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Think about each space from the perspective of people with physical, hearing,
visual, and cognitive disabilities, noting areas that need improvement.Version 2.1, August 1995
The Americans with Disabilities Act
ADA Title III Compliance Materials
Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal
To obtain additional copies of this checklist, contact your Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center. To be automatically connected to your regional center, call 1-800-949-4ADA. This checklist may be copied as many times as desired by the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers for distribution to small businesses but may not be reproduced in whole or in part and sold by any other entity without written permission of Adaptive Environments, the author.
Copyright © August 1995 Adaptive Environments Center, Inc. Barrier Free Environments, Inc.
Barrier Free Environments, Inc. and Adaptive Environments Center, Inc. are authorized by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to develop information and materials on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, you should be aware that NIDRR is not responsible for enforcement of the ADA. The information, presented here is intended solely as informal guidance, and is neither a determination of your legal rights or responsibilities under the Act, nor binding on any agency with enforcement responsibility under the ADA.
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires public accommodations to provide goods and services to people with disabilities on an equal basis with the rest of the general public. The goal is to afford every individual the opportunity to benefit from our country's businesses and services, and to afford our businesses and services the opportunity to benefit from the patronage of all Americans.
By January 26, 1992, architectural and communication barriers must be removed in public areas of existing facilities when their removal is readily achievable-in other words, easily accomplished and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. Public accommodations that must meet the barrier removal requirement include a broad range of establishments (both for-profit and nonprofit)-such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, museums, retail stores, private schools, banks, doctors' offices, and other places that serve the public. People who own, lease, lease out, or operate places of public accommodation in existing buildings are responsible for complying with the barrier removal requirement.
The removal of barriers can often be achieved by making simple changes to the physical environment. However, the regulations do not define exactly how much effort and expense are required for a facility to meet its obligation. This judgment must be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration such factors as the size, type, and overall financial resources of the facility, and the nature and cost of the access improvements needed. These factors are described in more detail in the ADA regulations issued by the Department of Justice.
The process of determining what changes are readily achievable is not a one-time effort; access should be re-evaluated annually. Barrier removal that might be difficult to carry out now may be readily achievable later. Tax incentives are available to help absorb costs over several years.
This checklist will help you identify accessibility problems and solutions in existing facilities in order to meet your obligations under the ADA.
The goal of the survey process is to plan how to make an existing facility more usable for people with disabilities. The Department of Justice recommends the development of an Implementation Plan, specifying what improvements you will make to remove barriers and when each solution will be carried out: "Such a could serve as evidence of a good faith effort to comply."
This checklist details some of the requirements found in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). However, keep in mind that full compliance with ADAAG is required only for new construction and alterations. The requirements are presented here as a guide to help you determine what may be readily achievable barrier removal for existing facilities. Whenever possible, ADAAG should be used in making readily achievable modifications. If complying with ADAAG is not readily achievable, you may undertake a modification that does not fully comply with ADAAG, as long as it poses no health or safety risk.
Each state has its own regulations regarding accessibility. To ensure compliance with all codes, know your state and local codes and use the more stringent technical requirement for every modification you make; that is, the requirement that provides greater access for individuals with disabilities. The barrier removal requirement for existing facilities is new under the ADA and supersedes less stringent local or state codes.
This checklist does not cover all of ADAAG's requirements; therefore, it is not for facilities undergoing new construction or alterations. In addition, it does not attempt to illustrate all possible barriers or propose all possible barrier removal solutions. ADAAG should be consulted for guidance in situations not covered here.
The checklist does not cover Title III's requirements for nondiscriminatory policies and practices and for the provision of auxiliary communication aids and services. The communication features covered are those that are structural in nature.
This checklist is based on the four priorities recommended by the Title III regulations for planning readily achievable barrier removal projects:
✔ Get Organized: Establish a time frame for completing the survey. Determine how many copies of the checklist you will need to survey the whole facility. Decide who will conduct the survey. It is strongly recommended that you invite two or three additional people, including people with various disabilities and accessibility expertise, to assist in identifying barriers, developing solutions for removing these barriers, and setting priorities for implementing improvements.
✔ Obtain Floor Plans: It is very helpful to have the building floor plans with you while you survey. If plans are not available, use graph paper to sketch the layout of all interior and exterior spaces used by your organization. Make notes on the sketch or plan while you are surveying.
