New Construction
Building it right from the beginning
Situation Room
Scenario 1: Sam and the Seaview Café
Sam has been saving for years to open his own oceanfront café. He is thrilled to finally purchase oceanfront property where he can build his dream café. To have the ocean views that he has been dreaming of, part of the seating area will need to be raised above the dunes. He imagines this area will be served by several steps up from the remaining seating on the entry level of the café.
Sam doesn’t see any issues with this, as he will have seating on both levels of the café with the same menu, high-top tables, and decor throughout. Sam meets with his architect who advises him that the design needs to include a ramp to the raised dining area. Sam is confused, as he thought the seating on the entry level would be sufficient to accommodate customers with disabilities.
Think about it. What needs to happen?
Sam’s architect explains that both the ADA Standards and the state building code require that raised areas of restaurants have an accessible route in new construction. And more importantly, he points out that the “best tables” will be those with the amazing view of the ocean, and they need to be available to all customers.
The architect also points out that the plan to use only high-top tables will create problems, as high-top tables are not accessible to many people. High-top tables are inaccessible for people using wheelchairs or who have limited mobility, and for young children.
The takeaway
Once Sam thought through what his architect said, it made perfect sense. The ocean view he dreamed of is why customers will come to his café and he doesn’t want to exclude anyone from experiencing that view.
He is happy that he received professional guidance that prevented him violating state and federal regulations, but more importantly, he is happy that he has considered how customers with disabilities can have the best experience possible at his café.
Scenario 2: Jada and the Gym
Jada is in the final stages of construction for a small gym that she owns in her village. She has been navigating the construction process with help from her architect and the local code enforcement office. The date of the grand opening is approaching and the exercise machines and equipment have arrived. During the final inspection with code enforcement, she is told that she does not have the required clear floor space needed at one of each type of machine and equipment. Jada is shocked to learn about this, as she had no idea that any accessibility requirements apply to exercise equipment.
Think about it. What needs to happen?
Jada calls her architect who confirms that, per ADA Standards, at least one of each type of exercise machine or equipment must be oriented so someone using a mobility device can get close enough to transfer to it. To allow for the transfer, there must be at least 30" x 48" of clear floor area beside the item, and each clear floor area must be on an accessible path of travel.
He explains that Jada does not need to order “special” equipment, but she must arrange the machines and equipment with enough space to give people with disabilities the option to use whatever type of machine or equipment they would like to use.
Jada comes up with a design layout that provides sufficient clear floor space at one of each type of machine, including treadmills, bench presses, and the shoulder press. She also locates the racks for weights in an open area with no obstructions so they are easy to approach and access.
The takeaway
As Jada re-arranged the equipment, she realized the importance of a thoughtful layout for customers with disabilities. Thoughtful placement of exercise equipment and other movable items provides people with disabilities the same opportunities as others to enjoy the advantages of exercise.
The scenarios, including all names, characters, and incidents portrayed on this page are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, or products is intended or should be inferred.