ADA 101
"Just The Facts, Ma'am"
Course objectives
• Introduction to accessibility laws,
regulations, standards and guidelines
– Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
– Americans with Disabilities Act
• ADA Standards
• Public ROW Guidelines
Course objectives (cont.)
• Understand our responsibilities under
504 and the ADA
• The basics of accessibility
• Where to find information
Documents Referenced in
this Course
• 2005 Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines
(PROWAG)
• 2006 ADA Standards for Transportation Facilities
(ADASTF)
• 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
(ADASAD)
• 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD)
• 2012 Florida Accessibility Code (FAC)
504/ADA - Civil Rights Laws
• Enforced by U.S. Dept. of Justice (DOJ) and
U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT)
• Protection from discrimination
• Access to Services, Programs & Activities
• Effective communication
– Reasonable Accommodation
– Barrier Removal
ADA – 5 Titles
• I – Employment
Hiring, promoting, reasonable accommodations
• II – Public Services
Subtitle IIa– State and Local Governments
Subtitle IIb – Transportation
• III – Public Accommodations
Hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, offices
• IV – Telecommunications
Telephones, computers, TDD/TTY’s, Web-sites
• V - Miscellaneous
Background of the ADA
• 1964 Civil Rights Act
– Protection from discrimination:
» Race, color, country of origin, etc.
• 1968 Architectural Barriers Act
– Federal buildings:
» Post offices, courthouses, etc.
• 1973 Rehabilitation Act – Section 504
– Federal financial assistance:
» If you receive federal funds, you're a federal
program
Background of the ADA (cont.)
• 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act
– January 26, 1992 – effective date
– July 1, 1994 – new ADA Standards for
Accessible Design
– July 26, 2004 – new guidance (ADA/ABA)
– November 23, 2005 – Access Board issues
PROW guidelines (PROWAG)
– November 29, 2006 – FHWA adopts 2006 ADA
Standards for Transportation Facilities (based
on ADA/ABA, with modifications)
– March 15, 2011 – USDOJ adopts 2010 ADA
Standards for Accessible Design (based on
ADA/ABA) (Mandatory on March 15, 2012)
ADA & Section 504:
Coverage
ADA:
Public services, programs & activities
504:
Receive Federal funds
ADA Standards
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
(Standards)
Chapter 1: Application and Administration
Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements
Chapter 3: Building Blocks
Chapter 4: Accessible Routes
Chapter 5: General Site And Building Elements
Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements And Facilities
Chapter 7: Communication Elements And Features
Chapter 8: Special Rooms, Spaces and Elements
Chapter 9: Built-In Elements
Chapter 10: Recreation Facilities
DOT Modifications to
ADA Standards (Nov. 29, 2006)
• Accessible routes (206.3)
– Adds requirement that accessible routes to elements shall be
placed to minimum travel distance differentials
• Detectable warnings on curb ramps (406.8)
– Puts back the requirement for detectable warnings removed
from the 2004 ADA Guidelines
• Bus boarding areas (810.2.2)
– Requires boarding and alighting areas “to the extent the
construction specifications are within their control”
• Rail station platforms (810.5.3)
– Allows the use of temporary platforms, ramps, etc. to meet
the horizontal and vertical requirements between the platform
and the rail car
The Future of ADA for us?
• NOTE:
On July 26, 2011 the U.S. Access Board issued a
notice of proposed rule-making (NPRM) to adopt the
PROW Guidelines as standards.
A Final Rule is expected in 2013(?).
FHWA Guidance: “Use PROWAG where the ADA
Standards are silent.”
RECOMMENDATION:
Start learning the new PROW ‘Standards’!?!
www.access-board.gov/prowac/nprm.htm
PROWAG (Guidelines)
• Chapter R1: Application and Administration
– Purpose, Conventions, Definitions, etc.
