Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal - Version 2.1 Introduction Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires public accommodations to provide goods and services to people with disabilities on an equal basis with the rest of the general public. The goal is to afford every individual the opportunity to benefit from our country's businesses and services, and to afford our businesses and services the opportunity to benefit from the patronage of all Americans. The regulations require that architectural and communication barriers that are structural must be removed in public areas of existing facilities when their removal is readily achievable—in other words, easily accomplished and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. Public accommodations that must meet the barrier removal requirement include a broad range of establishments (both for-profit and nonprofit)—such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, museums, retail stores, private schools, banks, doctors' offices, and other places that serve the public. People who own, lease, lease out, or operate places of public accommodation in existing buildings are responsible for complying with the barrier removal requirement. The removal of barriers can often be achieved by making simple changes to the physical environment. However, the regulations do not define exactly how much effort and expense are required for a facility to meet its obligation. This judgment must be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration such factors as the size, type, and overall financial resources of the facility, and the nature and cost of the access improvements needed. These factors are described in more detail in the ADA regulations issued by the Department of Justice. The process of determining what changes are readily achievable is not a one-time effort; access should be re-evaluated annually. Barrier removal that might be difficult to carry out now may be readily achievable later. Tax incentives are available to help absorb costs over several years. Purpose of this Checklist This checklist will help you identify accessibility problems and solutions in existing facilities in order to meet your obligations under the ADA. The goal of the survey process is to plan how to make an existing facility more usable for people with disabilities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) recommends the development of an Implementation Plan, specifying what improvements you will make to remove barriers and when each solution will be carried out: "...Such a plan...could serve as evidence of a good faith effort to comply..." Technical Requirements This checklist details some of the requirements found in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Standards). The Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). When adopted by DOJ, became the Standards. the Standards are part of the Department of Justice Title III Regulations, 28 CFR Part 36 (Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability... Final Rule). Section 36.04 of this regulation, which covers barrier removal, should be reviewed before this survey is conducted. However, keep in mind that full compliance with the Standards is required only for new construction and alterations. The requirements are presented here as a guide to help you determine what may be readily achievable barrier removal for existing facilities. The Standards should be followed for all barrier removal unless doing so is not readily achievable, you may undertake a modification that does not fully comply, as long as it posed no health or safety risk. In addition to the technical specifications, each item has a scoping provision, which can be found under Section 4.1 in the Standards. This section clarifies when access is required and what the exceptions may be. Each state has its own regulations regarding accessibility. To ensure compliance with all codes, know your state and local codes and use the more stringent technical requirement for every modification you make; that is, the requirement that provides greater access for individuals with disabilities. The barrier removal requirement for existing facilities is new under the ADA and supersedes less stringent local or state codes. What This Checklist is Not This checklist does not cover all of requirements of the Standards; therefore, it is not for facilities undergoing new construction or alterations. In addition, it does not attempt to illustrate all possible barriers or propose all possible barrier removal solutions. The Standards should be consulted for guidance in situations not covered here. The Title III regulation covers more than barrier removal, but this checklist does not cover Title III's requirements for nondiscriminatory policies and practices and for the provision of auxiliary communication aids and services. The communication features covered are those that are structural in nature. Priorities This checklist is based on the four priorities recommended by the Title III regulations for planning readily achievable barrier removal projects: Priority 1: Accessible approach and entrance Priority 2: Access to goods and services Priority 3: Access to rest rooms Priority 4: Any other measures necessary Note that the references to ADAAG throughout the Checklist