Making an office building ADA compliant means making it accessible to people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth the minimum requirements for accessibility in commercial buildings. Failing to comply with ADA requirements can lead to fines and lawsuits. Here are four simple tips for making an office building ADA compliant.
1. Install ADA Compliant Signs
ADA compliant signs are essential for making an office building accessible to people with disabilities. These signs should be installed in areas such as restrooms, elevators, and entrances, and should include features such as high-contrast lettering, Braille, and raised characters. The signs should be mounted at a height that is easily visible to someone in a wheelchair and should not be obstructed by any furniture or fixtures.
According to the ADA, signs must meet certain requirements, such as color contrast and font size. LSI Graphics has a comprehensive guide to ADA sign requirements that can help ensure compliance.
2. Make Sure All Entrances Are Accessible
All entrances to the building must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing a ramp or lift for anyone who cannot use stairs. The ramp should have a slope of no more than 1:12 and should have handrails on both sides. The entrance should also have a door with a width of at least 32 inches to accommodate wheelchairs.
It’s also important to ensure that the entrance is level with the sidewalk or parking lot. If there is a step, it should have a ramp or lift. Additionally, the entrance should be free of any obstacles or clutter that may impede someone with a disability.
3. Provide Accessible Restrooms
Restrooms must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing a stall that is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and a sink and soap dispenser that are at an accessible height. The restroom should also have grab bars near the toilet and sink and should have a door with a width of at least 32 inches.
It’s important to note that not all restrooms need to be ADA compliant. The ADA requires that at least one restroom be accessible on each floor, and that it be identified with an ADA compliant sign. LSI Graphics offers a variety of ADA compliant restroom signs to help businesses comply with these requirements.
4. Make Sure All Areas Are Easily Accessible
All areas of the office building must be easily accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing an elevator or lift for multi-story buildings, and ensuring that all doorways have a width of at least 32 inches to accommodate wheelchairs.
It’s also important to ensure that there is ample space for someone with a disability to maneuver around the building. This means providing clear paths of travel that are free of obstacles, and ensuring that furniture and fixtures do not obstruct the flow of traffic.
By following these four tips, businesses can ensure that their office buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. For more information on ADA compliance, businesses can visit the ADA National Network or consult with an ADA compliance specialist.