• Chapter R2: Scoping Requirements
– Where technical criteria must be applied, or not
• Chapter R3: Technical Requirements
– What criteria must be applied/used
• Chapter R4: Supplementary Technical Requirements
– Criteria that apply in coordination with other issues
ADA and Sidewalks
• Regulatory requirements and guidance:
• ADA Title II governs “public services”
– ADA: ‘Public services’ must be accessible
– ADA: Sidewalks along public roadways ARE public
services
– ADA: Sidewalks within public rights of way must
include “pedestrian access routes” *
– Curb ramps are part of the pedestrian access route
– Features along, over and adjacent to sidewalks must
meet accessibility criteria
* “Pedestrian access routes”
within PROW are equivalent to
“accessible routes” on a site, with some differences…
Accessible Routes (AR) vs.
Pedestrian Access Routes (PAR)
• AR=36” min. continuous width - on-site/in building
– PAR=48” in ROW – FDOT Stds. & PROWAG
• AR=32” min. width ‘point’ (24” max.) - on-site/in building
• 60” x 60” passing space @ 200’
• Slopes:
– ≤1:20 (≤5%) is not a ramp
– >1:20 (>5%) is a ramp
– 1:12 (8.33%) max. allowed *
48” Min.
Min.
32”
• Cross-slope
– 1:50 (2%) max. allowed *
– 1:75 (1.5%) preferred
* Exceptions in PROWAG
48” Min.
24”
max.
– PAR=48” in ROW – FDOT Stds. & PROWAG
Pedestrian Access Route (PAR)
R301.3.1
• Continuous Width
The minimum continuous and unobstructed clear
width of a pedestrian access route shall be 4 ft,
exclusive of the width of the curb
Measure
from back
of curb!
4’
For sidewalks within the
public right of way . . .
• Sidewalk grade – ADASTF vs. PROWAG
• ADASTF: Accessible Route: ramps, landings, railings, etc.
• PROWAG: Pedestrian Access Route: match grade of road
ADASTF
PROWAG
Surfaces of PAR
R302 & ADASTF 302 & 303
• Firm, stable, slip-resistant
– Dry or wet!
¼” max.
• Changes in level
– ≤ ¼” – Vertical allowed
– > ¼” ≤ ½” – 1:2 max. slope
– > ½” – 1:12 max. slope
½” max.
Surfaces
R302.7 & ADASTF 302
• Horizontal ‘gaps’
½” max.
– Grates & expansion joints
• ½” max.
– Bascule bridges
• 1¼” max.
– Railroad crossings
1¼” max.
• (a) 2½” at passenger-only
tracks
• (b) 3” at freight tracks
2½” max.
Moveable leaf
2½” max.
Fixed span
3” max.
3” max.
Protruding Objects
R402 & ADASTF 307
•
•
•
•
27” – 80” range
Post-mounted – 12” max.
Wall mounted – 4” max.
Overhanging – 80” min.
Sidewalks
Quick review:
•
•
•
•
•
Pedestrian Access Route – 48” min. width
Check cross-slopes – 1:48 / 2% max.
Check Surfaces – Firm, Stable, Slip-resistant
Look for Level changes – ¼” / ½”
Look for Protruding Objects – 27”-80”
(4’ min.)
(4’ min.)
Index 310
Ramps
ADASTF 405
5’ min.
Top/Interim Landing
30’ - 40’ max.
Depending on slope (see below)
5’ min.
Bottom Landing
“Level” means:
2% or less slope
30” max.
Curb Ramps
R304
• Running Slopes (1:12 / 8.3% max.)
– Ex.: 6” rise & 1:12 slope @ 2% = 7’-4¼” long
• Cross-slopes (1:48 / 2% max.)2%
7’- 4¼”
• Landing at top (48” min.)
• Detectable Warnings
8.3%
X = 48” min.
12
ADAAG 4.7
Curb Ramp Grade
• Least possible slope is preferred
• Recommended maximum grade to allow for
construction tolerance – 7.1%
• Maximum grade – 8.3%
• Exception: when “chasing grade,” curb ramp length
need not exceed 15’, but slope must be uniform
Change of Grade (Counterslope)
R304.5.4
• PROWAG allows 8.3%
ramp and 5% grade at
the adjacent street =
13.3% change of grade
• Recommendation:
Counterslope Greater than
13.3% Not Permitted
– Provide 2’ level area if
greater than 11.3%
24”
Provide 24” Level area if
Algebraic Difference Exceeds 11%
See notes in Index 304
Detectable Warnings
R305
• Truncated domes only!
