UNIVERSAL Volume 5, No. 1: January 2000

Accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act

C O N T E N T S

$75 per yearDESIGN

1 The Past Looks to theFuture

1 D.C. Metrorail System:A Universal Ride

2 SafetyAccessibilityChoice

2 And the SurveySays...

4 Challenge to MidwestUniversity: MakeDesign PlansUniversal

7 FCC's Kennard toKeynote "Designingfor 21st Century II"

8 Public Toilet withUniversal Benefits

FedWatch..............3

World Update........5

New Media.............7

New Products.......9

Design Tips.........11

Calendar..............12

See Metrorail, page 10

See Williamsburg, page 6

F or the 54 million Americans with disabilities, access means sim-ply being able to use, enjoy and participate in the many aspectsof society, including public transportation.

When speaking of a 21st century transpor-tation system, U.S. Secretary of Transporta-tion Rodney E. Slater has stated, “I want tobuild a transportation system that is interna-tional in reach, intermodal in form, intelligentin character, and inclusive in service. Trans-portation is about more than concrete, asphaltand steel. It is about people. It is about creat-ing opportunity. It is about providing accessfor all Americans.”

Rating the Metrorail SystemHow do riders rate the universality of Wash-

ington, D.C.’s Metrorail system? According toa study by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), “Project Access for All,” twoout of every three riders are aware of, accept and use the universal de-sign features that have been instituted by the Washington MetropolitanArea Transit Authority (WMATA).

The new findings are the result of a survey of 1,140 public transpor-tation users at four Metrorail stops: Union Station, in Washington, D.C.;the Rockville, Md., station; the Franconia-Springfield, Va., station; andthe Reagan National Airport station. The goal was to determine the post-Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) status of universal design andthe use of the new access features in public transportation.

D.C. Metrorail System:A Universal Ride

As we move into the 21st century, Colonial Williamsburg contin- ues to preserve its past while looking to the future. Its current challenge? To seamlessly and invisibly blend accessibility and,

where possible, universal designs into landscapes and buildings that werebuilt long before accessibility was invented.

How it All BeganIn 1926, the Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin, Ph.D.,

rector of Williamsburg’s Bruton ParishChurch, approached John D. Rockefeller Jr.about restoring the sleepy village of his min-istry to its colonial past. Rockefeller secretlyauthorized the purchase of the first property,the Ludwell-Paradise House, on Dec. 7, 1926.From then until 1939, Rockefeller purchasedthe remainder of the site and established thenon-profit Colonial Williamsburg Foundation(CWF).

The Past Looks To the Future

Washington, D.C.'sMetrorail system hasinstituted a numberof universal features.

Colonial Williamsburghas found new waysto make historyaccessible.

ADAAG 2000Open forCommentssee page 3

2 Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000Guest

DESKFROM the PUBLISHER’S

Copyright 2000 UD&C. Authorization tophotocopy items for the internal or personal use ofspecific subscribers is granted by UniversalDesign Newsletter. Any other reproduction in anyform is prohibited without express permission fromthe Publisher. Universal Design Newsletter ispublished quarterly by Universal Designers &Consultants, Inc., 6 Grant Ave., Takoma Park, MD20912-4324; 301.270.2470 (v/tty); 301.270-8199(fax). E-mail: UDandC@erols.com. Home Page:www.UniversalDesign.com.

John P.S. Salmen, AIA, Publisher & ManagingEditor; Monique C. Silverio, Editor; James DiLuigiand Elaine Ostroff, Consulting Editors; CarrieSmoot, Contributing Writer.

Universal Design Newsletter ispublished by Universal Designers &Consultants, Inc., which is frequentlyengaged by plaintiffs and defendants forconsulting and expert witness services inADA litigation, design review and facilityevaluations.

Mail subscription rates: One year $75 (U.S.).Second-class postage paid at Takoma Park, Md.Postmaster send address changes to: UniversalDesign Newsletter, 6 Grant Ave., Takoma Park,MD 20912-4324.

For information on advertising rates orobtaining alternative accessible formats, please callor write the Universal Design NewsletterPublisher.

O ver the last few years, we at Universal De- signers & Consultants, Inc. have seen building owners experience a wide range

of problems in their efforts to provide accessibilityat existing facilities.

For example, it can be very difficultand/or costly to make a space acces-sible when the changes trigger otherbuilding code requirements. The prob-lems can be even further exacerbatedwhen the building owner wants to ex-ceed basic accessibility and provideuniversal design solutions.

Problems with accessibility modifi-cations most often occur when theyconflict with fire safety, security orother public safety concerns. Unfortu-nately, there is no clear rule of thumbto help designers and building ownersin prioritizing accessibility versus pub-lic safety concerns. While we all wantbuildings that are both safe and acces-sible, it is sometimes difficult or impos-sible to optimize both at existingfacilities.

For example, at a fast food restaurantthat has a lane directly in front of theentry door, where should the accessibleparking be located?

Accessibility standards call for theparking to be on a level surface and onthe shortest accessible route to the en-try. As a result, the restaurant ownermay be faced with several alternatives:

Safety,Accessibility,Choice

♦ Putting the parking space across the drivinglane that’s directly opposite the entry, requiring a per-son with a disability to cross a busy traffic way.

♦ Placing the accessible parking around the sideof the building—slightly remote from the entry, butwhere a safe accessible route can be provided.

In some cases, the site may be sloping, and thelevel parking area suitable for accessible spaces maybe a little farther from the entry than some of theother parking spaces.

In many instances, trade-offs must be made amongstvarious concerns. We see a typical hierarchy of priori-ties consisting of safety, accessibility and choice, in thatorder.

♦ Priority 1: Safety. Providing environments thatare safe for all users.

