Ch.2 - Accessibility

Delia Tacheny
INT 324 - Building Codes
Reading: The Codes Guidebook for Interiors

Keywords:

• Accessibility 
• ADA
• Occupancy 
• Public Accommodation
• Existing Buildings

“Focusing solely on the ‘checkpoints’ of accessibility won’t always result in an optimal experience for every user; inclusive design and accessible design work together to accommodate the full spectrum of human diversity” (Bureau of Internet Accessibility).

The term "accessibility" is a fairly well-known and communally used term. We live in a culture and age that values inclusivity, and human rights have been a topic for practically all of time. In the same way that building codes exist to protect individuals as they utilize the built environment, accessibility requirements exist to protect individuals with disabilities. While the following chapters on codes will give specifics as to accessibility codes, this chapter aims to introduce and broadly explain accessibility standards in regard to architecture and interior design. 

The built environment poses many difficulties to those with disabilities, and the goal of accessibility requirements is "to create an environment where the individual can approach and enter a building, perform the intended task (eat, work, shop, learn, receive care, etc.), and exit the building safely and independently."

In 1957, when President Eisenhower was presenting the "Handicapped American of Year Award" to Hugo Deffner who had advocated for accessibility in the public buildings of Oklahoma City, a greater realization was made. Deffner was unable to get into the building to receive his reward because of the stairs. After Marines had to carry Deffner all the way to the stage, Eisenhower was determined to advocate for standards regarding Architectural barriers. 

In 1961, the ANSI A117.1 American Standard Specification for Making Buildings and Facilities Accessible to and Usable by the Physically Handicapped, was released, eventually becoming adopted by the ICC and becoming ICC A117.1. Following Legislation included the Architectural Barriers Act -ABA (1968), the Rehabilitation Act (1973), and expansion of the 1968 Fair Housing Act (1988). The Americans with Disabilities Act -ADA (1990) was signed into law by President George Bush, following the concept of the Civil Rights Act. 

The Various codes we discussed last week such as the I-Codes, the NFPA, etc. each adopt certain accessibility standards. Similar to other codes, jurisdictions may also choose to amend or create their own accessibility standards, which would take precedence over the adopted code book. In general, it is a good rule of thumb to apply the most stringent level of accessibility to meet the necessary requirements. Most codes overlap and have very similar accessibility standards, but it is still important to be aware of any variations. 

Accessibility requirements depend on the occupancy and use of a built environment. For example, a grocery store -- a very public resource -- needs to follow accessible design, but your private residence (unless having a unique exception) does not. Within a commercial building, any aspect of public accommodation needs to be accessible. (It is important to consider disabled employees as well!). Within a residence, the only reason the home would need to follow any accessibility requirements is if for instance, the owner uses part of their home as a business. 

There is also distinction between new construction and remodels/alterations. In some remodels, updating to the most recent accessibility standards is required unless determined to be a greater cost than benefit or it is "technically infeasible" (it's a more complicated legal process than my general explanation.) When it comes to new construction however, there are few exceptions. It's important to note, that the ADA defines "existing buildings" as anything built before 1991 (the year that ADA laws came into effect), as anything afterward should be ADA compliant. 

When it comes to Accessibility standards and requirements, there are so many layers, varying exceptions, and logistics regarding various scenarios, so it is simply important to DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! 

To conclude, I encourage you to reread the introductory quote: when it comes to accessibility standards, embrace the mindset that accessibility requirements are not merely things to add to your design, but challenges that can evoke an even greater creative design.  

Source(s):

Bureau of Internet Accessibility. (2022, February 22). Inclusive Design vs. Accessible Design: Understanding the Differences. https://www.boia.org/blog/inclusive-design-vs.-accessible-design-understanding-the-differences

Kennon, Katherine E., and Sharon Koomen Harmon. “Chapter 2: Accessibility.” The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 2022.