3 Easy Tips on ADA Compliance

3 Easy Tips on ADA Compliance

3 Easy Tips on ADA Compliance
We understand your needs to produce a design that accommodates everyone while meeting ADA compliance standards so we created this guide to assist you in the process.

3 Easy Tips on ADA Compliance: A Quick Guide to Accessible Design

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The ADA includes prohibition of discrimination in areas of employment, public entities, public accommodations, telecommunications, etc. We understand that the specifications of what makes something ADA compliant can cause some confusion throughout the design and construction process, so we have created this guide in hopes of alleviating some stress and assisting you in producing a final design that will meet all ADA requirements and make everyone feel welcome in your space.

Since the nature of any particular individual handicap may be inherently different, it can be tough to cover all disabilities with a single blanket statement, but all operating motions as they pertain to furniture hardware should avoid any pinching or grasping motion. Let’s take a closer look:

Drawer Pulls:

According to the ADA, door handles, pulls, latches and locks must have an easy to grab shape that doesn’t require the user to twist the wrist or grasp or pinch tightly in order to operate. We suggest sticking with bar pulls or curved edge pulls that have a large grip area that make them easy to use with minimal force. Knobs with a larger surface area like our Mushroom Pull or Flat Square also meet ADA guidelines.

Door Hardware:

Door hardware and handles have similar requirements to drawer pulls – they must be easy to operate without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Sliding barn doors with a large bar handle make a perfect combination that is both ADA compliant and a stylish contemporary design element! In order to remain within the guidelines, all door handles must be mounted no higher than 48” from the floor surface.

Office:

When it comes to creating an accessible working environment, it is all about flexibility. A height adjustable desk is the perfect solution for providing a workspace that meets the needs of everyone. Keep the floor free of wires that could create an obstacle with a Power Track. Don’t forget about the bathrooms! Incorporating grab bars into your design ensures you will meet the ADA requirements and helps to prevent potential injuries.

We understand your needs to produce a design that accommodates everyone while meeting ADA compliance standards and we strive to offer a variety of options that will help meet these needs. View our complete list of our ADA compliant hardware.

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