Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Dean Perkins

Biography:
An architect in the Special Structures Section of Structures Design in Tallahassee, Dean
Perkins is the Department’s ADA Coordinator for Facilities Access. He develops
Department accessibility policies and procedures and conducts training on Titles II & III
of the ADA. Dean provides accessibility technical support to Department employees,
consultants, and contractors.
Dean Perkins

Americans with ADA

Disabilities Act
and Florida Accessibility Code
Application for
Roadway
Design

Design Conference 2002

Background / Status
„ FDOT initiated ADA program
„ Revise Standards to match ADA
„ Training for designers and project
managers and project engineers
„ Modify procedures and practices
„ Add ADA features to projects

August 02 ADA & Design 2

Background / Status
„ Recently:
‹ 3 ADA lawsuits on roadways
) Turnpike / Miami / Tallahassee
) Threatened future lawsuits
‹ Statewide ADA surveys of state roads
) Document compliance
) Identify deficiencies
‹ Sadly, in many cases:
) The more recent the work, the more out-of-
compliance it is

August 02 ADA & Design 3

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Background / Status
„ New initiative
‹ Updated ADA implementation plan
) (Freddie Simmons memo 3/5/02)

‹ Enhance awareness of ADA

responsibilities at all levels
) Add training opportunities for FDOT staff and
contractors’ staffs and CEI staffs
‹ Goals:
) Increase accessibility on facilities

) Avoid future lawsuits

August 02 ADA & Design 4

Transportation………

August 02 ADA & Design 5

Introduction
„ What is ADA?
„ Features of Accessibility
„ How ADA impacts FDOT
„ Examples of FDOT projects
‹ The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

. A. h
„ How you can help us comply
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Background of the ADA

„ ADA - Civil Rights Law
‹ 1964 - 1990 Federal Laws
) 1964 Civil Rights Act

) 1968 Architectural Barriers Act (federal buildings)

) 1973 Rehabilitation Act (s. 504 - federal programs)

• If you receive federal funds – you’re a federal program
• Includes services, programs, activities, buildings,
facilities, roads, bridges, etc.
) 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act
• July 26,1990 - signed
• July 26, 1991 - implemented (ADAAG)
• January 26, 1992 – effective date
• January 26, 1995 – deadline
• July 1, 1994 – new final rule
August 02 ADA & Design 7

ADA - Civil Rights Law

„ Enforced by U.S. Dept. of Justice
„ Protection from discrimination
„ Access to Services, Programs &
Activities
„ Effective communication

‹ Reasonable Accommodation
‹ Barrier Removal

August 02 ADA & Design 8

FACBC - Building Code

„ Enforced by building officials &
Florida Building Commission
„ Protection from discrimination
„ Access to Services, Programs &
Activities & Facilities
„ Effective communication

August 02 ADA & Design 9

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Methods of Mobility
„ Cane
„ Walker
„ Crutches
„ Wheelchair
‹ Powered
‹ Non-powered
„ Scooter
„ Service animal
August 02 ADA & Design 10

Cane Technique
„ Stride length
) 18” to 30”
„ Sweep width
) 24” to 36”
„ Pace
) 2’ - 4’ per second

August 02 ADA & Design 11

Crutches User
„ Crutches
‹ Stride length
) 8” to 30”
‹ Width
) 36” to 42”
‹ Pace
) 1’ - 3’ per second
„ Walker similar
‹ Stride length
) 6” to 18”

August 02 ADA & Design 12

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Wheelchair & Scooter

„ Space needed
‹ 30” x 48” min. maneuvering space
‹ 60” turning diameter
‹ 60” to pass another wheelchair
‹ 48” to pass a pedestrian

August 02 ADA & Design 13

Service Animal
„ Space needed
‹ 42” x 60” approx.
‹ Stride length
) 18” to 30”
‹ Pace
) 2’ - 4’ per second
‹ Similar to cane user

August 02 ADA & Design 14

Department
Responsibilities
„ Plan / Budget for Accessibility
„ Provide Accessible Design
„ Construct Accessible Facilities
„ Maintain Accessible Features

August 02 ADA & Design 15

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Design Accessible
Facilities

„ Department duties

„ Consultant duties

August 02 ADA & Design 16

Department duties
„ Be aware of regulations
‹ Codes, Standards, etc.
‹ State, Federal, etc.
„ Provide appropriate information
„ Conduct inspections
„ Pay for acceptable work
„ Occupy & maintain facilities

„ PROVIDE SAFE, FUNCTIONAL and ACCESSIBLE

FACILITIES & STRUCTURES!

August 02 ADA & Design 17

Consultant duties
„ Be aware of regulations
‹ Codes, Standards, etc.
‹ State, Federal, etc.
„ Design accessible plans
„ Advise DOT of problems
„ Show a profit (?)

„ PROVIDE SAFE, FUNCTIONAL and

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES & STRUCTURES!

August 02 ADA & Design 18

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Transportation……….