✔ Conduct the Survey: Bring copies of this checklist,
a clipboard, a pencil or pen, and a flexible steel tape measure. With three
people surveying, one person numbers key items on the floor plan to match
with the field notes, taken by a second person, while the third takes measurements.
Be sure to record all dimensions! As a reminder, questions that require
a dimension to be measured and recorded are marked with the ruler symbol .
Think about each space from the perspective of people with physical, hearing,
visual, and cognitive disabilities, noting areas that need improvement.
✔ Summarize Barriers and Solutions: List barriers found and ideas for their removal. Consider the solutions listed beside each question, and add your own ideas. Consult with building contractors and equipment suppliers to estimate the costs for making the proposed modifications.
✔ Make Decisions and Set Priorities: Review the summary with decision makers and advisors. Decide which solutions will best eliminate barriers at a reasonable cost. Prioritize the items you decide upon and make a timeline for carrying them out. Where the removal of barriers is not readily achievable, you must consider whether there are alternative methods for providing access that are readily achievable.
✔ Maintain Documentation: Keep your survey, notes, summary, record of work completed, and plans for alternative methods on file.
✔ Make Changes: Implement changes as planned. Always refer directly to ADAAG and your state and local codes for complete technical requirements before making any access improvement. References to the applicable sections of ADAAG are listed at the beginning of each group of questions. If you need help understanding the federal, state, or local requirements, contact your Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center.
✔ Follow Up: Review your Implementation Plan each year to re-evaluate whether more improvements have become readily achievable.
To obtain a copy of ADAAG or other information from the U.S. Department of Justice, call:
For technical questions, contact the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board at:
People with disabilities should be able to arrive on the site, approach the building, and enter as freely as everyone else. At least one route of travel should be safe and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.
| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Is there a route of travel that does not require the use of stairs? |
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Is the route of travel stable, firm and slip-resistant? |
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Is the route at least 36 inches wide? |
width: |
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Can all objects protruding into the circulation paths be detected by
a person with a visual disability using a cane? Note: In order to be detected using a cane, an object must be within 27 inches of the ground. Objects hanging or mounted overhead must be higher than 80 inches to provide clear head room. It is not necessary to remove objects that protrude less than 4 inches from the wall. |
distance |
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Do curbs on the route have curb cuts at drives, parking, and drop-offs? |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Are the slopes of ramps no greater than 1:12? Note: Slope is given as a ratio of the height to the length. 1:12 means for every 12 inches along the base of the ramp, the height increases one inch. For a 1:12 maximum slope, at least one foot of ramp length is needed for each inch of height.
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slope: |
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Do all ramps longer than 6 feet have railings on both sides? |
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Are railings sturdy, and between 34 and 38 inches high? |
height: |
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Is the width between railings or curbs at least 36 inches? |
width: |
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Are ramps non-slip? |
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Is there a 5-foot-long level landing at every 30-foot horizontal length
of ramp, at the top and bottom of ramps and at switchbacks? |
length: |
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Does the ramp rise no more than 30 inches between landings? |
rise: |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Are an adequate number of accessible parking spaces available (8 feet
wide for car plus 5-foot access aisle)? For guidance in determining the appropriate number to designate, the table below gives the ADAAG requirements for new construction and alterations (for lots with more than 100 spaces, refer to ADAAG): Total spaces and accessible spaces:
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number of |
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Are 8-foot-wide spaces, with minimum 8-foot-wide access aisles, and 98
inches of vertical clearance, available for lift-equipped vans? Note: At least one of every 8 accessible spaces must be van-accessible (with a minimum of one van-accessible space in all cases). |
width/ vertical clearance: |
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Are the access aisles part of the accessible route to the accessible entrance? |
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Are the accessible spaces closest to the accessible entrance? |
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Are accessible spaces marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility? Are there signs reading "Van Accessible" at van spaces? |
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Is there an enforcement procedure to ensure that accessible parking is used only by those who need it? |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
If there are stairs at the main entrance, is there also a ramp or lift, or is there an alternative accessible entrance? Note: Do not use a service entrance as the accessible entrance unless there is no other option.