refer to the Standards For Accessible Design. How to Use this Checklist Get Organized: Establish a time frame for completing the survey. Determine how many copies of the checklist you will need to survey the whole facility. Decide who will conduct the survey. It is strongly recommended, that you invite two or three additional people, including people with various disabilities and accessibility expertise, to assist in identifying barriers, developing solutions for removing these barriers, and setting priorities for implementing improvements. Obtain Floor Plans: It is very helpful to have the building floor plans with you while you survey. If plans are not available, use graph paper to sketch the layout of all interior and exterior spaces used by your organization. Make notes on the sketch or plan while you are surveying. Conduct the Survey: Bring copies of this checklist, a clipboard, a pencil or pen, and a flexible steel tape measure. With three people surveying, one person numbers key items on the floor plan to match with the field notes, taken by a second person, while the third takes measurements. Be sure to record all dimensions! As a reminder, questions that require a dimension to be measured and recorded are marked with the ruler symbol. Think about each space from the perspective of people with physical, hearing, visual, and cognitive disabilities, noting areas that need impro-vement. Summarize Barriers and Solutions: List barriers found and ideas for their removal. Consider the solutions listed beside each question, and add your own ideas. Consult with building contractors and equipment suppliers to estimate the costs for making the proposed modifications. Make Decisions and Set Priorities: Review the summary with decision makers and advisors. Decide which solutions will best eliminate barriers at a reasonable cost. Prioritize the items you decide upon and make a timeline for carrying them out. Where the removal of barriers is not readily achievable, you must consider whether there are alternative methods for providing access that are readily achievable. Maintain Documentation: Keep your survey, notes, summary, record of work completed, and plans for alternative methods on file. Make Changes: Implement changes as planned. Always refer directly to the Standards and your state and local codes for complete technical requirements before making any access improvement. References to the applicable sections of the Standards are listed at the beginning of each group of questions. If you need help understanding the federal, state or local requirements, contact your Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center. Follow Up: Review your Implementation Plan each year to reevaluate whether more improvements have become readily achievable. To obtain a copy of the Title III Regulations and the Standards or other technical information, call the U.S. Dept. of Justice ADA Information Line at (800)514-0301 Voice, (202)514-0381TDD, or (800)514-0383 TDD. For questions about ADAAG, contact the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board at (800)USA-Able. Priority 1: Accessible Entrance People with disabilities should be able to arrive on the site, approach the building, and enter the building as freely as everyone else. At least one path of travel should be safe and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. Path of Travel (ADAAG 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7) 1) Is there a path of travel that does not require the use of stairs? _ _Add a ramp if the path of travel is interrupted by stairs. _ _Add an alternative pathway on level ground. 2) Is the path of travel stable, firm and slip-resistant? _ _Repair uneven paving. _ _Fill small bumps and breaks with beveled patches. Replace gravel with hard top. 3) Is the path at least 36 inches wide? _ _Change or move landscaping, furnishings, or other features that narrow the path of travel. _ _Widen pathway. 4) Can all objects protruding into the path be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane? In order to be detected using a cane, an object must be within 27 inches of the ground. Objects hanging or mounted overhead must be higher than 80 inches to provide clear head room. It is not necessary to remove objects that protrude less than 4 inches from the wall. _ _Move or remove protruding objects. _ _Add a cane-detectable base that extends to the ground. Place a cane-detectable object on the ground underneath as a warning barrier. 5) Do curbs on the pathway have curb cuts at drives, parking, and drop-offs? _Install curb cut. _Add small ramp up to curb. Ramps (ADAAG 4.8) 6) Are the slopes of ramps no greater than 1:12? Slope is given as a ratio of the height to the length. 1:12 means for every 12 inches along the base of the ramp, the height increases one inch. For a 1:12 maximum slope, at least one foot of ramp length is needed for each inch of height. _Lengthen ramp to decrease slope. _Relocate ramp. _If available space is limited, reconfigure ramp to include switchbacks. 7) Do all ramps longer than 6 feet have railings on both sides? _Add railings. 8) Are railings sturdy, and between 34 and 38 inches high? _Adjust height of railings. _Secure handrails in fixtures. 9) Is the width between railings at least 36 inches? _Relocate the railings. _Widen the ramp. 10) Are ramps non-slip? _Add non-slip surface material. 