♦ Priority 2: Accessibility. Providing accessibleenvironments limited only to the degree that they donot compromise safety.

♦ Priority 3: Choice. Whenever possible, provid-ing universal design environments that offer choicesin how spaces or elements are used.

Establishing these priorities, as a legally accept-able rule, would help make it possible to implementsolutions that can be justified on the basis that theysatisfy the needs of the greatest number of users.

In the July 1999 issue of Universal Design Newsletter, we asked readers to give us their feed-back with regard to the types of articles they’d like to see covered. We plan to implement thesesuggestions. Readers responded to surveys that were printed in the July 1999 issue and on thehttp://www.UniversalDesign.com website. Following are the highlights of their responses.

♦ Mobility issues, product design, public space and residential articles rated the highest among mostof the survey respondents, with a majority of respondants noting that they were "very interested" in thesetopics.

♦ Respondents also were "very interested" in learning more about other universal design publicationsand other universal design websites.

♦ Other topics of high interest to respondents were regulatory issues, building codes and court/legaldecisions involving universal design.

♦ When it came to regularly featured topics within the newsletter, many respondents noted that theywould like to see more coverage of new products, design tips and examples of universal design projects.

For a copy of the survey, please contact Universal Designers & Consultants at 301.270.2470 or checkout the survey on the UD&C website at: http://www.UniversalDesign.com.

And the Survey Says…

jsalmen@UniversalDesign.com

3Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000

FEDWATCH

The U.S. Access

Board has issued a

proposed rule that

would update and

harmonize ADA and

ABA accessibility

guidelines.

See FedWatch, page 9

ADAAG Rule ProposedIn mid-November, the U.S. Access Board issued

a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) andopened a 120-day public comment period to updateand revise the Accessibility Guidelines of the Ameri-cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ArchitecturalBarriers Act (ABA), called ADAAG 2000.

The changes are intended to make the arrange-ment and format of ADAAG more consistent withmodel building codes and industry standards, and tomake it easier for designers to understand how tocomply with both the ADAAG and local codes.

What’s new? For the first time, the ADA and ABAaccessibility requirements will be in the document.In addition, the Access Board has included a sectionon accessible dwelling units, and has incorporatedrules on state and local government buildings and fa-cilities, and on building elements intended forchildren’s use.

The public comment period ends on March 15,2000. Two hearings will be held: 1) Jan. 31, 2000,from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Los Angeles AirportMarriott; and 2) March 13, 2000, from 9:30 a.m. to5 p.m., at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington, Va.

The NPRM is currently available on the U.S. Ac-cess Board’s web site at: http://www.access-board.gov. For more information, contact eitherMarsha Mazz (ADA Accessibility Guidelines) or JimPecht (ABA Accessibility Guidelines) at:202.272.5434, ext. 121 and 128, respectively (voice);or 202.272.5449 (tty).

NIDRR Forms Three NewRehabilitation Engineering Centers

Over the next five years, the National Institute onDisability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), acomponent of the U.S. Department of Education,will invest some $8.3 million on three new rehabili-tation engineering research centers (RERCs) forpeople with disabilities.

The first RERC, a partnership between GalludetUniversity and the University of Wisconsin’s TraceCenter, will focus on telecommunications access.Specifically, the center will identify telecommuni-cations access barriers in current and future technolo-gies and work with others in the field to identifysolutions and assist industry in transferring the ideasinto their commercial products.

The second and third RERCs, which will focuson universal design in the built environment, will beat the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buf-falo and North Carolina State University in Raleigh,N.C. The goals of both are to advance the field ofuniversal design by implementing a comprehensivefive-year plan involving research, development,training and dissemination activities.

For more information, contact Bill Peterson atNIDDR at 202.205.9192; or via e-mail at:William_Peterson@ed.gov.

Fines Go UP for ADA ViolationsAs of September 1999 the fines for violations of

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act in-creased to $55,000 for the first violation and$110,000 for subsequent violations. These fines canbe leavied by the US Department of Justice whenthey find that a public accommodation or commer-cial facility has engaged in a pattern or practice ofdiscrimination.

Blind Federation Sues AOLThe National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is su-

ing America Online Inc. (AOL), claiming that theAOL service is inaccessible to blind people and,therefore, violates the Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA).

The suit charges AOL with violating the ADA’sauxiliary aids and services mandate. It also chargesAOL with violating the ADA’s “reasonable modifi-cation” and “full and equal enjoyment” mandates forthe company’s failure to make its services fully ac-cessible and independently usable by individualswho are blind.

According to NFB President Marc Maurer,“Blind people can and do make extensive use ofcomputer programs, including commercial applica-tions, by using screen access software.”

AOL reportedly uses proprietary software thatemploys unlabeled graphics and commands that canbe activated only by using a mouse and custom con-trols painted on the screen.

For screen access to work effectively, the com-mercial software must:

• Provide text labels for all graphics.

• Permit keyboard access to all functions.

• Move the focus when the keyboard is used.

• Rely on the standard Windows controls, such as dialog boxes, list boxes, edit boxes, etc.

Curtis Chong, NFB’s director of technology, saysthat technology to permit accessibility to blindpeople already exists, and claims that using it wouldneither fundamentally alter the nature of the AOLservice nor cause any undue financial burden toAOL.

NFB, which filed suit in the U.S. District Courtin Massachusetts, is seeking to force AOL to rede-sign its services to allow blind people to have inde-pendent access through screen access software.

For more information, please contact NFB at410.659.9314, or visit its web site at: http://www.nfb.org.

4 Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000

"Universal design

concepts have to

be adopted by

universities as part

of the guiding

design principles

for facility

construction

projects."

