Common ADA Errors in Facilities Design - a PDH Online Course for Engineers, Architects and Surveyors

Common ADA Errors in Facilities Design

Course Outline

This one-hour online course discusses common ADA accessibility errors or omissions that have been identified through the Department of Justice’s ongoing enforcement efforts. The specific requirement of the Standards that has not been met follows each error/omission.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

Requirements for the number of accessible parking spaces;
Provision of accessible routes, both exterior and interior;
Regulations for curb and other ramps;
Rules for stairs, doors, and circulation paths;
Requirements for toilet rooms, bathrooms, roll-in showers, and drinking fountains;
Rules for signage for identifying rooms;
Rules for operating hardware such as knobs, latches, faucets, and heating and cooling controls;
Requirements for provision of visual alarms;
Regulations for proper accessible routes; absence of protruding objects; and
Need for provision of elevators.

Intended Audience

This course is intended primarily for civil, electrical, structural, mechanical, and construction engineers involved in the design of public accommodation facilities.

Benefit to Attendees

An attendee of this course will be familiar with and able to rectify common ADA design flaws.

Course Introduction

ADA requirements for new construction and alterations include detailed provisions for elements, spaces, and facilities. Successful accessibility is often measured in inches, so attention to detail can make the difference between achieving access and excluding or injuring someone.

Course Content

This course is based on a compilation of two documents from the U.S. Department of Justice: 1) “Common ADA Errors and Omissions in New Construction and Alterations,” June 1997; and 2) “Common ADA Problems at Newly Constructed Lodging Facilities,” November 1999. The first document makes occasional reference to figures found in “ADA Standards for Accessible Design,” excerpted from the Code of Federal Regulations, 28 CFR Part 36, revised as of July 1, 1994.

Common ADA Errors in Facilities Design

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Course Summary

To comply with the ADA and to make it possible for persons with disabilities to use public facilities like everyone else, such facilities must meet specific requirements set out in Justice Department regulations, 28 C.F.R. pt. 36. This course describes common problems found in facilities that must meet ADA standards.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

http://www.ada.gov/

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.