August 02 ADA & Design 19

Components of
Accessibility
„ Accessible Routes
„ Surfaces
„ Protruding Objects
„ Bus Stops
„ Parking
„ Handrails
„ Controls
„ Signage
August 02 ADA & Design 20

Accessible Routes
„ 36” min. width continuous
„ 32” min. at a point
„ Slopes:
‹ 1:12max. allowed
‹ >1:20 is ramp
‹ ≤1:20 is not ramp
„ Cross-slope
‹ 1:50 max. allowed

August 02 ADA & Design 21

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Surfaces
„ Firm, stable, slip-resistant
„ Changes in level
„ Gratings

August 02 ADA & Design 22

Protruding Objects
„ Post-mounted
„ Wall mounted
„ Overhanging

August 02 ADA & Design 23

Bus Stops / Shelters

„ Bus Stops
‹ Accessible approach to bus stop
‹ Boarding area (96” x 60” min.)
) Place for bus lift to deploy
) Firm,stable, and slip-resistant surface
) Must connect to streets, sidewalks, etc.

August 02 ADA & Design 24

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Bus Stops / Shelters

„ Bus Shelters
‹ On accessible route
‹ Connected to boarding area by
accessible route
‹ 30” x 48” clear floor area within shelter
‹ 36” min. approach to clear floor area

August 02 ADA & Design 25

Bus Stops / Shelters

Bus Shelter shall not block sidewalk!
Maintain 36” min. clearance
60” preferred

60” x 96” boarding area

30” x 48” clear floor area

36”
min

August 02 ADA & Design 26

Parking
„ Size (Florida specific)
‹ 12’ min. Parking Space
‹ 5’ min. Access Aisle
(no van-accessible aisle or sign)

„ Location
„ Number

August 02 ADA & Design 27

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Handrails: Ramps
„ 1 1/4” - 1 1/2” o.d. pipe
„ 34” - 38” high to top of pipe
„ 18” horizontal extension top & bottom
„ 2” curb

August 02 ADA & Design 28

Handrails: Stairs
„ 1 1/4” - 1 1/2” o.d. pipe
„ 34” - 38” high to stair nosing
„ 12” horizontal extension top & bottom

August 02 ADA & Design 29

Controls
„ Should be within reach ranges
„ Check for maneuvering space
„ Check for protruding objects

August 02 ADA & Design 30

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Signage
„ Size
„ Font
„ Mounting height

Index 17355

August 02 ADA & Design 31

Transportation………..

August 02 ADA & Design 32

Components of
Accessibility 2
„ Sidewalks
„ Curb cuts
„ Detectable Warnings
„ Crossings
„ Parking
„ Ramps & cross-slopes
„ Pedestrian controls

August 02 ADA & Design 33

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Sidewalks
„ Are Accessible Routes (36” min.)
„ Check Cross-slopes (≤1:50)
„ Check Surfaces
„ Look for Level changes
„ Look for Protruding Objects

Index 310

August 02 ADA & Design 34

Curb Cuts
„ Check Slopes (≤1:12)
„ Check Cross-slopes (≤1:50)
„ Check Detectable Warnings

X = 36” min.

12

August 02 ADA & Design 35

Detectable Warnings
„ Truncated domes are back
‹ 2002 Interim Standards – Index 304
„ At curb ramps
‹ Full width of ramp & 24” deep
‹ Not on flared sides
„ At landings and flush transitions
‹ 24” deep from back of curb

Index 304

August 02 ADA & Design 36

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Detectable Warnings
„ Truncated Domes
‹ Aligned pattern
„ Patterned concrete
‹ New construction
„ Overlay mat, tile, paver
‹ Retrofit, 3R, Maintenance,
(New Construction?)
„ Color/contrast with surrounding
materials
‹ Light-on-dark, Dark-on-light

Interim Index 304

August 02 ADA & Design 37

Crossings
„ Curb ramp is ‘wholly within’ markings
„ Check Transitions
„ Verify Slopes (1:12 max.)
„ Check Cross-slopes (1:50 max.)
„ Look for Level changes
„ Check Controls

Index 17346
August 02 ADA & Design 38

Parking
„ Check for size
‹ Width = 12”-0” min.
„ Check for access aisle
‹ Width - 5’-0” min.
„ Check for curb cut
‹ Outside space & aisle
„ Check for slopes
‹ 1:50 max. any direction

Index 17346
August 02 ADA & Design 39

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Parking
„ Shape of things to come...

5’ Access Aisle

August 02 ADA & Design 40

Ramps & Cross-slopes

„ Check for ramp conditions
„ Check for cross-slopes (≤1:50, 2%)
„ 2” curb

August 02 ADA & Design 41

Pedestrian Controls
„ In reach ranges (54” max.)
‹ Front preferred (48” max.)
„ Maneuvering space (30”x48” min.)

Index 17784
August 02 ADA & Design 42

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Audible Pedestrian Signals

„ For Blind pedestrians
„ Added ‘upon request’
„ Various types available
‹ Beeps, buzzes, chirps
‹ “Clicking” buttons
‹ Talking systems

Audible Pedestrian
Signal

Index 17764
August 02 ADA & Design 43

Actual Examples
„ the Good,

„ the Bad,

„ the Ugly……...

