Since the “2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design” was published, numerous building codes have been released, based in part or in whole on those standards. These covered the entire path from parking through special use facilities. The first two thirds of these standards have been discussed in previous courses and covered accessible parking through handicap friendly hardware and equipment. This last portion will address the final third of the standards, dealing with communication equipment designed for the disabled, best choices in building finishes to enable use by those with mobility aids and the design of recreational facilities to make them available for continued enjoyment by the handicapped. In short, this portion will cover the details of living safely, communicating safely and having fun the same way. Despite being handicapped.

Learning Objectives

• Features and functions of alarm and notification systems in facilities designed to be accessible and usable by disabled occupants of all descriptions.
• Characteristics and defining features of visual, Braille, pictograms and tactile characters, ensuring that signage in accessible locations is legible to, and usable for, all occupants
• Consideration of flooring surfaces and finishes, including allowable changes in level, to ensure smooth passage over them
• Features of various facilities designed for recreation, so as to make continued enjoyment possible for the disabled.