Chapter 18 Public Accessibility
The ADA Checklist is used in complying with Title III requirements of removing architectural barriers in public areas of existing facilities when removal can be achieved without much expense or difficulty. The goal is to make existing facilities more usable by the disabled communities. Establishments that must meet requirements are places that serve the public such as doctors’ offices, hotels, restaurants, theaters, stores, and schools. The checklist items included here contain information on the dimensions, clearances, or usability of pathways (routes), entrances, ramps, doors, rooms, stairs, elevators and lifts.1,2
Route (Pathway)1,2
| Issue | Rationale/Comment |
|---|---|
| Elevation | Route that does not require stairs. |
| Clearance | Route is 36 inches wide. |
| Protruding objects | Visually disabled able to detect protruding objects in route’s path using a cane. |
| Curbs | Curbs at drives, parking, and drop-off points have curb cuts. |
Entrances1,2
| Issue | Rationale/Comment |
|---|---|
| Door clearance | Door with at least 32 inches of clearance. |
| Door-pull clearance | 18 inches of clear wall space on pull side of door. |
| Issue | Rationale/Comment |
|---|---|
| Opening indoor door | Can open indoor door with little force (5 pounds). |
| Mats and carpets | Mats and carpets no more than ½ inch high to minimize tripping hazard. |
| Edge of carpet/mats are secured | |
| Door handles | |
| Door with closers | Door with closers take at least 3 seconds to close. |
| Automatic doors | Automatic doors—force to stop movement is not greater than 15 pounds. |
| Handle height is 48 inches or less |