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Do all inaccessible entrances have signs indicating the location of the nearest accessible entrance? |
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Can the alternate accessible entrance be used independently? |
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Does the entrance door have at least 32 inches clear opening (for a double
door, at least one 32-inch leaf)? |
clean opening: |
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Is there at least 18 inches of clear wall space on the pull side of the
door, next to the handle? Note: A person using a wheelchair or crutches needs this space to get close enough to open the door. |
clear space: |
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Is the threshold edge 1/4-inch high or less, or if beveled edge, no more
than 3/4-inch high? |
height: |
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If provided, are carpeting or mats a maximum of 1/2-inch high? |
height: |
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Are edges securely installed to minimize tripping hazards? |
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Is the door handle no higher than 48 inches and operable with a closed
fist? Note: The "closed fist" test for handles and controls: Try opening the door or operating the control using only one hand, held in a fist. If you can do it, so can a person who has limited use of his or her hands. |
height: |
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Can doors be opened without too much force (exterior doors reserved;
maximum is 5 lbf for interior doors)? Note: You can use an inexpensive force meter or a fish scale to measure the force required to open a door. Attach the hook end to the doorknob or handle. Pull on the ring end until the door opens, and read off the amount of force required. If you do not have a force meter or a fish scale, you will need to judge subjectively whether the door is easy enough to open. |
force: |
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If the door has a closer, does it take at least 3 seconds to close? |
seconds: |
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Ideally, the layout of the building should allow people with disabilities to obtain materials or services without assistance.
| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Does the accessible entrance provide direct access to the main floor, lobby, or elevator?
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Are all public spaces on an accessible route of travel? |
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Is the accessible route to all public spaces at least 36 inches wide? |
width: |
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Is there a 5-foot circle or a T-shaped space for a person using a wheelchair
to reverse direction? |
width: |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Do doors into public spaces have at least a 32-inch clear opening?
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clear opening: |
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On the pull side of doors, next to the handle, is there at least 18 inches
of clear wall space so that a person using a wheelchair or crutches can
get near to open the door? |
clear space: |
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Can doors be opened without too much force (5 lbf maximum for interior
doors)? |
force: |
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Are door handles 48 inches high or less and operable with a closed fist? |
height: |
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Is the threshold edge 1/4-inch high or less, or if beveled edge, no more
than 3/4-inch high? |
height: |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Are all aisles and pathways to materials and services at least 36 inches
wide?
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width: |
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Is there a 5-foot circle or T-shaped space for turning a wheelchair completely? |
width: |
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Is carpeting low-pile, tightly woven, and securely attached along edges? |
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In circulation paths through public areas, are all obstacles cane-detectable
(located within 27 inches of the floor or higher than 80 inches, or protruding
less than 4 inches from the wall)? |
height/ protrusion: |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
If emergency systems are provided, do they have both flashing lights and audible signals?
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Different requirements apply to different types of signs.
| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
If provided, do signs designating permanent rooms and spaces where goods
and services are provided comply with the appropriate requirements for such
signage? |
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| - Signs mounted with centerline 60 inches from floor. | height: | |||
| - Mounted on wall adjacent to latch side of door, or as close as possible. | ||||
| - Raised characters, sized between 5/8 and 2 inches high, with high contrast. | character height: | |||
| - Brailled text of the same information. | ||||
| - If pictogram is used, it must be accompanied by raised characters and braille. |
The following questions apply to directional and informational signs that fall under Priority 2.
| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
If mounted about 80 inches, do they have letters at least 3 inches high,
with high contrast, and non-glare finish? |
letter height: |
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Do directional and informational signs comply with legibility requirements? (Building directories or temporary signs need not comply.) |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Are all controls that are available for use by the public (including
electrical, mechanical, cabinet, game, and self-service controls) located
at an accessible height? Note: Reach ranges: The maximum height for a side reach is 54 inches; for a forward reach, 48 inches. The minimum reachable height is 15 inches for a front approach and 9 inches for a side approach.
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height: |
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| - Are they operable with a closed fist? |
| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Are the aisles between fixed seating (other than assembly area seating)
at least 36 inches wide?
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width: |
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Are the spaces for wheelchair seating distributed throughout? |
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Are the tops of tables or counters between 28 and 34 inches high? |
height: |
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Are knee spaces at accessible tables at least 27 inches high, 30 inches
wide, and 19 inches deep? |
height/width/depth: |
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At each type of cashier counter, is there a portion of the main counter
that is no more than 36 inches high? |
height: |
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Is there a portion of food-ordering counters that is no more than 36
inches high, or is there space at the side for passing items to customers
who have difficulty reaching over a high counter? |
height: |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Are there ramps, lifts, or elevators to all levels? |
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On each level, if there are stairs between the entrance and/or elevator and essential public areas, is there an accessible alternate route? |
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The following questions apply to stairs connecting levels not serviced by an elevator, ramp, or lift.
| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Do treads have a non-slip surface?