—Susan Lasoff

Challenge to MidwestUniversity: MakeDesign Plans UniversalGuest Editorial by Susan Lasoff

Why do some designers choose to create de- signs that are not inclusive of people with varying abilities or from dif-

ferent cultures? Why are some administrators andprofessionals unwilling to communicate or compro-mise on projects? Why are some people reluctant tolisten or learn from others outside of their profes-sions?

The Department of Architecture at the Universityof Minnesota planned to remodel its existing facil-ity, which had been built in the 1950’s, to includean addition that would better serve its faculty, staffand students.

The needed funding was raised, a prestigious out-of-state architect was hired, a schematic design wasdeveloped and the university administration ap-proved the plan in the spring of 1998.

An accessibility specialist with the university haddifficulty obtaining the plans, but finally did so inthe summer of that year, and noted several glaringdeficiencies in the spirit, if not the letter, of accessi-bility regulation:

♦ A central stair/lobby/gallery area in the new ad-dition had no nearby accessible route of travel.

♦ An insufficient number of elevators wereplanned relative to the size of the facility.

♦ Wheelchair seating in the new auditorium wasrestricted to only one area, in the rear of the room.

♦ Direct access to half of the outdoor garden/classroom areas was by way of stairs; accessibleroutes were long, separate and out of the way.

The accessibility specialist reported the concerns,along with suggestions for more universal access, tothe university’s administration and architects. How-ever, budget concerns, building code compliance andexisting facility constraints were cited as reasons forthe proposed levels of accessibility and inaccessibil-ity.

In early 1999, the discussion circle widened toinclude the university’s Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA) coordinator, other staff and faculty of thearchitecture department, and employees with dis-abilities.

In the spring of 1999, they had their first face-to-face meeting with the chief architect. During thismeeting, the universal design principles were distrib-uted, problematic areas discussed and possible so-lutions restated.

Increased access to the existing building and thechoice of wheelchair seating in the new auditoriumwere added to the designs. However, the indirect,long routes of travel to the outdoor garden/classroomareas remained a key point of contention.

In May, most of the key parties on the projectagreed upon universally designed walkways thatwould be directly accessible to the outdoor areas—for everyone.

Breakdowns in the ProcessUniversal design has not been a required aspect

of the design curricula. Therefore, for many design-ers, universal design is new, and not standard prac-tice. In fact, some designers tend to think of universaldesign as an intrusion on the design of “their” spaces.

University officials may view universal designprinciples as unreasonable ideals that will takemoney away from their priorities. Many people areuncomfortable or inexperienced in knowing andworking with people who are different or have abili-ties varying from their own.

Lessons LearnedUniversal design concepts have to be adopted by

universities as part of the guiding design principlesfor facility construction projects. The university'sadministration, facility staff, designers and develop-ers have to be made aware of the principles and agreeto incorporate them early in the process.

Universal design has to be infused in architecturaland other design curricula. Advocates have to bepersistent, and constantly educate, inform and keepthe issues alive and, at the same time, continue togarner allies.

Accommodations that are suitable for all will notbecome a reality unless we first install an awarenessof universal design principals.

Susan Lasoff is an accessibility specialist in Min-neapolis, Minn. She can be reached at 612.626.8987or at: Sue_Lasoff@dsmail.stu.umn.edu.

View of the University of Minnesota's existingDepartment of Architecture facility. After muchnegotiation, universal features will be included in theaddition to this 1950's structure.

5Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000

UPDATE

Business and

government are

leading efforts to

introduce

universal design

throughout Japan.

World

JAPAN: Promoting UniversalDesign

Both business and government are leading effortsto introduce universal design throughout Japan

through exhibits, conferencesand publications. Here are a fewexamples.

1. Tokyo Gas recently spon-sored a universal design exhibitin its Ozone Living Design Cen-ter. Products featured rangedfrom a tactile GO board game toaccessible vending machines,cookware and kitchen tools.Atsuko Kamoshida, chair-woman of the Kyoyohin Foun-dation, and Satoshi Kose, of theMinistry of Construction, wereamong the Japanese expertswho identified universal prod-

ucts for the exhibit. From the United States, JimMueller, with J.L. Mueller Inc., Ed Steinfield, withthe IDEA Center at SUNY Buffalo and Jim Wise,Ph.D., CEO of Eco Integrations, Inc., discussed theorigins of universal design at a seminar attended bysome 500 people.

2. Governor Daijiro Hashimoto, of the Kochi Pre-fecture in the south of Japan, hosted a day-long con-ference to introduce universal design in policies,environments and services to more than 300 peoplefrom local governments, businesses and academia.The government is evaluating ways to infuse univer-sal design throughout the prefecture’s social system.Universal Design Magazine helped to organize theconference. Speaker Elaine Ostroff, of Adaptive En-vironments Center in the United States, introduceduniversal design examples in residential, cultural,employment, recreation and transportation settings.

3. The Universal Design Forum sponsored a To-kyo forum, at which Molly Story, with the Center forUniversal Design, presented the history of universaldesign and the progress that has been made over theyears to more than 200 people. Story also gave apresentation to the design staff at Panasonic’s cor-porate headquarters in Osaka.

SPAIN: “Design for All”Label Test

Twenty-five Spanish companiesare participating in a pilot program totest a “Design For All” commitment

label that will soon be used throughout Europe. Thelabel is a branding program of CRID (ConsorcideRecursos i Documentació per a l’Autonomia Per-sonal) of Barcelona. The intent of the program is forconsumers to recognize the companies that designproducts for all people, regardless of their age, ca-pabilities or cultural origin.

The “Design for All” project was introduced at aCRID-sponsored seminar in May 1999, at theWinterthur Convention Centre in Barcelona. Some300 people representing the business, professional,consumer, user and administration sectors from 16European countries attended the seminar. The par-ticipating companies included design, transportation,telecommunications, furniture and leisure firms.

