Complying With New Mandatory ADA Standards

DALLAS — All state and government construction projects will soon have to bring their projects up to compliance to meet the 2010 Standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act — a requirement that includes school exteriors like playgrounds, pools and outdoor signage.

For projects that start on or after March 25, 2012 the 2010 ADA standards will apply automatically.

The new standards not only impact the interior of schools, but extend outside the classroom. The new ADA standards reflect changes for school playgrounds, pools and signs posted in and around school properties.

Some school districts may be in the market for new signs that comply with the ADA’s standards on Braille messages, as well as the tactile text on the sign.

“Aside from the fact that it’s a federal requirement, adhering to the revised ADA Standards doesn’t have to be painful or costly,” said Kelly David, Director of Marketing and Product Management at ASI. “There are so many different options to deploy signage that not only meet the federal guidelines but also harmonize seamlessly with the facility’s branding and wayfinding needs, while also meeting your budget needs.”

While many school signs have relied on Grade-1 Braille signs to meet ADA compliance, the new standards make it mandatory for schools to update its signs to meet Grade-2 Braille, which includes different sizes, shapes and structures than Grade-1. No exact font is listed in the guidelines for the tactile text on the sign, but the signs must be of a sans serif font style, which includes the most basic Helvetica font.

“Currently the minimum size is what matters. It is now 5/8-inch high with a separation or clear space of 3/8-inch between the bottom of the raised letters and the top of the Grade 2 Braille,” said Patrick Heatherington, Senior Manager of Marketing and Product Management of ASI.

The new standards will require schools to purchase some new equipment or make upgrades to its existing equipment in order to meet the standards, but many school facilities are ready and willing — if they haven’t already completed the necessary upgrades.

“With every challenge, there is an opportunity to not just meet the challenge but make further improvements,” said Heatherington. “This is why we see the smart and efficient school administrators and facility managers taking this ADA compliance opportunity to update wayfinding plans and update the signage message schedules to communicate with a more demographically diverse audience then they might have had 10 years ago when the current signage and wayfinding system was put into place.”

Swimming Pool and Playground Standards

Swimming pools have become a staple for many schools — especially high schools undergoing recent construction. The 2010 standards make it possible for those with disabilities to have access to new and existing pools.

For the first time, the 2010 Standards set minimum requirements for making swimming pools, wading pools, and spas accessible. Newly constructed and altered pools must meet these requirements. Public entities and public accommodations also have obligations with respect to existing pools. State and local governments must make recreational programs and services, including swimming pool programs, accessible to people with disabilities. Public accommodations must bring existing pools into compliance with the 2010 Standards to the extent that it is readily achievable to do so, according to the 2010 ADA Standards.

Playgrounds and playground equipment will also see new mandatory updates and compliance starting March 15. Accessible ground and elevated play components, accessible routes, ramps and transfer systems (typically a platform or transfer steps), and accessible ground surfaces must be provided, according to the ADA. Schools can upgrade anytime before the new standards are set into place to avoid any fines.