We’re overwhelmed by the support and engagement we’ve received in 2014! It’s been a busy year for us here at Access Advocates and judging from the volume of phone calls, emails, website hits and social activity, you’ve had a busy year reading our stuff! Here’s a quick recap of some of our most popular blog content from 2014:
10. Answering Your Questions About ADA Accessible Classrooms
We receive many questions from parents and grandparents concerning the rules regarding accessible school buildings. It is important to note the rules are the same for all levels of education, be it pre-school, grade school, junior high school, high school, or collegiate. Read this post to learn the rules governing ADA accessible classrooms.
9. Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room Requirements
The time has come for the big trip you’ve been planning for months. Your bags are packed and you’re ready to go! You thought of every detail and, most importantly, made a reservation for a wheelchair accessible hotel room months ago. You arrive at your destination and check in to your hotel and that’s where it happens. You are told that all of the accessible rooms were occupied and unavailable, so you are given a standard room. The room does not work. Your hopes for a relaxing, comfortable (and accessible!) vacation quickly fade. Read this post to learn what your course of action should be!
8. Lesser Known Aspects of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are revisions of Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. They were published in September, 2010 and took effect on March 15, 2011. Most people associate the ADA with far-reaching improvements like accessible walkways, doorways and curbs but they cover so much more. Read this post to learn of a few revisions that cover areas you may not automatically associate with accessible design.
7. Twelve Types of Buildings Where Accessibility is of Greatest Concern
We need your help identifying specific locations that do no meet ADA standards. We want to hear about your personal experiences at these places and partner with us to advocate for improved accessibility for all! Read this post to learn the top 12 types of buildings where accessibility is of the greatest concern.
6. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design: At the Gym
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design has requirements for both publicly-run and privately-owned recreational facilities, which includes gyms. The two main features of the gym that have been required to be accessible are swimming pools and exercise equipment. Read this post to learn the facts regarding gym facility accessibility.
5. Wheelchair Ramp Safety Tips
One of the most important considerations in wheelchair ramp use is safety. Ramps are essential to accessibility for mobility chair and scooter users. However, when these ramps are not designed and constructed properly, they can be difficult to use, and may even be dangerous. Read this post to learn important safety tips to ensure a building provides the safest wheelchair ramps for the patrons who need them.
4. ADA Compliance for your Favorite Restaurant or Local Watering Hole
If you enjoy a night out on the town at your favorite restaurant or bar, be sure to take note whether the establishment’s accessibility is within ADA compliance. ADA compliance for bars or restaurants containing bars changed to accommodate people with disabilities last year. Read this post to learn about restaurant accommodations for ADA compliance.
3. Twelve Basic Requirements for ADA Compliance at the Library
ADA compliance of course applies to your public library. There must be adequate parking, all areas of the library must be accessible and it must be possible for you to reach material that are on library shelves or have staff reach it for you. In addition, it must be possible to navigate through the library in a wheelchair or if you are vision-impaired. Signs in and outside the library must be visible to people with disabilities so as to make it easier to find places of access to the library and its various facilities. Read this post to learn the detailed base requirements for ADA compliance at your local library.
2. Public Places Must Grant Wheelchair Access and Provide Safe Wheelchair Ramps
If you have a disability, businesses, schools and agencies must provide reasonable accommodations for you to gain access to their establishments. If you have a wheelchair, you can request that an agency, business, school or office put in a wheelchair ramp so that you can access their establishment. Read this post to learn what to look for in terms of safety requirements for wheelchair ramps.
1. ADA Compliance for Playgrounds
March 2012 marked the deadline for all schools, licensed childcare centers, and municipal playgrounds to become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010 (ADA). Read this post to learn the specifics of what an ADA compliant playground looks like.
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