– Design Standards – Index 304
• At curb ramps
– Full width of ramp & 24” deep
– Not on flared sides
• At landings and blended transitions
– 24” deep from back of curb
Index 304
Detectable Warnings
• Truncated Domes
– Rectilinear pattern
– New construction
– Retrofit, 3R
– Maintenance
• Color/contrast with
surrounding materials
2.35”
• Applied mat, tile, paver,
thermoplastic
– Light-on-dark, Dark-on-light
– Black, brick-red, safety yellow, etc.
– Not Blue!
Index 304
Pedestrian Crossings



Slope of crossing = cross-slope of roadway
Cross-slope of crossing = grade of roadway
Cross-slope of crossing:



‘STOP’-controlled: 2% max.
Non - ‘STOP’-controlled: 5% max.
 i.e., ‘YIELD’, signal or no control
Mid-block: Match grade of roadway
Pedestrian Detectors
R209 & MUTCD 4E.08-4E-13
• In reach ranges
–
–
–
–
42” FDOT Standard
15” max. reach - over obstruction/edge of sidewalk
2” dia. raised buttons
Between 1.5’-6’ from curb/roadway
• Up to 10’ with physical constraints
• Maneuvering space (30” x 48” min., ‘level’)
3’-6”
Index 17784
ADAAG 4.2
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
MUTCD 4E-09
• For pedestrians with vision impairments
• Used in conjunction with pedestrian signal
timing
• Add “non-visual” information:
•
–
–
–
–
Tactile features
Audible tones
Vibrating surfaces
Speech messages
Must indicate which crossing
is served by each device
Pushbutton Locations
MUTCD 4E-10


NOTE: It must be clear
which button controls which
crossing. (per MUTCD).
If APSs cannot be placed at
least 10 apart, they must
‘speak’ to you.
Accessible Parking Spaces
(Parking lot) FAC 208 & 502
• Accessible space
– Width = 12’-0” min.
• Access aisle
– Width = 5’-0” min.
• Curb cut
– Outside space & aisle
• Slopes
– 1:50 max. any direction
Index 17346
Accessible Parking Spaces
(On-street) R214 & R309
• Accessible on-street parking space per
block perimeter – approx. 4% of total
– Table R214
• Parking spaces are best located where the
roadway has the least cross-slope and
profile grade, and close to key destinations
(i.e., near crosswalks)
Maintenance of PAR
28 CFR 35.133
Title II of the ADA requires public entities to maintain
equipment and features of facilities to ensure
accessibility to individuals with disabilities.
Alternate Pedestrian
Access Routes
R205 & R303 & MUTCD 6D & 6G
• Alternate Pedestrian Access Routes are
required when an existing pedestrian access
route is blocked by construction, alteration,
maintenance, or other temporary condition.
Alternate PARs
• The alternate pedestrian access route shall be:
– Provided on the same side of the street as the
disrupted route, to the maximum extent feasible
– Where exposed to adjacent construction, traffic or
other hazards, shall be protected with a pedestrian
barricade or channelization device with a handtrailing edge
•
•
•
•
Continuous, stable, non-flexible
Consist of features identified in the MUTCD Chapter 6F
Plastic tape is not acceptable!!!
