1008.1 General. Play areas shall comply with 1008.
1008.2 Accessible Routes. Accessible routes serving play areas shall comply with Chapter 4 and 1008.2 and shall be permitted to use the exceptions in 1008.2.1 through 1008.2.3. Where accessible routes serve ground level play components, the vertical clearance shall be 80 inches high (2030 mm) minimum.
Image: Trueform Concrete
Even though the material is thousands of years old, in the past few years concrete has learned new tricks. Today it can be found being used as countertops and is flexible in its look. Colored dyes and stamped forms can make concrete look like tile, brick, and other materials. What was a very utilitarian material has turned chic. An example of this is in the making of bathroom sinks. A couple of nice looking examples of roll-under sinks are these by Trueform Concrete.
Image: Hawkins Construction
When it comes to restoring and modifying historic sites, there is a lot to take into consideration. Improvements need to be done while also keeping the architectural integrity of the building. Making the historic site wheelchair accessible can prove an even bigger challenge. Adding an accessible entrance to the outside without taking away from the site’s character can be difficult. But when done right, a place of history can be made accessible for all while maintaining its historic look. In Frankfort, Kentucky this has been done with the addition of a wheelchair ramp at the Orlando Brown House.
Alright we got a couple of problems here with this ramp. But really it’s not the ramp itself that’s the problem, it’s where it is and what’s around it. Sure there could be some improvements to the ramp but the slope looks alright, there’s a landing, and the concrete work looks good. However using it to get inside the gas station could prove challenging.
Image: Rubaroc
For the most part, wheelchair ramps are made of either wood or concrete. Both of which work just fine and can look great at the same time. But with any material there are some minor drawbacks. Wood is weather susceptible and can warp and crack over time. Concrete is strong but the surface is very hard and is abrasive on skin. Another option is a rubberized surface that is soft, durable, slip resistant, and potentially colorful. One company that does this and has done some stylish wheelchair ramps is Rubaroc.
241 General. Where provided, saunas and steam rooms shall comply with 612.
EXCEPTION: Where saunas or steam rooms are clustered at a single location, no more than 5 percent of the saunas and steam rooms, but no fewer than one, of each type in each cluster shall be required to comply with 612.
Posted in ADA Focus
Tagged ada compliance, ada compliant, disabilities, handicapped, inclusive design, sauna, steam room, universal design, Wheelchair Accessible
Image: elio
When designing an accessible space for someone that is elderly or visually impaired, is lighting. For someone that is elderly, lighting is important because we lose some ability to see contrast as we age. Being able to see a path or what we’re grabbing onto can be a safety issue. Especially for someone who is new to low vision as their body slows down. Last year I wrote an article about a lighted grab bar called the Balance Beam. Today I’m featuring more LED grab bars by elio of Holland, Michigan.
