ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines
Accessibility is tested throughout the ARE, particularly in PPD and PA. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes civil rights protections, while the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and ABA (Architectural Barriers Act) Standards provide the technical criteria architects must apply. The IBC Chapter 11 references ICC A117.1 for detailed technical requirements that largely parallel the ADA Standards.
Accessible Routes
An accessible route is a continuous, unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces within a building or site. Key dimensional requirements:
- Minimum clear width: 36 inches continuously, with passing spaces of 60 inches width at intervals not exceeding 200 feet.
- Changes in level: Up to 1/4 inch may be vertical; 1/4 to 1/2 inch must be beveled at 1:2 maximum; changes greater than 1/2 inch require a ramp, elevator, or platform lift.
- Running slope: Maximum 1:20 (5%) for walking surfaces that are not ramps.
- Cross slope: Maximum 1:48 (approximately 2%).
Ramps
Ramps are required where the accessible route must accommodate a change in elevation greater than 1/2 inch:
- Maximum slope: 1:12 (8.33%) for new construction.
- Maximum rise per run: 30 inches before a level landing is required.
- Minimum width: 36 inches clear between handrails.
- Landings: Must be at least 60 inches long at top, bottom, and at changes in direction.
- Handrails: Required on both sides when the rise exceeds 6 inches, extending 12 inches beyond top and bottom of the ramp.
- Edge protection: Curbs, walls, or railings to prevent wheelchairs from slipping off the edge.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking spaces must be provided based on the total number of spaces in the lot. Requirements include:
| Total Spaces | Required Accessible | Van-Accessible |
|---|---|---|
| 1–25 | 1 | 1 (of the accessible) |
| 26–50 | 2 | 1 |
| 51–75 | 3 | 1 |
| 76–100 | 4 | 1 |
| 101–150 | 5 | 1 |
Standard accessible spaces require a 60-inch-wide access aisle; van-accessible spaces require a 96-inch-wide access aisle (or 60 inches with an adjacent 132-inch-wide space). Spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible toilet rooms must include a 60-inch turning radius or T-shaped turning space, grab bars at water closets (side wall 42 inches minimum, rear wall 36 inches minimum), accessible lavatory with knee and toe clearance, and appropriate fixture heights (toilet seat 17–19 inches AFF).
Signage
Accessible signage requirements include tactile (raised) characters and Grade 2 Braille for permanent room identification signs, mounted at 48–60 inches AFF on the latch side of doors. Visual signs for directions and information must comply with character proportion, contrast, and non-glare finish requirements.
Accessibility integrates with Egress Requirements (accessible means of egress) and Code Compliance (IBC Chapter 11). Review quickly with the ADA Cheat Sheet and practice with PPD flashcards. Sign up free for full access to accessibility practice questions.