Using the ADA and ABA Standards Series: Chapter 8: Special Rooms, Spaces, and Elements (Part 1)


Thursday, September 3, 2020
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

This session is the first of two sessions that will review scoping and technical provisions for special rooms, spaces, and elements in the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards (Chapter 8). These requirements ensure access to a diverse group of rooms and spaces. This first session will address the requirements for wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and designated aisle seats in assembly areas, dressing, fitting, & locker rooms, kitchens & kitchenettes, and transient lodging guest rooms. The remaining sections of chapter 8 will be addressed in part two. Presenters will address common sources of confusion and frequently asked questions about these provisions.

Continuing Education Recognition Available

Certificate Credit hours
ACTCP 1.5
AIA HSW CES 1.5
California Architects Board 1.5
Certificate of Attendance 1.5
ICC 1.5

Speakers:

Bill Botten, Training Coordinator, Senior Accessibility Specialist, Office of Technical and Information Services, U.S. Access Board

Randall Duchesneau, Accessibility Specialist, U.S. Access Board

Questions for presenters:

1 Section 805 Medical Care nd Long-Term Care Facilities: In medical care facilities that follow the FGI Guidelines (The Facility Guidelines Institute), that are required by the various States Department of Health, there is a conflict with ADA. The FGI calls for "Patients of Size" (formally known as "Bariatric Patients") to have "Design Considerations for Accommodations of Patients of Size" which includes wider toilet stalls with 24" to the sides of water closets to provide for nursing staff to aid in transfers without interference/obstruction of a swing down grab bar. The FGI grab bar placement is in conflict with the ADA requirements of 16"-19" off centerline of the water closet. Has ADA and FGI, as two major governing bodies discussed the differences for a commonly accepted requirement/solution? Thank you.
2 803.1 Dressing, fitting, and locker rooms. The text seems to be written for a single room. However, there are facilities like public swimming pools that the shower/locker room is a common area, therefore an accessible route to the accessible features shall be included within the room. Can the space required by 903.2 overlap the accessible route required within the room?
3 Section 221.2.3 Lines of Sight and Dispersion [Assembly Areas] calls for the lines of sight for wheelchair spaces to be dispersed, with choices of seating locations & viewing angles that are "substantially equivalent to, or better than" choices available to all other spectators. Section 802.2.2.2 Lines of Sight Between Heads: - where spectators are expected to stand, utilize the same scoping requirements of "substantially equivalent to, or better than". QUESTION: In analyzing existing or new stadiums for equivalent viewing angles, how close should the angles be to be "substantially equivalent"? And for comparison to "all other spectators", should it be compared in viewing angles [i.e. mathematical degrees] OR in percentages of the playing field/surface that is obstructed OR percentage of the potential critical action plane [i.e. grass for soccer, goals for basketball, home plate for baseball, goal posts for football]?
4 1991 ADA Stds section 4.33.3 [Placement of Wheelchair Locations] vs. 2010 ADA Stds section 221.2.3 [Lines of Sight and Dispersion]: The language in 1991 reads "choice of...lines of sight comparable to those for members of the general public". 2010 calls for "viewing angles that are substantially equivalent to, or better than, the choices of seating locations and viewing angles available to all other spectators." Was the change in language in the 2010 Standards intentionally made to shift or clarify the meaning, or is the intention the same?
5 If a hotel has a 3 bedroom accessible suite, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom have to be accessible. Do all of the amenities have to be accessible? E.g. the full kitchen? A powder bathroom? And to what level. E.g. the powder bathroom does not have to be the accessible bathroom, but is a turning space required inside the powder bath? Are light switches required to be lowered to accessible reach ranges even though this is not the accessible bath? The doors to the 2nd and 3rd bedroom have to be accessible (pull side and push side clearances, hardware), but is a turning space required so a parent can enter/exit the room even though the bedroom is not the 1 accessible bedroom? Are hall closets off the main living area required to have 50% accessible storage? Are the additional closets in the 2nd or 3rd bedroom required to be 50% accessible when the bedroom is not? Are all controls in all bedrooms and bathrooms required to be accessible (even in 2nd and 3rd bedrm/bathrooms)?
6 Does a built-in microwave constitute a "cooking appliance" therefore requiring a forward approach to the sink? (vs. a loose counter-top microwave).
7 803.1 Dressing, fitting, and locker rooms. Has there been any further clarification with regard to what constitutes a "dressing" or "locker" room? More specifically, does the presence of a transfer shower within an office bathroom that is used by tenants of the building trigger the Section 803.4 requirement for a bench? I previously had a conversation with Randall about this subject and the answer he gave me was, no, a bench would not be required in this configuration. However, he suggested I contact the DOJ to get their opinion and the answer I got from the DOJ was, yes, a bench would be required. I am wondering if the two agencies ever came to an agreement on this topic?

Session Questions

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