Parking
1. Designated by visible signs indicating the blue wheelchair symbol or other appropriate sign.
2. Situated in the closest safe path of travel.
3. Each accessible parking space for cars is 12 feet wide The general standard is 10 feet for vehicle plus two-feet access aisle or space for freedom of movement in a wheelchair. Remember that if you’re in a wheelchair and another car is parked alongside, you will need space to maneuver your wheelchair between the vehicles.
4. Allow for vans with side-opening wheelchair lifts. These spaces generally require an additional two-feet of space for the person to exit freely from the van’s side lift, which extends outward from the vehicle.
5. One accessible parking space for every 25 spaces. If your congregation does not meet this percentage, your facilities planning committee should consider adding more spaces.
Walkways, Ramps, Curb Cuts
1. Surface construction has a stable, nonslip surface at least 36 inches wide.
2. Curb cuts or walkway ramps should be positioned so that they are available for use even when all parking spaces are full. (Parked vehicles do not block use of ramp.) Ramps slope no more than one-inch rise per every 12 inches of length.
3. Regarding portions of ramps or walkways at the entrance level: There should be at least 18 inches of level space beyond side of door and 50 to 60 inches or more out from door.
Entrances
1. At least one primary entrance and exit to worship area accessible by person using wheelchair or crutches, a 32-inch-wide opening.
2. Thresholds no more than one inch high (three-fourths of an inch if beveled).
3. Door handle no higher than 48 inches and able to be opened by someone with a closed fist. A lever handle is preferred to round doorknob.
Doors
1. Lower spring tension facilitates easier opening by someone with limited upper body strength.
2. Inside doors: set tension to five pounds force or less per Americans with Disabilities Act specifications.
3. Entrance/exit doors and fire exits: 8 1/2 pounds force or less.
4. All doors should not close in less than three seconds from 70 percent open to two inches before latch.
Worship Space
1. On entrance level at entrance or accessible by elevator/lift.
2. Space provided for the person to sit with a companion (space available other than behind the last pew or in front of the first pew). Pew cuts (shortened pew rows) are recommended.
Rest Rooms
Being able to enter and make use of a restroom is essential. If you are in a wheelchair, all of the following hospitality features make a tremendous difference:
1. Doorway of restroom and stall: many people who use larger wheelchairs or electric powered wheelchairs need 36 inches of doorway clearance.
2. Door to stall must open out. (Allows for more turning space inside stall.)
3. At least one male and female restroom (or one restroom which either males or females can use) is accessible on the worship level.
4. Grab bars on the sides around toilets, 33 to 36 inches high.
5. Depth of restroom stall: at least 56 inches.
6. Toilet seat height 17 to 19 inches from floor. (A seat which is lower in height is much more difficult for someone with limited or no leg support to transfer back and forth to a wheelchair.)
7. Turning space of approximately five by five feet.
8. Insulate drain and hot water pipes under sinks in rest rooms to prevent someone in wheelchair from burning legs, who may have limited sensation of hot and cold.
9. Sink clearance is at least 29 inches from floor (34 inches maximum) and 17 inches minimum depth.
10. Towel and soap dispensers mounted no more than 48 inches high.
11. Mirrors: bottom edge is no more than 40 inches high.
12. Easily operated restroom water faucets (able to be opened by person with closed fist).
Stairs
1. Hand rails on both sides.
2. Adequate lighting.
3. Gate at the top of “unexpected” stairs that descend downward. (For example, unexpected stairs might be at a turn in an otherwise straight hallway or along a side corridor.) This feature provides safety for young children as well.
Elevators
1. Control panel buttons must be raised or if flush, have a diameter of three-fourths inches minimum with no buttons higher than 48 inches if front-opening, 54 inches maximum if side approach.
2. Elevator opening must be 36 inches wide with sufficient space for the person who uses a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair to safely enter and exit.
4. The dimensions allow the person to have access to the control panel.
5. Inside button panel is brailed or has raised numbers that can be finger-read by persons who are blind.
6. Elevator has sufficient lighting and ventilation.
7. When installing a new elevator to your facility or renovating an existing one, the following accessibility dimensions apply: width of 80 inches minimum for a front-opening elevator, 68 inches if side opening.
Interiors
1. Water fountain height of 27 inches minimum or 36 inches maximum. An alternative is to place a cup dispenser alongside the fountain.
2. Public phone in reach of person in a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
3. Entrance doors also have an automatic door opening plate.
4. All buildings on the congregation’s physical property are accessible according to the criteria indicated for each access symbol.
5. Signage includes raised brailing or print.
6. No objects protruding into regular traffic areas. (Any object 27 to 80 inches from the floor should not protrude more than four inches into the walkway.)
If your congregation does not meet the criteria indicated, prioritize immediate needs and build the remaining modification needs into your long-range plan for action.
Source: Center for Religion and Disability
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