The U.S. Access Board recently released the latest in a series of technical guidelines on accessible design requirements in public places. Retail stores, event venues, restaurants and other places of public accommodation should be well aware about these guidelines published by this federal agency which is assigned the task of developing accessible design criteria for individuals with mobility challenges.
The new bulletins contain details about the building and design requirements for accessible routes, entrances/doors, ramps, elevators and platform lifts as well as the referenced requirements for accessible means of egress. The documents explain and illustrate the accessibility requirements set forth in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. They also answer common questions and offer best practice recommendations on ADA and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards.
The latest guidelines are an extension of the first installment released last year, which dealt with the application and use of the Standards, including new construction as well as alterations and additions. They also focuses on the basic “building block” technical requirements including clear floor and turning space and operable parts.
The U.S. Access Board has also updated its animation series which aims to explain different requirements under the Standards using visual representations. The latest animation series focuses on how protruding objects can potentially pose a serious hazard to individuals with vision impairments. The animation has examples of common wall-mounted and protruding objects, standard cane techniques, and ways to reduce hazards and make objects comply with the Standards.