Rows of barrels and/or cones is not acceptable…
(unless they are connected by a continuous ‘detectable
edge’)
Course Objectives…
In this course, we've discussed…
• The Basics of accessibility laws, regulations,
standards and guidelines
– Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
– Americans with Disabilities Act
• ADA Standards (ADASTF)
• Public ROW Guidelines (PROWAG)
• Our responsibilities under 504 and the ADA
• Basic accessibility requirements
• Where to find information
Help is available
• State:
– FDOT District ADA Coordinator
– FDOT C.O. ADA Coordinator
• Federal:
– U.S. Architectural & Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board (Access Board)
– U.S. Department of Justice
– U.S. Department of Transportation - FHWA
Resources
U.S. Access Board
Accessibility Guidelines - ADAAG
www.access-board.gov
U.S. Dept. of Justice - ADA
Accessibility Standards for Facilities & Sites
www.ada.gov
U.S. Dept. of Transportation – FHWA
Accessibility Guidance & Standards for Public Rights of Way
www.dot.gov/citizen_services/disability/disability.html
Florida Dept. of Transportation - FDOT
ADA information on Website
www.dot.state.fl.us/projectmanagementoffice/ADA/
Contact us...
Dean Perkins, Architect
ADA Coordinator
850-414-4359
dean.perkins@dot.state.fl.us
or
Your District
ADA Coordinator(s)
Thank You!
Merci!
Arigato!
Dhanya Vaad!
Xie Xie!
Gracias!
Shokran!
Danke!
Live long and prosper!
And Now…
for the FUN stuff !?!
ADA Quiz
1. On what date did the ADA become effective?
A.
B.
C.
D.
July 26, 1990
January 26, 1992
November 29, 2006
March 15, 2011
o A
o B
o C
o D
ADA Quiz
2. Under the ADA, what technical criteria are
applied to FDOT roadway projects?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Section 504
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
ADA Standards for Transportation Facilities
Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines
o A and B
o B and C
o C and D
o A and D
ADA Quiz (cont.)
3. What are the criteria for an accessible route
and a pedestrian access route?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Accessible Route – 36” min. width
Pedestrian Access Route – 48” min. width
Accessible Route – Meet ramp criteria
Pedestrian Access Route – Follow roadway grade
o A and B
o A and C
o B and D
o All of the Above
ADA Quiz (cont.)
4. What maximum cross-slope is allowed for an
accessible route or a pedestrian access route
under the ADA?
A.
B.
C.
D.
2%
8.3%
5%
1:12
o A
o B
o C
o D
ADA Quiz (cont.)
5. What are the surface requirements for a
pedestrian access route?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Firm, stable & slip-resistant
½” max. horizontal gap
¼” max. vertical change-in-level
½” max. ‘beveled’ change in level
o A and B
o C and D
o B, C and D
o All of the Above
ADA Quiz (cont.)
6. What are the ADA requirements for curb
ramps?
A.
B.
C.
D.
8.3% max. slope
2% max. cross-slope
Detectable warnings at bottom
48” landing at top
o A and B
o C and D
o B, C and D
o All of the Above
ADA Quiz (cont.)
7. What are the requirements for detectable
warnings?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Truncated domes – rectilinear pattern
Color/contrast with surrounding materials
24” deep and full width of flush transition
Black, brick red, yellow or blue
o A and B
o A, B and C
o A, C and D
o All of the Above
ADA Quiz (cont.)
8. What are the requirements for an alternate
pedestrian access route?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Detectable edge 2” above surface
Hand-trailing edge 32-36” above surface
Plastic tape
Cones or Barrels
o A and B
o C and D
o A, B and C
o None of the Above
ADA Quiz (cont.)
9. What are the criteria for protruding objects in a
walkway?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4” maximum offset from wall
12" maximum offset from post
Between 27” and 80” above the surface
Between 27" and 84" above the surface
o A, B and C
o A and D
o B and C
o B and D
ADA Quiz (cont.)
10. What are the criteria for accessible pedestrian
signals?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Audible and tactile features
Push-Buttons in reach ranges
Between 1.5’ and 6’ from roadway edge
‘Maneuvering space’ in front of button
o A and B
o C and D
o B, C and D
o All of the Above
ADA Quiz (cont.)
•
And, finally . . . The BONUS Question!
•
Who must comply with the ADA?
o ALL of us!
Thank You!
Merci!
Todah Rabbah
Arigato!
Dhanya Vaad!
Xie Xie!
Gracias!
Shokran!
Danke!
Live long and prosper!