August 02 ADA & Design 44

Bad Examples
„ Non-compliant
„ Design errors(?!?)
„ Construction errors(?!?)

August 02 ADA & Design 45

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3/4”+

Curb Ramp

August 02 ADA & Design 46

Bad Curb Ramp

Access Aisle to ?

August 02 ADA & Design 47

3/4”+

18”+/-

Warp
Slope

August 02 ADA & Design 48

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Alt. Path should be before here

Curb Ramp?

August 02 ADA & Design 49

Cross slope?
Maintenance?

32” Clear?

August 02 ADA & Design 50

>1:12 & 90’+ Long

Another ramp over here >1:9 & 60’+ long

August 02 ADA & Design 51

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Good curb ramp to bad hazard

August 02 ADA & Design 52

3-R project: Resurfacing, Ped

controls, Utilities & Sidewalk

Where is Maneuvering
Space & Curb Cut???

August 02 ADA & Design 53

>1:12

Curb Ramp
to nowhere

August 02 ADA & Design 54

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Pole within ramp???

August 02 ADA & Design 55

How does one get to ped buttons?

August 02 ADA & Design 56

Where is curb ramp???

August 02 ADA & Design 57

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So-So Examples
„ Non-compliant or Compliant
‹ Some are hard to tell
„ Design Errors(?!?)
„ Construction Errors(?!?)

August 02 ADA & Design 58

Look Closely,
>1/4” Thick

Good!

But no walk around

August 02 ADA & Design 59

Probably OK

Did post HAVE to go here?

August 02 ADA & Design 60

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Sign is too low!

Cross slope and level changes

August 02 ADA & Design 61

But no walk around

Good curb ramp

w/tactile surface

August 02 ADA & Design 62

Tree

32”?

August 02 ADA & Design 63

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Good walk around?

Greater than 1”

Curb ramp, detectable warning & walk around

August 02 ADA & Design 64

Controls out of reach

& on slope of ramp
1:4

Maintenance!

August 02 ADA & Design 65

Crossing & tactile surface

August 02 ADA & Design 66

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Good Examples
„ Compliant
„ Good-looking (?)
„ Design excellence
„ Construction excellence

August 02 ADA & Design 67

Very Good!

August 02 ADA & Design 68

Walking surfaces & controls

August 02 ADA & Design 69

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Grating

August 02 ADA & Design 70

Parking & Approach

August 02 ADA & Design 71

Curb Ramp & Tactile Surface

August 02 ADA & Design 72

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Curb Ramp & Ped detector

August 02 ADA & Design 73

60”+/-

Clear Path, Cross slope and level changes

August 02 ADA & Design 74

Grating, level changes

August 02 ADA & Design 75

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36”
36”

Walk around at driveway apron

August 02 ADA & Design 76

Ramp – Handrails & landings

August 02 ADA & Design 77

Compliant, functional, and looks good, too!

August 02 ADA & Design 78

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Very nice!

August 02 ADA & Design 79

Watch out for…

„ Unforeseen conditions (of course!)
„ Last minute changes
„ Contractor change requests
„ Value-engineering change proposals
„ Hurried or sloppy work

„ Unintentional violations of ADA

August 02 ADA & Design 80

Help is available
„ State:
‹ FDOT District ADA Coordinator
‹ FDOT ADA Coordinator (me)

“Access Board”
„ Federal:
‹ U.S. Architectural & Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board
‹ U.S. Department of Justice
‹ U.S. DOT

August 02 ADA & Design 81

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Quote to Remember
“ . . . Disability is not the experience of a minority of
Americans. Rather, it is an experience that will touch
most Americans at some point in their lives.
Today, there are over 54 million Americans with
disabilities, a full 20 percent of the U. S. population.
Almost half of these individuals have a severe
disability, affecting their ability to see, hear, walk, or
perform other basic functions of life. In addition,
there are over 25 million family caregivers and
millions more who provide aid and assistance to
people with disabilities. . . .”

George W. Bush
New Freedom Initiative for People with Disabilities
August 02 ADA & Design 82

Summary
„ What ADA is
„ Features of Accessibility
„ How ADA impacts FDOT & you
„ Examples

. A. h
„ Your work is important for
Am.erDicans wsitAct compliance!
A itie
abil
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August 02 ADA & Design 83

Contact us...
Dean Perkins, Architect
FDOT-ADA Coordinator
Structures Design Office
ph. 850-414-4359
suncom 994-4359
dean.perkins@dot.state.fl.us
or
Your District
ADA Coordinator(s)

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Final Words
„ Accessibility is a civil right

„ Accessibility is part of
everyone’s job

„ When we comply,
everyone wins!

August 02 ADA & Design 85

Thank You!
Merci!
Arigato!
Shokran!
Xie Xie!
Gracias!
Thank You!
Danka!

Live long and prosper!

August 02 ADA & Design 86

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