11) Is there a 5-foot-long level landing at every 30-foot horizontal length of ramp, at the top and bottom of ramps and at switchbacks? The ramp should rise no more than 30 inches between landings. _Remodel or relocate ramp. Parking and Drop-Off Areas (ADAAG 4.6) 12) Are an adequate number of accessible parking spaces available (8 feet wide for car plus 5-foot striped access aisle)? For guidance in determining the appropriate number to designate, the table below gives the ADAAG requirements for new construction and alterations (for lots with more than 100 spaces, refer to ADAAG): Total spaces Accessible 1 to 25 1 space 26 to 50 2 spaces 51 to 75 3 spaces 76 to 100 4 spaces _Reconfigure a reasonable number of spaces by repainting stripes. 13) Are 16-foot-wide spaces, with 98 inches of vertical clearance, available for liftequipped vans? At least one of every 8 accessible spaces must be van-accessible. _Reconfigure to provide a reasonable number of van-accessible spaces. 14) Are the accessible spaces closest to the accessible entrance? _Reconfigure spaces. 15) Are accessible spaces marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility? Are there signs reading "Van Accessible" at van spaces? International Symbol of Accessibility: [image] _Add signs, placed so that they are not obstructed by cars. 16) Is there an enforcement procedure to ensure that accessible parking is used only by those who need it? _Implement a policy to check periodically for violators and report them to the proper authorities. Entrance (ADAAG 4.13, 4.14) 17) If there are stairs at the main entrance, is there also a ramp or lift, or is there an alternative accessible entrance? Do not use a service entrance as the accessible entrance unless there is no other option. _If it is not possible to make the main entrance accessible, create a dignified alternate accessible entrance. Make sure there is accessible parking near all accessible entrances. 18) Do all inaccessible entrances have signs indicating the location of the nearest accessible entrance? _ Install signs at or before inaccessible entrances. 19) Can the alternate accessible entrance be used independently? _Eliminate as much as possible the need for assistance to answer a doorbell, to operate a lift, or to put down a temporary ramp, for example. 20) Does the entrance door have at least 32 inches clear opening (for a double door, at least one 32-inch leaf)? _Widen the door. _Install offset (swing-clear) hinges. 21) Is there at least 18 inches of clear wall space on the pull side of the door, next to the handle? A person using a wheelchair needs this space to get close enough to open the door. _Remove or relocate furnishings, partitions, or other obstructions. _Move door. _Add power-assisted door opener. 22) Is the threshold level (less than 1/4 inch) or beveled, up to 1/2 inch high? _If there is a single step with a rise of 6 inches or less, add a short ramp. _If there is a high threshold, remove it or add a bevel. 23) Are doormats 1/2 inch high or less, and secured to the floor at all edges? _Replace or remove mats. _Secure mats at edges. 24) Is the door handle no higher than 48 inches and operable with a closed fist? The "closed fist" test for handles and controls: Try opening the door or operating the control using only one hand, held in a fist. If you can do it, so can a person who has limited use of his or her hands. _Replace inaccessible knob with a lever or loop handle. _Retrofit with an add-on lever extension. 25) Can doors be opened without too much force (maximum is 5 lbf)? You can use a fish scale to measure the force required to open a door. Attach the hook of the scale to the doorknob or handle. Pull on the ring end of the scale until the door opens, and read off the amount of force required. If you do not have a fish scale, you will need to judge subjectively whether the door is easy enough to open. _Adjust the door closers and oil the hinges. _Install power-assisted door openers. _Install lighter doors. 26) If the door has a closer, does it take at least 3 seconds to close? _Adjust door closer. Emergency Egress (ADAAG 4.28) 27) Do all alarms have both flashing lights and audible signals? _Install visible and audible alarms. 28) Is there sufficient lighting in egress pathways such as stairs, corridors, and exits? _Upgrade, add, or clean bulbs or fixtures. Priority 2: Access to Goods and Services Ideally, the layout of the building should allow people with disabilities to obtain goods or services without special assistance. Where it is not possible to provide full accessibility, assistance or alternative services should be available upon request. Horizontal Circulation (ADAAG 4.3) 29) Does the accessible entrance provide direct access to the main floor, lobby, or elevator? _Add ramps or lifts. _Make another entrance accessible. 30) Are all public spaces on an accessible path of travel? _Provide access to all public spaces along an accessible path of travel. 31) Is the accessible route to all public spaces at least 36 inches wide? _Move furnishings such as tables, chairs, display racks, vending machines, and counters to make more room. 32) Is there a 5-foot circle or a T-shaped space for a person using a wheelchair to reverse direction? _Rearrange furnishings, displays, and equipment. Doors (ADAAG 4.13) 33) Do doors into public spaces have at least a 32-inch clear opening? _Install offset (swing-clear) hinges. _Widen doors. 