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Do stairs have continuous rails on both sides, with extensions beyond the top and bottom stairs? |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Are there both visible and verbal or audible door opening/closing and floor indicators (one tone = up, two tones = down)?
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Are the call buttons in the hallway no higher than 42 inches? |
height: |
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Do the controls inside the cab have raised and braille lettering? |
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Is there a sign on both door jambs at each floor identifying the floor in raised and braille letters? |
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If an emergency intercom is provided, is it usable without voice communication? |
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Is the emergency intercom identified by braille and raised letters? |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Can the lift be used without assistance? If not, is a call button provided?
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Is there at least 30 by 48 inches of clear space for a person in a wheelchair
to approach to reach the controls and use the lift? |
clear space: |
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Are controls between 15 and 48 inches high (up to 54 inches if a side
approach is possible)? |
height: |
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When rest rooms are open to the public, they should be accessible to people with disabilities.
| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
If rest rooms are available to the public, is at least one rest room (either one for each sex, or unisex) fully accessible?
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Are there signs at inaccessible rest rooms that give directions to accessible ones? |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Is there tactile signage identifying rest rooms? Note: Mount signs on the wall, on the latch side of the door, complying with the for permanent signage.
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Are pictograms or symbols used to identify rest rooms, and, if used, are raised characters and braille included below? |
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Is the doorway at least 32 inches clear? |
clear width: |
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Are doors equipped with accessible handles (operable with a closed fist),
48 inches high or less? |
height: |
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Can doors be opened easily (5 lbf maximum force)? |
force: |
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Does the entry configuration provide adequate maneuvering space for a
person using a wheelchair? Note: A person using a wheelchair needs 36 inches of clear width for forward movement, and a 5-foot diameter clear space or a T-shaped space to make turns. A minimum distance of 48 inches clear of the door swing is needed between the two doors of an entry vestibule. |
clear width: |
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Is there a 36-inch-wide path to all fixtures? |
width: |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Is the stall door operable with a closed fist, inside and out?
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Is there a wheelchair-accessible stall that has an area of at least 5
feet by 5 feet, clear of the door swing, OR is there a stall that is less
accessible but that provides greater access than a typical stall (either
36 by 69 inches or 48 by 69 inches)? |
length/width: |
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In the accessible stall, are there grab bars behind and on the side wall nearest to the toilet? |
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Is the toilet seat 17 to 19 inches high? |
height: |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Does one lavatory have a 30-inch-wide by 48-inch-deep clear space in
front? Note: A maximum of 19 inches of the required depth may be under the lavatory.
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clear space: |
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Is the lavatory rim no higher than 34 inches? |
height: |
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Is there at least 29 inches from the floor to the bottom of the lavatory
apron (excluding pipes)? |
height: |
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Can the faucet be operated with one closed fist? |
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Are soap and other dispensers and hand dryers within reach ranges (see page 7) and usable with one closed fist? |
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Is the mirror mounted with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface
40 inches high or lower? |
height: |
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Note that this priority is for items not required for basic access in the first three priorities. When amenities such as drinking fountains and public telephones are provided, they should also be accessible to people with disabilities.
| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Is there at least one fountain with clear floor space of at least 30
by 48 inches in front?
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clear space: |
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Is there one fountain with its spout no higher than 36 inches from the
ground, and another with a standard height spout (or a single "hi-lo"
fountain)? |
height: |
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Are controls mounted on the front or on the side near the front edge, and operable with one closed fist? |
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Is each water fountain cane-detectable (located within 27 inches off
the floor or protruding less than 4 inches from the wall, into the circulation
path? |
height/ protrusion: |
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| Questions | Yes | No | Measurement | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
If pay or public use phones are provided, is there clear floor space
of at least 30 by 48 inches in front of at least one?
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clear space: |
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Is the highest operable part of the phone no higher than 48 inches (up
to 54 inches if a side approach is possible)? |
height: |
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Does the phone protrude no more than 4 inches into the circulation space? |
protrusion: |
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Does the phone have push-button controls? |
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Is the phone hearing-aid compatible? |
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Is the phone adapted with volume control? |
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Is the phone with volume control identified with appropriate signage? |
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If there are four or more public phones in the building, is one of the phones equipped with a text telephone (TT or TDD)? |
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Is the location of the text telephone identified by accessible signage bearing the International TDD Symbol? |
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