CRID is the Spanish establishment of the Euro-pean Institute for Design and Disability (EIDD),which promotes “Design for All.” For more infor-mation about the program, contact Francesc Aragall,president of EIDD and managing director of CRIDat: crid@diba.es.

EUROPE: Embracing the Conceptof Accessibility

Two exciting ex-amples of universal de-sign—a medieval castlerenovated for all visitorsin Hoensbroek, theNetherlands, and plansto make Barcelona a“city for all”—areshowcased on a newweb site that presentsthe European Conceptfor Accessibility (ECA).

The castle demonstrates the successful universalrestoration of a historical public complex. TheBarcelona strategy illustrates a multi-stage, long-term capital improvement process that incorporatesuniversal design. Both highlight the intent of theECA—that everyone must be able to use the builtenvironment in an independent and equal way.

“The ECA has been developed with input fromabout 44 European experts,” says Maarten Wijk, edi-tor of ECA in the Netherlands. Wijk invites peopleto visit the interactive ECA website, http://www.eca.lu, for more examples of accessibility.

The ECA is a work-in-progress initiated by theEuropean Commission in 1987 to disseminate acommon vision on the accessibility of the built en-vironment. Its intent is to harmonize, and perhapsstandardize, high-quality accessibility in Europe.According to its website, “The ECA is based on theprinciples and criteria for universal design. Theseprinciples apply to the design of buildings, infra-structure, building and consumer products.”

Vending machineswith easy-to-manipulate visualand tactilecontrols illustrate“Ease of Use” inthe exhibit.

Universal renovationshave been made to thismedieval castle, yetdesigners havemaintained itsarchitectural integrity.

“World Update” is written by Elaine Ostroff,founding director of Adaptive Environments Cen-ter. If you have information about internationaluniversal design efforts that you would like to seepublished in Universal Design Newsletter, sendit to: 6 Grant Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912; orvia e-mail at: UDandC@erols.com.

6 Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000

Williamsburg has

an amazing

collection of

architectural

examples that can

act as inspirations

to designers,

developers,

historians and

disability

advocates.

The goal of the CWF is to restore the landscapesand buildings in Williamsburg, thus enabling futuregenerations to see what it was like to live during theAmerican Revolution. Staff architects Scott Spence,AIA, and Wayne Buhl currently head the CWF ef-fort, aimed at ensuring that the historic reconstruc-tions, exhibits and experiences of the world-famous1776 community are available to all visitors.

Armed with space-age materials, remarkableequipment and a clear understanding of the require-ments of the Americans with Disabilities Act,Spence and Buhl have found ingenious solutions tosatisfy accessibility and historic preservation con-cerns. While the work will continue for many years,there already is an amazing collection of architec-tural examples that can act as inspirations to design-ers, developers, historians and disability advocates.

Challenging Ground SurfaceOne of the biggest problems is just getting around

the 173-acre site. Years ago, the CWF installed liftson all of its visitor buses, allowing people with dis-abilities to travel with everyone else from the Visi-tor Center to the historic area. However, once on theground, navigating the gravel paths and brick walksused at the time of George Washington can be diffi-cult for people with mobility impairments.

To aid in providing access, Buhl and Spence havedeveloped a variety of solutions that address the dif-ferent ground conditions in Colonial Willaimsburg.

For example, they found a newproduct called Mountain Grout,made by Green Mountain Intl. Inc.,of Waynesville N.C., that uses a hy-drophobic polyurethane binder tocreate a stable rolling surface thatmatches the color, texture and over-all appearance of the gravel paths.The material is raked into a gravelbed, wetted and protected during thecuring stage, becoming a hard sur-

face overnight. Trials have found that it stands up tothe intense sun, temperature extremes and delugesof hurricane rains that occur in Virginia.

The other commonly found walking surface in thehistoric district is brick pavers. While brick is an ac-cessible surface if laid properly, navigating transi-tions can be difficult. However, today’s curb rampsare inappropriate for an 18th-century setting; there-fore, the designers developed two details to addressthe transitions between hard and soft surfaces.

Where the sidewalk meets a paved street, design-ers have installed a red sandstone flush edge (avail-able in England during that historical period) to actas a flush transition between the sidewalk and street.

Where the sidewalk meets an unpaved street, thedesigners have laid broken bricks in a random pat-tern that they call “brick rap.” The bricks and theircementatious border make a gradual and blendedtransition. The casual observer rarely notices these

two details becausethey blend into thestreetscape so effec-tively.

Another commonsidewalk problemfound in the historicdistrict is the lack ofpull-side groundclearance whenever a3-foot-wide walk approaches the many gates lead-ing to the ornamental gardens throughout the area.Enlargement of the surface has enhanced access forwheelchair users and reduced damage to the adjoin-ing plant beds.

An “Invisible” LiftThroughout the historic area, subtle yet effective

solutions have been devised to make the experienceaccessible to all. Edge protection on foot bridgesblends in with the bridge design. By raising the levelof an exterior patio by 6 inches, the entrances to thebook binder display were made accessible.

To solve a difficultaccess problem, the ar-chitects installed an in-visible lift at theCapitol. A permanentramp would have de-stroyed the historiccharacter of the build-ing, while a portableramp would have beentoo large to place andthen remove for the

frequent but unscheduled use that is demanded.Therefore, CWF installed an electro-mechanical liftthat sinks into the pavement and out of sight whennot in use.

The lift is operated by a special key with serratededges that identifies the correct orientation for inser-tion of the key by people with little or no eyesight.The lift walls rise first from the ground surface, fol-lowed by the platform. The user is then lifted to themain level of the capitol, where he or she can expe-rience general assembly and court re-enactments.