34) On the pull side of doors, next to the handle, is there at least 18 inches of clear wall space so that a person using a wheelchair can get near to open the door? _Reverse the door swing if it is safe to do so. _Move or remove obstructing partitions. 35) Can doors be opened without too much force (5 lbf maximum)? _Adjust or replace closers. _Install lighter doors. _Install power-assisted door openers. 36) Are door handles 48 inches high or less and operable with a closed fist? _Lower handles. _Replace inaccessible knobs or latches with lever or loop handles. _Retrofit with add-on lever extensions. _Install power-assisted door openers. 37) Are all thresholds level (less than 1/4 inch), or beveled, up to 1/2 inch high? _Remove thresholds. _Add bevels to both sides. Rooms and Spaces (ADAAG 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.30) 38) Are all aisles and pathways to all goods and services at least 36 inches wide? _Rearrange furnishings and fixtures to clear aisles. 39) Is there a 5-foot circle or T-shaped space for turning a wheelchair completely? _Rearrange furnishings to clear more room. 40) Is carpeting low-pile, tightly woven, and securely attached along edges? _Secure edges on all sides. _Replace carpeting. 41) In routes through public areas, are all obstacles cane-detectable (located within 27 inches of the floor or higher than 80 inches, or protruding less than 4 inches from the wall)? _Remove obstacles. _Install furnishings, planters, or other cane-detectable barriers underneath. 42) Do signs designating permanent rooms and spaces, such as rest room signs, exit signs, and room numbers, comply with the appropriate requirements for accessible signage? _Provide signage that has raised and brailled letters, complies with finish and contrast standards, and is mounted at the correct height and location. Controls (ADAAG 4.27) 43) Are all controls that are available for use by the public (including electrical, mechanical, window, cabinet, game, and self-service controls) located at an accessible height? Reach ranges: The maximum height for a side reach is 54 inches; for a forward reach, 48 inches. The minimum reachable height is 15 inches. _Relocate controls. 44) Are they operable with a closed fist? _Replace controls. Seats, Tables, and Counters (ADAAG 4.2, 4.32) 45) Are the aisles between chairs or tables at least 36 inches wide? _Rearrange chairs or tables to provide 36-inch aisles. 46) Are the spaces for wheelchair seating distributed throughout? _Rearrange tables to allow room for wheelchairs in seating areas throughout the area. _Remove some fixed seating. 47) Are the tops of tables or counters between 28 and 34 inches high? _Lower at least a section of high tables and counters. 48) Are knee spaces at accessible tables at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep? _Replace or raise tables. Vertical Circulation (ADAAG 4.3) 49) Are there ramps or elevators to all levels? _Install ramps or lifts. _Modify a service elevator. _Relocate goods or services to an accessible area. 50) On each level, if there are stairs between the entrance and/or elevator and essential public areas, is there an accessible alternate route? _Post clear signs directing people along an accessible route to ramps, lifts, or elevators. Stairs (ADAAG 4.9) 51) Do treads have a non-slip surface? _Add non-slip surface to treads. 52) Do stairs have continuous rails on both sides, with extensions beyond the top and bottom stairs? _Add or replace handrails. Elevators (ADAAG 4.10) 53) Are there both visible and verbal or audible door opening/closing and floor indicators (one tone = up, two tones = down)? _Install visible and verbal or audible signals. 54) Are the call buttons in the hallway no higher than 42 inches? _Lower call buttons. _Provide a permanently attached reach stick. 55) Do the controls outside and inside the cab have raised and braille lettering? _Install raised lettering and braille next to buttons. 56) Is there a sign on the jamb at each floor identifying the floor in raised and braille letters? _Install tactile signs to identify floor numbers, at a height of 60 inches from floor. Is the emergency intercom usable without voice communication? _Replace communication system. 57) Is there braille and raised-letter instructions for the communication system? _Add simple tactile instructions. Lifts (ADAAG 4.2, 4.11) 58) Can the lift be used without assistance? If not, is a call button provided? _At each stopping level, post clear instructions for use of the lift. _Provide a call button. 59) Is there at least 30 by 48 inches of clear space for a person in a wheelchair to approach to reach the controls and use the lift? _Rearrange furnishings and equipment to clear more space. 