enter and move through buildings including accessible routes, ramps, elevators, doorways, and floor surfaces.
- Communication Access – Features for people who are deaf, blind, or have vision/hearing impairments such as visual alarms and signage.
- Access to Goods and Services – Accessible seating, counters, point-of-sale machines, and operable parts for use of services and amenities.
- Access to Lavatories – Clear floor space, grab bars, accessible toilets, sinks, and dispensers in restrooms.
- Accessible Transient Lodging – Hotel rooms with widened doors, accessible bathing options, lowered amenities, and more.
Adequately addressing each category ensures people with mobility limitations can safely and comfortably use facilities and services.
Key Wheelchair Access Features
Some key wheelchair access features include:
- Accessible Route – A continuous unobstructed path connecting accessible elements and spaces. Minimum clearance width is 36 inches.
- Ramps – Sloped surfaces used in lieu of stairs. Ramps must meet slope, width, handrail, and landing requirements.
- Elevators – Platform lifts that meet car size, door width, control panel, and emergency communication requirements.
- Doors – Minimum 32 inch clear width when open 90 degrees. Level landings provided on both sides.
- Parking – Minimum 96 inch wide access aisle adjacent to van accessible space with 60 inch min width.
- Restrooms – 60 inches diameter or T-shaped turning spaces, grab bars, accessible toilets and sinks, lowered amenities.
- Seating – Wheelchair spaces in assembly areas with companion seats and accessible sight lines.
Facilities that are fully wheelchair accessible have these and other access features incorporated throughout buildings and sites.
Wheelchair Access vs ADA Compliance
While often used interchangeably, wheelchair access and ADA compliance are not exactly the same. Wheelchair accessible means a facility’s design meets standards to be used by people in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. ADA compliance indicates a facility meets minimum legal standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A facility can be ADA compliant but still present challenges for wheelchair users. For example, restrooms may meet minimum ADA stall and sink requirements but lack adequate maneuvering clearances, paper dispensers, or accessible mirrors. A ramp may adhere to 1:12 slope requirements but not provide edge protection. Parking spaces could have improper signage or non-compliant access aisles.
To be wheelchair accessible, facilities aim to exceed minimum ADA rules to create welcoming, independent, safe, and equitable environments for people with disabilities. Accessibility audits and input from people who use wheelchairs help identify areas that could improve accessibility beyond base legal compliance.
International Wheelchair Accessibility Standards
Many countries worldwide have adopted accessibility laws, regulations, and standards modeled after the ADA. These include:
- Australia Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Standards
- UK Equality Act 2010
- Ireland Disability Act 2005
- Japan Barrier Free Access Law
- India Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
Specific technical criteria varies but generally conforms to ADA specifications. Accessibility standards continue to evolve as countries enact stricter laws and update their disability access regulations.
Types of Wheelchairs and Design Considerations
There are many types of wheelchairs with different dimensions, features, and maneuvering capabilities. Common wheelchairs include:
- Manual Wheelchairs – Lightweight chairs propelled by the user. Narrower in width.
- Power Wheelchairs – Motorized chairs controlled by a joystick. Wider and heavier.
- Porch Lift Wheelchairs – Raised seats to increase eye level for interactions.
- Sports Wheelchairs – Optimized performance for athletic activities.
- Pediatric Wheelchairs – Smaller chairs sized for children.
Ideal wheelchair accessible design accommodates the largest types of chairs and their maneuvering needs. Key considerations include:
- Chairs range from 25-33 inches wide.
- Some require a 60 inch diameter turning radius.
- Seat heights range from 17-25 inches.
- Footrests may extend an additional 6-8 inches.
- Allowance made for companion alongside wheelchair.
Providing adequate clear space for larger chairs and mobility devices ensures access for all.
Common Wheelchair Accessibility Issues
Despite progress in accessibility, wheelchair users still face challenges in many environments. Some common issues include:
- Narrow Doors – Doors less than 32 inches wide impede access.
- Lack of Ramps – Lack of ramps limits entry to buildings with stairs.
- Non-Compliant Slopes – Ramp/walkway slopes over recommended ratio.
- No Accessible Restrooms – Restrooms lack maneuvering space, grab bars.
- Inadequate Space – Tight spaces prevent turning/maneuvering.
- High Counters – Check-in counters exceed recommended height.
- No Accessible Parking – Lack of compliant accessible parking spaces near entrance.
Periodic accessibility surveys help identify and address issues that limit wheelchair access. Input from wheelchair users also provides valuable insight.
Improving Wheelchair Accessibility
Here are some ways to enhance wheelchair accessibility:
- Conduct detailed accessibility audits periodically.
- Consult with wheelchair users on needed improvements.
- Provide accessibility training to staff.
- Increase maneuvering clearances beyond minimums.
- Add accessible doors, ramps, entryways where lacking.
- Renovate restrooms for access compliance.
- Lower counters and operable parts to accessible heights.
- Improve signage, wayfinding, and communications.
- Keep paths of travel free of obstructions.
Accessibility improvements may require adjusting attitudes and procedures in addition to physical changes. An ongoing, concerted effort helps provide full access.
Certified Access Specialists
Certified Access Specialists (CASp) are professionals certified to review built environments for compliance with accessibility standards. CASp inspections verify if sites meet requirements and can identify any barriers to access. CASps have extensive training and thorough understanding of ADA and accessibility regulations.
CASp services include:
- Accessibility inspections and reports
- Transition plan development
- Accessibility barrier removal consults
- Professional testimony for litigation cases
- Education and training on accessibility
In some areas, businesses are required to obtain CASp inspections to inform any needed updates for compliance. CASps collaborate with owners, architects, contractors, and disabilities rights groups to maximize accessibility.
Conclusion
Wheelchair accessibility is essential for social inclusion, independent living, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Creating wheelchair friendly environments provides dignity, safety, and independence. While progress has been made, continued vigilance is needed to fully achieve ADA’s promise of equity and access for all. With conscientious design and understanding of users’ needs, architects and providers can make buildings welcoming and functional for everyone.