The lift was installed several years ago, and themanufacturer has since gone out of business. Thiscreated a maintenance concern for CWF, since re-placement parts no longer were available. However,CWF was able to locate an elevator maintenance firmthat will fabricate the parts as they wear out, thus ex-tending the life of the unit and, over time, rebuild-ing the entire lift mechanism, if necessary.

More typical interior-type lifts have been installedinto other buildings, such as Chowning’s Tavern. Atthis site, an historically accurate shed has been addedto the rear of the building housing a vertical lift. CWFhas found that protection from inclement weatherreduces the maintenance problems with such de-vices.

Williamsburg, from page 1

See Williamsburg, page 8

Gates with pull-side clearance.

Footbridge withedge protection.

View of the electro-mechanical invisible lift.

7Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000

MEDIA

New

"Beautiful

Universal

Design"shows that

universal design

can and should be

attractive, rather

than institutional, in

appearance.

The Beauty of Universal DesignIn “Beautiful Uni-

versal Design: A Vi-sual Guide,” authorsCynthia Leibrock andJames Evan Terryshow that universaldesign can and shouldbe attractive, ratherthan institutional, inappearance.

The authors offerdesign examples thatcan benefit peoplewho have mental ill-ness, learning disabili-

ties, cognitive disabilities, hearing and visualimpairments, short stature, chemical sensitivities andallergies, and who use wheelchairs. In addition, thebook covers kitchen and bathroom design, ceiling andwall finishes, windows and doors, floor coverings, fur-niture, workstations, computers, electrical, mechanicaland acoustical equipment, home security systems, light-ing, heating and cooling.

The book examines residential and commercialbuildings, and contains a detailed index. Color pho-tographs, floor plans and charts make the designscome alive. Exterior planning, ramps, stairs, eleva-tors, areas of rescue assistance and problem travel

Website Spotlight: AARP’s Universal HomeIn cooperation with the Richmond (Va.) Builders Association, the American Association of Re-

tired Persons (AARP) is showcasing a demonstration home full of features intended to accommo-date people as they grow older who want to age in place. AARP plans to offer an interactive tour ofthis home on its web site at: http://www.aarp.org/universalhome.

Using large print, AARP’s web site is a consumer-oriented beginner’s guide to universally designedhome modifications, focusing on accessibility and safety. Products featured include bathroom tele-phones, universal cabinets, storage and space-saver ideas, bath seats, hand-held showers, faucets, grabbars and kitchen stools. The site also links users to manufacturers’ home pages.

textures (such as sand and cobblestone) also are dis-cussed.

To order “Beautiful Universal Design,” which isavailable for $64.95, contact John Wiley & Sons Inc.,New York, N.Y. at: 800.225.5945 or visit: http://www.wiley.com.

Universal Electronic PursesIn Europe, the use of

electronic purses (hand-held monetary devices thatresemble calculators) canbe problematic for peoplewith visual and other dis-abilities. To encourageelectronic purse designersto take a universal approach, John Gill, Ph.D., chiefscientist at the Royal National Institute for the Blind(RNIB) in London, England, has written a report,“The Use of Electronic Purses by Disabled People:What Are the Needs?”

The report examines the use of enlarged numerickeypads, screen displays, card entry and orientation.It also looks at alternative ways to access the termi-nals and the importance of proper training. For moreinformation about the report, visit: http://www.eyecue.co.uk/e.purse, or write RNIB at 224Great Portland Street, London WIN 6AA; phone:0171.388.1266.

William Kennard, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, will highlight the univer-sal design directives of his agency at “Designing for the 21st Century II, An International Confer-

ence on Universal Design,” which will be held in Providence, R.I., from June 14-18, 2000.In addition to Kennard, leaders in universal design from 18 countries will give presentations at the con-

ference. They include: Roger Coleman, DesignAge/Royal College of Art, Britain; Natascha Drabbe, Cul-tural Connections, the Netherlands; William H. Hudnut, III, The Urban Land Institute, USA; Yoshi Kawauchi,Legal Advocacy, Japan; Satoshi Kose, Ministry of Construction, Japan; Patricia Moore, Bresslergroup, USA;Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, USA; Adolf Ratzka, Institute for Independent Living, Sweden; Jim Sandhu,University of Northumbria, UK; Gregg Vanderheiden, Trace R&D Center, USA; and Leslie Weisman, NewJersey Institute of Technology.

The conference also will include sessions on children’s environments, sustainable design and develop-ing countries. Adaptive Environments Center is the conference sponsor, in collaboration with leading na-tional and international organizations, including Universal Design Newsletter. For more information, seehttp://www.adaptenv.org/21century/ or call 617.695.1225, ext. 35.

FCC’s Kennard to Keynote "Designing for 21st Century II"

8 Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000

A Project from the NEA’s Search for Excellence in Universal Design

Editor’s note: This article is one in a series high-lighting projects from the National Endowment forthe Arts’ Search for Excellence in Universal Designand the elements that make them exemplary. The 38winning projects are documented in “Images of Uni-versal Design,” a slide show that's available from Uni-versal Designers & Consultants Inc. at: 301.270.2470(v/tty); or at: www.UniversalDesign.com .

A universally

designed public

toilet does not

single out or

stigmatize any

users; rather, it

accommodates all

users.

Project: Automatic PublicToilet.Designers: JC Decaux International with the lateRon Mace and Barry Atwood.Discipline: Architecture.

The universal features of this coin-operated,automatic street toilet are subtle, sophisti-

cated and easily usable by all types of people. Hav-ing had its trial run on the streets of New York Cityin 1992, this public toilet has been serving thepeople of San Francisco since 1995.

