Real Life, Relevant Applications of ADA Principles During Times of Disaster

1. Identify issues facing people with physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disabilities 2. Fundamentals of ADA and ADAAG (‘grandfathered’ does not exist) 3. Applications in times of emergency & disaster

 58 million Americans have disabilities  1 in 5 (20% of the population)  20 million families have at least 1 member with a disability “Disability is not the experience of a minority of Americans. Rather, it is an experience that will touch most Americans at some point during their lives.” President Bush New Freedom Initiative February 1, 2001

Disabilities  Commonly thought of People with Disabilities  In wheelchairs  Walking with a cane  Accompanied by a guide dog  Commonly assumed Basic Accessible Features are:  Grab bars  Accessible toilet areas  Curb cuts  Ramps  Elevators

ADA identification of a person with a disability  The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability.

 The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.  "Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:  You cannot do work that you did before;  We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and  Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

TIMELINE………… : Passage of the Rehabilitation Act 1990: Expanded the prohibition against discrimination to all activities of state and local governments 1991: “Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability on state and local government services” became effective 1992: Government issues the “Transition Plan,” where structural changes on facilities are undertaken to comply with the obligations established under ADA 1995: The “Transition Plan” alterations were to be complete

1.To provide a clear and comprehensive mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities 2.To provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities 3.To ensure the Federal Government plays a central role in enforcing ADA standards

ADA Coordinator  The Americans with Disabilities Act requires state and local entities with over 50 employees to designate an ADA Coordinator to oversee and coordinate ADA compliance. The U.S. Department of Justice also strongly recommends that smaller entities also designate an ADA Coordinator as they have the same compliance obligations as larger entities. Since the passage of the ADA in 1990 businesses, corporations, industries, non-profit agencies, and private k- 12 and post-secondary institutions have found having an ADA Coordinator to be essential to meeting ADA compliance obligations. The position of ADA Coordinator, once relatively obscure has now become common-place.

 People with disabilities need an accessible route(s) from the right-of-way, a drop off area, and/or the accessible parking to the accessible entrance(s). 60% of all entrances must be accessible.  People with disabilities need to use independently all the facilities of the building including the bathrooms, programs, common areas, and communication tools.  People with disabilities may need special access to refrigeration, electrical power, climate control, or allergen-free areas. Thought Process

 Accessible parking is generally one place for every 25, with a minimum of one van accessible space (Facilities providing medical cares require 20% of the parking to be accessible)  Every accessible parking space has an access aisle of at least 5-feet wide (Van spaces require 96” wide access aisle)  The route to the accessible parking place requires a vertical clearance of 96”  Two accessible parking places may share a common access aisle  Accessible parking places shall be located on the shortest route of travel from the parking to the accessible entrance  Curb ramps cannot be located within the access aisle  The markings for an accessible parking place include a sign at the front of the space & a an accompanying access aisle

 Accessible route connects to accessible parking or public walks to the accessible building entrances ~ 60% are required to be accessible. When not all entrances are accessible, there must be signage directing to accessible route with accessible entrances.  Accessible pathways must be at least 36” wide (& if they are less than 5-feet wide they require ‘passing spaces’)  At least 80” of clear head room must be available  When walkway levels change greater than ½,” then they must be sloped– no such thing as ‘just 1 step’  There should be no objects that protrude greater than 4” into the pathway, between the heights of 27-80”… including fire department water sources

Ramps  Ramps can never be longer than 30-feet. They can connect with level landings that are 5-feet wide.  All ramps must have:  A maximum slope of 8% (1:12)  Appropriate handrails at a height of 34-38” off of the finished floor  A clear width of 36”  Edge Protection 4 inches high above the surface of the ramp

Entrance Level Landing Slope

 There must be a level landing on either side of the entrance  When a door is open 90,° there must be at least 32” of clear space  Interior doors require less than 5 lbs. of push (unless fire code says otherwise)  Any level change over a ½” is not accessible

 An accessible path of at least 36 clear inches of width and 80” of clear headroom is required  Floor surfaces should be stable, firm, and slip resistant. ~~High pile carpet with padding creates a problem  Room identification signs need Braille  Emergency warning systems need to be both audible and visual

EE ntrance door must require less than 5 ppf and have an accessible handle AA ccessible stall width is at least 60 inches wide and 59 inches deep WW hen the stall door is at least 36 inches wide, it can swing either way TT he toilet seat must be between 17 and 19” from the floor (urinals should be no higher than 17” from the floor) TT he flush controls should be mounted on the accessible side of the toilet BB e aware of a human barrier~ urinal user

TT he toilet paper dispenser must allow continuous paper delivery LL avatory rim height can be no higher than 34” off the finished floor TT he hot water pipes and drains must be insulated FF aucet operation must be less than 5 ppf and be operable with your elbow—no pinching or fine motor needed DD ispenser height must be no higher than 48” off the finished floor

Reach Ranges

Protruding Objects

 All forms of communication (written and spoken) must be available to people with disabilities. Advance thought and training can prepare with paper and pen, dry erase boards, communication assistive technology, printed alphabets, or texts from mobile phones. Keep in mind that a person may not be able to see, to hear, or to speak clearly or at all. Visual signals such as flashing lights can be utilized. Communication

Fire Exits  Egress is required to meet fire codes and we must consider where a person in a wheel chair is going to go in case of evacuation.  Evac-u-chair or other technologies for evacuations via stairs  Areas of rescue assistance

 Modifications for ADA compliance can be easily installed/provided. Plywood can provide a barrier between heat conducting plumbing and legs that may get burned when installed correctly.  Chairs, tables, beds/mattress heights must be considered in addition to accessible area beside them used for transfers.  Cutlery, drinking cups, sturdy plates need to be considered & serving heights should be at 34” off the floor  Water dispensers that require ‘pinching’ are not accessible  Provide an advance training about the needs of people with disabilities and ‘de-mystify’ the challenges~ Emergency Shelter Considerations

 Create a protocol for your entity, and disseminate it to Emergency Personnel and to people with disabilities through support groups, medical facilities & Independent Living Centers  Share your Plan for Accessibility physical facility requirements with all Maintenance Technicians (they set the door weights, replace the dispensers, and create security processes like chains for doors) & Emergency Personnel.  Make information available to the Police and Firefighters so they can assure evacuees. Advance Planning & Trainings

1.“Just 1 step” 2.Ramps without level landings at the top & the bottom 3.Force or reach required is greater than necessary 4.That everyone knows what a person with a disability needs 5.That being ADA compliant is difficult and expensive

 United States Access Board ~ board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and- sites/about-the-ada-standards/ada-standards  ADA National Network ~ Resources

Janet Schumacher, CEAC ADA Coordinator for the City of Charleston, SC or