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Access to Health Care

In its Spring/Summer newsletter, the DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center addressed the issue of Access to Health Care. The article offers tips to health care providers on communicating with people with disabilities as well as information on facilities, equipment and tax incentives. For more information, visit: http://www.adainfo.org/publications/newsletter/spring_summer08.asp  

 

“Top Ten” Issues for Hospital Design in the New ADA Standards

Note: The US Department of Justice has proposed adopting the ADA/ABA-AG as the new ADA Standards for Accessible Design in 2007

1. Everything is Covered

In the existing ADA Standards things that are not described are not covered, and many non-fixed items, such as dining tables are exempted.  The new standards cover everything (fixed or not) even if not described.

2. Limited Construction Tolerances

Minimums, maximums and ranges are now defined, creating  problems with standard construction details, ie., toilet centerline.

3. Parking Space #’s and Signage

Increased number of Van Accessible parking spaces required and signage/striping details are different.

4. 48” High Maximum Reach Range

            No 54” H side reach allowed with side approach

5. Partially Obstructed T-Turn

            One leg of T-Turn can provide only knee and toe clearance.

6. 5’ clear width at all toilets

            Every toilet needs side access.

7. Lavatory Knee Clearance

29” apron height has been eliminated making the knee and toe clearance consistent with other requirements in the document

8. Wheelchair Turning Radius Can Overlap Roll-In Shower

With the proper shower edge conditions, the 5’ diameter turning space and overlap the shower

9. “Cluster” Concept

Groups of nearby and similar facilities (such as specimen rooms, dressing rooms and single user restrooms in clinics) can be grouped together to determine the required minimums.

10. Dispersion of accessible patient rooms

Not required but strongly recommended.

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