Overall, the interior is large enough to accommo-date people who use wheelchairs, walkers, guidedogs and attendants. The knee space and a subtleangle in the corner of the toilet cabinet, as well asadditional recessed space at the lavatory shelf, al-low people to position their wheelchairs as close asnecessary to the toilet. These features also allowsomeone to position his or her wheelchair forwardor back as far as needed to make side, forward ordiagonal transfers from the wheelchair to the seat.

The power-operated entry door, which requiresno physical effort from the user, has many univer-sal applications. The door is activated by the coinreader on the outside and inside by a push plate thathas been mounted 36 inches above the floor (withinoptimal reach range and maneuvering space for allusers). The door also can be operated by using a footor a wheelchair to touch a second push plate that ismounted at the level of wheelchair footrests.

Operated manually from inside or outside, thedoor has a flush threshold with no stop or changein level to impede the user. The door opens automati-cally after 20 minutes. After 18 minutes, an audiomessage and a warning light (for hearing-impairedusers) is activated to signal that the door will openin two minutes. An alarm then sounds if someoneremains inside. Other features include:! A full-length mirror and two coat hooks

placed at different heights—one for short or seatedusers, and one for those who stand.

Public Toilet with Universal Benefits

! An emergency call system that dials 911 ifeither of two buttons are pressed. One button is lo-cated above the horizontal grab bar that is adjacentto the toilet; the other is located close to the floor incase someone falls and can’t get up.

The coin reader has been placed close to the ex-terior door on the curved side of the unit at a heightthat’s easy to reach from either a sitting or standingposition. The operating instructions are in a varietyof languages. In addition, pictograms (for vital in-formation), raised lettering and Braille signage havebeen used. There also is a button inside the coinreader that activates an audio instruction device.

In short, this universally designed public toiletprovides safe, comfortable and usable accommoda-tions for all users in the most public of locations.

Universal AccommodationsThroughout the historic area, pub-

lic restrooms have been hidden in whatpreviously were stables, sheds, barnsand other outbuildings. CWF hasfound that the accessible familyrestroom concept works well for itsvisitors, allowing family members toassist each other even if they are of theopposite sex.

Colonial Williamsburg offers nu-merous overnight lodging choices forvisitors. In addition to accessiblerooms in the upscale Williamsburg Inn

Williamsburg, from page 6 and several other multi-unit lodging facilities, CWFalso offers accessible lodging in its historic buildings.Van-accessible parking flanks a brick access aisleand path leading to a ramped entry on the back ofthe Orrell House, where registering occurs for thehistoric buildings.

Across the street, the Bracken Kitchen has beenrenovated to provide an accessible first floor guestroom unit with an upper floor adjoining suite forthose family members who can climb stairs. Thereserved accessible parking for this unit is nearby,with signage directing guests to the inconspicuousthough accessible entry ramp.

While every element is not yet totally accessiblein Colonial Williamsburg, this is a project to watchas CWF continues to learn how to make an 18th cen-tury site accessible to a 21st century world.

This universally designed public toilet is for everyone.It does not single out or stigmatize any users.

View of the rampedentry leading to theOrrell House.

9Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000 NewPRODUCTS

(Waterproof Membrane)Protecto Wrap Co.2255 South DelawareDenver, CO 80223Ph: 800.759.9727www.protectowrap.com

The New Products Column was providedby the ABLEDATA project, a computer-ized database of information on assistiveequipment that is funded by the NationalInstitute on Disability and RehabilitationResearch and administered by Macro Inter-national, located in Silver Spring, Md.

WaterproofingMembrane

The AFM-WM water-proofing membrane,made by Protecto WrapCo., is a 40-mil sheet de-signed for use under thin

set tile and stone flooring, including ceramic tile, marbleand stone. The membrane features a two-inch overlap guideon one side for roll-in showers, kitchen floors and decks,and for other indoor and outdoor applications where wa-terproofing is required. The flood-coated overlap permitsan adhesive-to-adhesive bond between multiple sheets ofmembrane. Once a bond is achieved, a single-ply, mono-lithic membrane is created across the surface. The mem-brane also is said to provide sound control and a radonbarrier.

Door Lever HandleThe Magic Freestyle door le-

ver handle was designed for in-dividuals with upper extremitydisabilities. The handle featuresa ball socket mechanism thatcan be operated by an upward ordownward rotation, inwardpush or outward pull. The doorhandle is available for exterior

doors with push-button locking and key unlocking, for in-terior doors with push-button locks and pin release, and forinterior doors without locks. Available in a variety of fin-ishes, the universal operation of the door lever makes iteasily usable by anyone with minimum effort.

ModularRamp System

The EZ Edgemodular ramp systemis said to eliminatethreshold barriers forpeople who usewheelchairs or whohave other mobility

disabilities. Made of 100 percent recycledrubber, the ramps can modify a threshold upto 1.5 inches high, or can be cut vertically tofit smaller thresholds while still maintaininga 1:12 slope. The ramps can be trimmed ornotched to accommodate most configura-tions. Standard features include rounded .25-inch leading edges, 22-degree side slopes andmolded traction pads for more anti-slip pro-tection. The ramps can be permanently in-stalled with commercial-grade adhesive andbonds on a variety of surfaces, including con-crete, asphalt, wood, tile and marble.

(Door Lever Handle)Samil Industry Co.,Ltd. (Mfg.-Korea)Intl. Resources (Dist.)110 13th Avenue, NWP.O. Box 513Altoona, IA 50009Ph: 515.967.0427

(Modular Ramp)Van Duerr Industries820 West 7th StreetChico, CA 95928Ph: 800.497.2003 or530.893.1596 (tty)www.accessstore.comFed Watch, from page 3

Theater Owners Want a Rule onWheelchair Seating

The National Association of Theatre Owners has askedthe U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a rule aboutthe placement of wheelchairs in stadium-style theaters.

