Definition
Handicapped Access, often referred to nowadays as Accessibility, ensures that buildings, facilities, and environments are designed or modified to be usable by people with disabilities. The concept encompasses physical access (e.g., ramps and elevators), as well as access to services, information, and other facilities. The goal is to create inclusive spaces that accommodate the needs of all users, including those with mobility, visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments.
Accessibility standards are often enforced through legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, which sets specific requirements for public spaces to ensure they are usable and accessible to everyone.
Examples
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Ramps at Entranceways: Buildings often have ramps alongside stairways to help individuals using wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments enter the building easily.
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Braille Signage: Buildings include braille on signs to aid visually impaired individuals in navigating through the environment.
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Accessible Restrooms: These restrooms have larger stalls, grab bars, and sinks that are accessible to those in wheelchairs.
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Elevators: In multi-story buildings, elevators provide an alternative to stairs, making upper floors accessible to everyone.
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Automatic Doors: Doors that open automatically remove barriers for individuals with limited mobility or strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of handicapped access?
The purpose of handicapped access is to ensure that individuals with disabilities can enter, use, and navigate buildings and spaces as independently and safely as possible, ensuring equal opportunity and participation.
What are the legal requirements for handicapped access?
In the U.S., the ADA sets minimum requirements for accessible design in public accommodations and commercial facilities. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for new constructions and renovations.
Can existing buildings be exempt from providing handicapped access?
Some existing buildings may qualify for limited exceptions if making changes would be impractical or present undue financial burden. However, businesses are typically required to remove barriers when it is relatively easy to do so (“readily achievable”) and are encouraged to provide “program accessibility.”
How can I make my property more accessible?
Conduct an accessibility audit to identify barriers, then address these by adding ramps, ensuring pathways are wide and clear, installing elevators, updating signage, and making restrooms accessible, among other adjustments.
Are there incentives or funding available for improving accessibility?
Yes, there are various tax credits, deductions, grants, and funding programs available at federal, state, and local levels to help businesses and property owners make their buildings more accessible.
Related Terms
Accessibility: The practice of making environments, products, and services usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
ADA Compliance: Adherence to the requirements established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring accessibility for all individuals.
Universal Design: Designing products, buildings, and environments to be inherently accessible to older people, people without disabilities, and people with disabilities.
Inclusive Design: Ensuring that a product, building, or service can be used by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, or other factors.
Online Resources
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): ADA.gov
- Access Board: access-board.gov
- Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF): dredf.org
- National Organization on Disability (NOD): nod.org
- The Center for Universal Design: projects.ncsu.edu
References
- “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.” U.S. Department of Justice, ADA.gov.
- “Accessible Design Standards.” United States Access Board, access-board.gov.
- Sleight, Anita. Access and Inclusion in Historic Buildings. Historic England, 2022.
- Rivard, Margot. Accessible Architecture: Universal Design and Human Rights. Architectural Press, 2018.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Steinfeld, Edward, and Jordana Maisel. Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments. Wiley, 2012.
- Hutchison, Kevin. ADA: Accessibility in the Codes. Builder’s Book, 2021.
- Preiser, Wolfgang F.E., and Korydon H. Smith. Universal Design Handbook. McGraw-Hill Professional, 2011.
- Hamraie, Aimi. Building Access: Universal Design and the Politics of Disability. University of Minnesota Press, 2017.
- Sawyer, Hunter. Accessibility Compliance for the Built Environment: ADA Review and Beyond. Building Standards Institute, 2019.
