Accessibility at public places is a concern for wheelchair users and business owners. The minimum requirements for wheelchair accessibility at public places are outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.
Compliance with the accessibility guidelines will ensure that wheelchair users have equal access to the public place. Municipalities and businesses are required to comply with the accessibility guidelines whenever possible. Reach ranges and space requirements are examples of guidelines that affect wheelchair users.
Access to public areas includes the presence of ramps and automatic doors that are wide enough to allow easy entry. Elevators, public telephones, restrooms, dressing rooms, and drinking fountains must be able to be used by wheelchair users.
Though these may be the most widely known features designed for wheelchair access, other building features may require modification for equal and safe use for people with disabilities, not just wheelchair users. An example of a standard for other disabilities is the requirement of handrails at steps.
Not only do the accessibility guidelines indicate the required presence of wheelchair accessible features to public places, but also give architectural guidelines to make sure that the wheelchair accessible features are user friendly. For example, the guidelines for curb ramps describe the ideal slope for the ramp.
In addition to general public use, businesses are required to meet the specifications of the guidelines to accommodate employees who use wheelchairs. Workspaces need to comply as to not hinder the employment of people with disabilities, but certain structures may not need to be wheelchair accessible.
There are very few exceptions to these requirements. Some raised structures like prison guard towers are not required to be wheelchair accessible. Temporary structures are not always required to comply with the accessibility guidelines.
Some structures not intended for public use like animal containment structures do not need to comply with the accessibility guidelines. Boxing rings and waterslides do not have to comply. Crawlspaces and catwalks used for repairs or maintenance are not required to be wheelchair accessible.
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