Wheelchair placement in stadium-style theaters has beenthe focus of several lawsuits recently by disability advocacygroups, who claim that those with impaired mobility are notoffered lines of sight comparable to non-wheelchair users.

Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)reportedly does not specify the exact placement of wheel-chair spaces in these types of theaters, the DOJ, filing am-icus curiae (friend of the court) briefs, has argued thatproviding wheelchair spaces in the front row of stadium-style theaters violates the ADA.

According to NATO’s petition, DOJ has adopted and isattempting to enforce rules that specify wheelchair seatinglocations, but has not provided adequate notice or givenconcerned parties the opportunity for public comment.NATO’s petition has been brought before the U.S. Court ofAppeals for the Fifth Circuit; at press time, a decision waspending.

Vegas DeveloperMakes Condos Accessible

A Las Vegas developer and constructioncompany have agreed to pay more than $1million to modify five condominium devel-opments to provide greater accessibility topersons with disabilities and to compensateindividuals whose condominium units werenot accessible.

The agreement, which was filed in theU.S. District Court in Las Vegas, resolves alawsuit brought by the Justice Department al-leging that Rock Springs Vista DevelopmentCorp., Inc., and the J.A. Black ConstructionCo., Inc., violated the federal Fair HousingAct.

Under the Fair Housing Act, new multi-family housing complexes with four or moreunits must include, among other things, ac-cessible common areas, accessible routes incommon areas, doors wide enough for wheel-chairs, thermostats and electrical outlets inaccessible locations, and reinforced bath-room walls that can support grab bars.

10 Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000

Metrorail, from page 1

“The results of this poll indicate that most trav-elers and commuters, not just people with disabili-ties, are benefiting from new access options in publictransportation and elsewhere in ‘Mainstreet USA’because of the landmark Americans with Disabili-ties Act,” said Jeanette Harvey, former head of UCP.

She added, “The survey findings give us an ideaof who is using the ramps and curb cuts, elevators,wider fare gates, color coding, flashing lights andmore.” Harvey notes that these features benefit awide range of commuters, including travelers withsuitcases, delivery people, shoppers with bulky par-cels, parents with strollers and bicycle riders.

Here are some of the accessible features that rid-ers claim to find useful:

♦ The flashing warning platform lights that sig-nal an approaching train (used by 96 percent).

♦ The larger space in subway or train cars des-ignated for wheelchair users (used by 44 percent).

♦ The large print Metrorail schedules (used by12 percent).

♦ The new talking Metrorail fare card machines(used by 11 percent).

The study, “Project Access for All: UniversalDesign and Access Features and Their Use in Pub-lic Transportation,” was made possible by a grantfrom the National Easter Seal Society’s Project AC-TION, under a cooperative agreement with the U.S.Department of Transportation.

What’s New at Metrorail?♦ Computerized passenger information sys-

tems will be installed in all 87 stations by March2000. These 4- x 2-foot screens, which will haveyellow, red and green light-emitting diode letter-ing, will be suspended from the ceiling ormounted on eight-foot steel poles. Directly con-nected to Metrorail’s central office, the screensand built-in loudspeakers will provide audibleand visual announcements of delays, elevatorbreakdowns and more.

♦ A soon-to-be-added feature that has beenmaking news is the installation of a rubber-bev-

eled edge between the platform and train that willreduce the gap by a quarter-inch. Metrorail is saidto be making this change because some passengershave gotten their wheelchair casters, canes or shoeheels caught between the platform and train.

♦ Metrorail originally installed an 18-inch granite platform edge intended to beused as a tactile navigation guide for pas-sengers. Platform flashing lights tellpeople when the trains are coming. A newfeature—a 24-inch strip of raised, trun-cated domes—was placed directly behindthe granite edge to help warn passengersto stay away from the platform edges.

♦ To extend the accessibility of theMetrorail system from the rail stations out into thecity, older Metro buses are being replaced with “talk-

ing” busesthat will greetp a s s e n g e r sand announceroute num-bers, stops,streets andMetro stationsalong the way.Metro is try-ing out 40 newbuses inWashington,D.C. They are smaller, lower and have fold-out rampentries instead of steps to provide greater access topeople.

“Smart” New Universal FeaturesKeeping up with current technology, Metrorail

has introduced “smart” products and services aimedat making the system more universally friendly.

SmartLink. Metro’s interactive web site, http://www.wmata.com, recently added a new service,called Ride Guide—a user-friendly, on-line custom-ized trip planning program. Believed to be the firstsystem of its type in the United States, Ride Guideintegrates Metro bus and rail, as well as services pro-vided by other transit operators in the region.

SmarTrip Card. With this card, riders can loadvalue onto a durable plastic card and pay forMetrorail fares and parking fees simply by wavingthe card over the sensors on fare and parking gates.The card is embedded with a computer chip andantenna to communicate via radio frequency; thus,a person with limited hand dexterity doesn’t evenhave to remove it from his or her wallet or purse toopen a gate and deduct the correct fare.

According to Robert Dale Lynch, FAIA, a Pitts-burgh, Pa.-based architect and designer, Metrorailconsistently attempts to accommodate the needs ofmany people with different levels of mobility, dex-terity, vision, hearing, speech and cognition.

Lynch, who consulted with WMATA in the de-sign of its Wheaton (Md.) station and helped to de-velop UCP’s “Project Access for All” study, notes,“In addition to physical accessibility, the Metro isan excellent example of visual and audible redun-dancy. It’s clean, quiet and well lit. The names of sta-tions, the color-coded signs on trains and graphicmaps are where you would expect them to be.”

Summing it up, Slater noted: “We must be mind-ful of accessibility and universal design in all thatwe do. As we build the bridge into the 21st century,the Department of Transportation must do its partto see that the bridge can be crossed by everyone.Nine years after the passage of the ADA, we renewour pledge to make an accessible America a reality.”

