The Americans with Disabilities Act ABLE: Administering Better Libraries – Educate Module 3

The Americans With Disabilities Act Federal Legislation signed into law on July 26, 1990

Overview of Workshop The ADA and Libraries Documentation Reasonable Accommodation Readily Achievable Costs Alternatives Library Accessibility Accessible Building Design

The ADA and Libraries Are libraries specifically mentioned in the Americans with Disabilities Act? Yes, in addition to complying with the law, Section 8 of the ADDAG (Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines) specifically addresses libraries.

Documentation Public Libraries should maintain an ADA file. Items to include in this file are: 1.The ADA Handbook 2.Self-Evaluation 3.List of Local Disability Groups

What is “Reasonable Accommodation”? Reasonable accommodation is a modification or an adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to perform essential job functions.

What Does “Readily Achievable” Mean? It means easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.

Costs How much will it cost to make my library accessible to people with disabilities?

Alternatives What kind of alternative methods can be used to comply with the ADA?

Library Accessibility What areas should I look at, both inside and outside my library, to see if the building is accessible?

ADA Self-Evaluation Form Part 1 - Interested Persons Consulted Part 2 - Areas Examined and Problems Identified including: Access Into the Library Access to Programs and Services Access to the Restroom Employment and Communications Part 3 - Description of Modifications Made

Accessible Building Design This section of the module is made possible by the United Spinal Association who generously gave permission to reprint parts of Accessible Building Design.

Handrails

Parking

Vestibules

Elevators

Assembly Spaces

Toilet Rooms

Toilet Stalls

Sinks and Lavatories

Widths for Wheelchairs

Door Approaches

Reading and Study Areas At least 5% or a minimum of one each element of fixed seating, tables, or study carrels shall be wheelchair accessible. Clearance between fixed accessible tables and between study carrels shall be at least 36”.

Check-Out Areas At least one lane at each check-out area shall have a portion of the counter which is at least 36” in length and a maximum height of 36” from the finished floor. Any traffic control or book security gates or turnstiles shall be at least 32” wide.