Mobility - Entrance

Entrance to the building is accessible to people who use wheelchairs and others who cannot walk up and down steps. Choose the method of accessibility.

Help: If uncertain about entrance accessibility, select "Ground level" to continue.

Entrance

_____ A covered drop off area with 114" vertical clearance for vehicles to discharge passengers. (Recommended)

_____ Entrance to the building is accessible to people who use wheelchairs and others who cannot walk up and down steps. An accessible entrance meets the criteria below.   Note:  This question only pertains to the method of building entry. A later question will address accessibility within the building.

All methods of accessible entrance meet the following criteria:

____ Accessible from accessible parking spaces via a smooth path at least 36 inches wide at a grade of no more than 1:12 (for 1 in. of rise, 12 in. of length).

____ There is clear signage indicating the accessible entrance.  (If a main public entrance is not accessible, there should be a clear sign pointing to the accessible entrance.)

____ There is at least a 5 foot level platform at the entry door.
____ The doorway entrance into the building is at least 36 inches wide.
____ Doorway has a level threshold of no more than ½ inch.

Accessibility can be via Ground level, a Ramp, or an Elevator or lift.  
Ground level accessible entrances meet all of the above criteria

Ramps also meet the following criteria:

____ Ramp maximum incline of 1:12 (for 1 in. of rise, 12 in. of length), preferably 1:20.
____ Ramp minimum width is 36 inches.
____ Handrails are provided--on at least one side for shorter ramps (except curb ramps) and on both sides for rises of more than 6 inches.
____ After each 30 feet of ramp (measured horizontally) at a slope of 1:12 to 1:16 (or 40 feet for a slope of 1:16 to 1:20), there is a level landing.  

Elevator or lift.  Accessible entrances that include an elevator or lift also meet all of the following criteria:

____ Elevator or lift is certified by the company for intended use.
____ Elevator or lift is able to be easily used by standing person or wheelchair user.

____ Elevator or lift is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair (preferably, along with a standing attendant).

____ Elevator or lift is able to bear the weight of a power wheelchair with person in it.

Doors are of two types:

• Automatic doors are recommended wherever possible since they provide the greatest amount of independence to the most people. 
• Manual doors can also be made more accessible.

Manual doors should meet the following criteria:

____  Able to be opened by a wheelchair user without forcing the wheelchair off of the surrounding level surface.

____ Have a handle easy to grasp with one hand without the need for tight grasping, pinching, or twisting wrist.
____ Doors are light and easy to open (< 5 lbs. pressure) by a wheelchair user.

____ (Highly recommended) Have an usher or greeter stationed at the door to help persons with mobility challenges.

Automatic doors should meet the following criteria:

____ Marked with the universal wheelchair access symbol and in good operating condition.

____ Plainly visible push buttons at comfortable height for person in a wheelchair.   
____ Buttons at sufficient distance from any door that opens toward the user.
____ Doors open at moderate speed and give sufficient time for user to pass through.