60) Are controls between 15 and 48 inches high (up to 54 inches if a side approach is possible)? _Move controls. Priority 3: Usability of Rest Rooms When rest rooms are open to the public, they should be accessible to people with disabilities. Closing a rest room that is currently open to the public is not an allowable option. Getting to the Rest Rooms (ADAAG 4.1) 61) If rest rooms are available to the public, is at least one rest room (either one for each sex, or unisex) fully accessible? _Reconfigure rest room. _Combine rest rooms to create one unisex accessible rest room. 62) Are there signs at inaccessible rest rooms that give directions to accessible ones? _Install accessible signs. Doorways and Passages (ADAAG 4.2, 4.13) 63) Is there tactile signage identifying rest rooms? __Mount signs on the wall, on the latch side of the door. Avoid using ambiguous symbols in place of text to identify rest rooms. _Add accessible signage, placed to the side of the door (not on the door itself). _If symbols are used, add supplementary verbal signage. 64) Is the doorway at least 32 inches clear? _Install offset (swing-clear) hinges. _Widen the doorway. 65) Are doors equipped with accessible handles (operable with a closed fist), 48 inches high or less? _Lower handles. _Replace inaccessible knobs or latches with lever or loop handles. _Add lever extensions. _Install power-assisted door openers. 66) Can doors be opened easily (5 lbf maximum force)? _Adjust or replace closers. _Install lighter doors. _Install power-assisted door openers. 67) Does the entry configuration provide adequate maneuvering space for a person using a wheelchair? A person using a wheelchair needs 36 inches of clear width for forward movement, and a 5-foot diameter clear space or a T-shaped space to make turns. _Rearrange furnishings such as chairs and trash cans. _Remove inner door if there is a vestibule with two doors. _Move or remove obstructing partitions. 68) Is there a 36-inch-wide path to all fixtures? _Remove obstructions. Stalls (ADAAG 4.17) 69) Is the stall door operable with a closed fist, inside and out? _Replace inaccessible knobs with lever or loop handles. _Add lever extensions. 70) Is there a wheelchair-accessible stall that has an area of at least 5 feet by 5 feet, clear of the door swing, OR is there a stall that is less accessible but that provides greater access than a typical stall (either 36 by 69 inches or 48 by 69 inches)? _Move or remove partitions. _Reverse the door swing if it is safe to do so. 71) In the accessible stall, are there grab bars behind and on the side wall nearest to the toilet? _Add grab bars. 72) Is the toilet seat 17 to 19 inches high? _Add raised seat. Lavatories (ADAAG 4.19, 4.24) 73) Does one lavatory have a 30-inch-wide by 48-inch-deep clear space in front? A maximum of 19 inches of the required depth may be under the lavatory. _Rearrange furnishings. _Replace lavatory. _Remove or alter cabinetry to provide space underneath. Make sure hot pipes are covered. _Move a partition or wall. 74) Is the lavatory rim no higher than 34 inches? _Adjust or replace lavatory. 75) Is there at least 29 inches from the floor to the bottom of the lavatory apron (excluding pipes)? _Adjust or replace lavatory. 76) Can the faucet be operated with one closed fist? _Replace faucet handles with paddle type. 77) Are soap and other dispensers and hand dryers 48 inches high or less and usable with one closed fist? _Lower dispensers. _Replace with or provide additional accessible dispensers. 78) Is the mirror mounted with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface 40 inches high or lower? _Lower or tilt down the mirror. _Replace with larger mirror. Priority 4: Additional Access When amenities such as public telephones and drinking fountains are provided to the general public, they should also be accessible to people with disabilities. Drinking Fountains (ADAAG 4.15) 79) Is there at least one fountain with clear floor space of at least 30 by 48 inches in front? _Clear more room by rearranging or removing furnishings. 80) Is there one fountain with its spout no higher than 36 inches from the ground, and another with a standard height spout (or a single "hi-lo" fountain)? _Provide cup dispensers for fountains with spouts that are too high. _Provide an accessible water cooler. 81) Are controls mounted on the front or on the side near the front edge, and operable with one closed fist? _Replace the controls. 82) Does the fountain protrude no more than 4 inches into the circulation space? _Place a planter or other cane-detectable barrier on each side at floor level. Telephones (ADAAG 4.30, 4.31) 83) If pay or public use phones are provided, is there clear floor space of at least 30 by 48 inches in front of at least one? _Move furnishings. _Replace booth with open station. 84) Is the highest operable part of the phone no higher than 48 inches (up to 54 inches if a side approach is possible)? _Lower telephone. 85) Does the phone protrude no more than 4 inches into the circulation space? _Place a cane-detectable barrier on each side at floor level. 86) Does the phone have push-button controls? _Contact phone company to install push-buttons. 87) Is the phone hearing aid compatible? _Contact phone company to add an induction coil (T-switch). 88) Is the phone adapted with volume control? _Contact the phone company to add volume control. 89) Is the phone with volume control identified with appropriate signage? _Add signage. 90) Is one of the phones equipped with a text telephone (TT or TDD)? _Install a text telephone. _Have a portable text telephone available. 91) Is the location of the text telephone identified by accessible signage bearing the International TDD Symbol? International TDD Symbol: [image] _Add signage.