For a copy of “Project Access for All,” contactUCP at 202.776.0406 or 800.872.5827; e-mail:ucpnatl@ucpa.org.

“In addition to

physical

accessibility, the

Metro is an

excellent example

of visual and

audible

redundancy."

Metrorail's compterizedpassenger informationsystems.

Platform flashing lightswarn passengers that atrain is coming.

Metro's wider fare gates benefiteveryone, including travelers withsuitcases, delivery people,shoppers with bulky parcels, andparents with strollers.

11Universal Design Newsletter / January 2000NEW

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U.S. Access Board ApprovesYear 2000 Plan

The U.S. Access Board has approved itsYear 2000 agenda for research and technicalassistance projects. The projects will include:

1. Developing and incorporating acces-sible construction tolerances in industry speci-fications.

2. A synthesis of foreign and U.S. detect-able warning standards and practices.

3. Anthropometrics—i.e., a project onpolicy, database development, and computermodeling methodologies.

4. Improving the accessibility of play sur-faces.

For more information, contact the AccessBoard at: 800.872.2253 (800.993.2822 tty) orvisit its website at: http://www.access-board.gov.

Problem: How can a vehicular drop-off area,such as a hotel porte cochere entry, be made ac-

cessible and safe for all users?

Tip: By making the driving surface and adjoiningsidewalk at the same level, there is no tripping haz-ard or impediment to those who use wheelchairs,strollers or other devices with wheels. By providingtextural and color differences between the drivingand walking surfaces, the line between the sidewalkand vehicular lane can be made obvious and safe.Additional enhancements could include truncated

dome ground surfaces, bollards, planters, benches orother elements to help divide the pedestrian from ve-hicular areas.

Contrasting colors at this hotel differentiate the drivingsurface from the adjoining sidewalk. The level surfacehelps provent people from tripping at the drop-off area.

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Newsletterin APRIL 2000!

Jan. 31, 2000: This ADAAG NPRM hearing, thefirst of two, will be held at the Los Angeles Air-port Marriott. Questions? Call 202.272.5434 (ext.121 or 128) or 202.272.5449 (tty).

Feb. 10, 2000: “Caring Communities for the 21Century: Imagining the Possible.” This event willbe held at the United Nations headquarters in NewYork, N.Y. Questions? E-mail the InternationalCouncil for Caring Communities at:iccc@undp.org; www.un.org/events/agingcf.htm.

March 13, 2000: This second ADAAG NPRMhearing will be held at the Sheraton Crystal Cityin Arlington, Va. Questions? Call 202.272.5434(ext. 121 or 128) or 202.272.5449 (tty).

March 20-25, 2000: California State University,Northridge’s Fifteenth Annual International Con-ference, “Technology and Persons with Disabili-ties.” This will be held at the Hilton Los AngelesAirport and Los Angeles Airport Marriott hotels.Questions? Call 818.677.2578 (voice/tty) or e-mail: ltm@csun.edu.

March 21, 2000: “Update on the ProposedChanges to the Americans with Disabilities ActAccessibiltiy Guidelines.” Offered from 1-2 p.m.(CST) via telephone conference call and/or real-time captioned on the Internet, it is sponsored bythe National Center for the Dissemination of Dis-ability Research. Questions? Call 312.413.1407;gldbtac@uic.edu.

March 25-28, 2000: “Passages through Time:Facing Change, Finding Meaning.” Held at theTown & Country Hotel & Convention Center inSan Diego, Calif., it is sponsored by the Ameri-can Society on Aging. Questions? Contact SusanMarkey at: smarkey@asa.asaging.org.

May 16, 2000: “Principles of Universal Design.”This program, offered from 1-2 p.m. (CST) viatelephone conference call and/or real-time cap-tioned on the Internet, will be presented by John

Salmen, AIA, president of Universal Designers &Consultants. It is sponsored by the National Cen-ter for the Dissemination of Disability Research.Questions? Call 312.413.1407 or via e-mail at:gldbtac@uic.edu.

June 14-18, 2000: “Designing for the 21st CenturyII, an International Conference on Universal De-sign.” Held in Providence, R.I., it is sponsored byAdaptive Environments Center and AdaptZ.com.Questions? Contact mdilorenzo@adaptenv.org.

June 28-July 2, 2000: Rehabilitation Engineeringand Assistive Technology Society of NorthAmerica’s (RESNA) Annual Conference, “Tech-nology for the New Millenium,” will be held at theOmni Rosen Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Questions?Contact RESNA at 703.524.6686 (703.524.6639tty) or via e-mail at: info@resna.org.

July 12-15, 2000: The Association on Higher Edu-cation and Disability’s (AHEAD) 23rd AnnualConference, “Y2KC: Universal Designs in HigherEducation,” will be held at the Hyatt Regency inKansas City, Kan. Questions? Contact GladysLoewen at 604.269.2200; gloewen@aspbc.org.

September 19, 2000: “Accessibility & Technol-ogy: Section 508 & Telecommunications.” Thisevent, offered from 1-2 p.m. (CST) via telephoneconference call and/or real-time captioned on theInternet, is sponsored by the National Center forthe Dissemination of Disability Research. Ques-tions? Call 312.413.1407; gldbtac@uic.edu.

Early October 2000: “Designing for Usability,Flexibility & Compliance” will be offered by theTrace Center. Questions? Call Jerilyn Johnson at608.262.6966; johnsonj@trace.wisc.edu.

Nov. 8-22, 2000: "World Congress on Environmen-tal Design for the New Millennium." Held in Seoul,Korea, this event will feature conferences on uni-versal, "green" and cultural design. Questions?Contact Yonsei at 82.2.3147.1192.3 orhttp://www.millenniumED.org.