Chapter 2 Special Considerations in Design

Special PopulationsThe American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

• Landmark Civil Rights case that represents one of the most significant steps in eliminating widespread discrimination caused by the imposition of barriers

restricting persons with disabilities• Law recognizes that people with disabilities must

be integrated for the facilities planned for the general public

Those most commonly protected under ADA are people that have difficulty or limitations with life

activities such as:• Walking• Hearing• Seeing

• Using their hands

Chapter 2 Special Considerations in Design

Universal Design- well planned designs will meet the needs of every user without drawing attention to persons with disabilities

Ex. Courthouse steps/accommodation ramp, universal design/level grade

It is doubtful that our world will ever be completely accessible without isolating to some degree, those with disabilities.

In cases where universal design is impossible, accessibility is imperative.

Accessible Design- Law in non-residential design/optional in residential design

Ex. Wheelchair bound parentBarrier Free Design

•Entrances on a level grade or gentle slope•Garage level with the utility entrance

•Doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair (32” acceptable 36” preferred)

•Bathrooms large enough to manipulate a wheelchairGrab bars

Chapter 2 Special Considerations in Design

Design for Motion Impairments

Ambulant Disabled- difficulty walking, may require use of crutches, cane or walker

Chairbound Disabled- require a wheelchair for mobility

Considerations of those with motion impairments:

•Level changes: curbs, multiple stories, steps, paving or flooring materials of varying

thicknesses•Doors: narrow width or weight

•Bathrooms and kitchens

Chapter 2 Special Considerations in DesignDesign Recommendations for people with motion impairments:

Ambulant disabled prefer steps to ramps, but ramps are necessary for the

chairbound•Minimum slope for ramps is best 1

foot for every 12 feet of length or 1:12

•No protruding nosing on steps•Ramps and steps should be well lit

•Top of the handrail of a staircase should be 34”-38” above the ramp

or steps•Handrails should be oval or round with 1-1/2” hand clearance between rail and

wall•Handrail should have gripping surface

of 1-1/4”-1-1/2” and should not be interrupted

Chapter 2 Special Considerations in Design

Design Recommendations for people with motion impairments continued:•Door clearance 32” acceptable, 36” preferred

•Continuous passage 36” minimum, 42”-48” is better•Minimum clearance for two chairs to pass each other is 60”

•Space required for a wheelchair to make a 180 degree turn is 60”

•Clear floor space required for a wheelchair is 30” x 48”•Force required to push open a door should not exceed 8 pounds

of pressure•Lever type door handles are preferred

•Kickplate at the bottom of door prevents damage to door from chair

•Floors should have a flat, non skid surface•Carpet, firmly attached, no cushion or pad. Pile depth of less

than ½”• Flooring materials should be flush (1/2” change would

form a barrier)

Chapter 2 Special Considerations in Design

Design Recommendations for people with motion impairments by room:

Kitchens: •All areas should be accessible from a frontal approach, and a

parallel approach. •Minimum distance of 48” between opposing elements, in a U shaped kitchen distance should be increased to 60”

•Varying countertop heights are recommended •Upper cabinets should be adjustable

•Handles on upper cabinets should be mounted a maximum of 48” from the floor

•Space under the counter, especially at the sink•Sink controls mounted no more than 18” back from the counter

or on the side•Pull out trays instead of drawers and shelves

•Wall Mounted Ovens and microwaves•Cooktops should have staggered burners•Cooktop controls should be front mounted

Chapter 2 Special Considerations in Design

Design Recommendations for people with motion impairments by room:

Bathrooms:•Doors should be at least 36” wide•No cabinet under the sink/makes vanity

accessible•Toilets should be wall mounted 19” off

the floor•Grab bars must be anchored in studs,

and support at least 251 pounds•Some users will be able to negotiate

into a tub; others will need to wheel into the shower.

•Seat in the shower•Non-slip flooring

Chapter 2 Special Considerations in Design

Design Recommendations for people with motion impairments by room:

Bedrooms:•Height of mattress should be equal to the height of the wheelchair

Nightstand should be the height of the bed•60” x 60” space between bedroom door and bed

•Minimum of 36” at the foot and far side of the bed •Bed with a footboard and head board

Closets:•Bifold or sliding doors

•Rods mounted 45”-54” for wheelchair access•Shelves higher than 50”, not accessible from a wheelchair

•Slide out shelving is more accessible

Chapter 2 Special Considerations in Design

Design Recommendations for people with motion impairments by room:

Around the house

•Electrical outlets 27”-28” above floor•Switches 36” above the floor

•One 60” diameter turning space required in each room in the house

•Drawer pulls D shaped for better grippingWindows set up a maximum of 36”