Accessible products
Architectural building product companies, in order to provide choices to their commercial clients, had to produce products that comply with the accessibility guidelines and standards. 
 
What happens when the data sheet that they provide to describe the product is not accurate?  What about new products that might solve issues with the Standards?  What if a product is mounted incorrectly?
 
Disclaimer: products discussed in this newsletter are for education and discussion only.  Abadi Accessibility does not recommend or endorse products or warrant that they are compliant .  Readers are encouraged to do their research prior to specifying.
Beware of the accessibility symbol
 
 Architects and designers rely on product data sheets to select and specify products.  But it is sometimes misleading when we see the accessibility symbol.  Sometimes all the symbol is informing may be that it is accessible if mounted at a certain height.  But sometimes the data sheet gives information that a product is accessible, but it may not be correct. Beware of just going by the accessibility symbol and assuming the product is accessible without researching further.
 
One example is this napkin dispenser.  The technical data sheet claims that it is accessible by using the universal symbol of accessibility and it even quotes the Standards which states:
 
 4.27.4 Operation. Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf (22.2 N).
 
 
But in reality this product only works if you grasp the knob with your hand and pull it.  I confirmed this when I spoke with the technical rep at the vendor. 
napkin dispenser


 

photo of vending machine

This is a photo of the installed product showing how a person without the ability to use their hand would not be able to use this product.

 
In This Issue
Beware of the accessibility symbol
Surface mounted products
Accessible shower drainage
On a lighter note
Quick Links

access logo

 
 tdlr
 
 
access board
 
twitter
 
 
linkedin
Sign up to receive our E-news letter!
Surface Mounted Products
 
 Companies are now starting to come up with surface mounted accessories that are not protruding objects as defined by the ADAAG.  There are a few hand dryers that are not recessed that measure 4" in depth.  Click on the photo to go to the website for this product.

4 in hand dryer

 
 
And a few companies also have 4" deep surface mounted paper towel dispensers.  Click on the photo below to go to the website for this product.

paper towel disp

Accessible shower drainage

Accessible transfer showers (36"x 36") cannot have curbs that exceed 1/2" and a roll in shower may not have any curb at all.
 
4.21.7 Curbs If provided, curbs in shower stalls 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) shall be no higher than 1/2 in (13 mm). Shower stalls that are 30 in by 60 in (760 mm by 1525 mm) minimum shall not have curbs.

 

Keeping the water in and not flooding the rest of the bathroom is tricky.  There is new product I found that alleviates the problem. It is essentially a trench drain. Click on the image for more information.
 
 http://www.quickdrainusa.com/
 
There is also  a collapsible curb (water retention dam) that is also acceptable as long as, once collapsed, it does not exceed 1/4" height per 4.5. Click on the image for more information.
 

http://store.allinonemobility-shop.com/coware.html


On a lighter note
 
Even if you select the correct equipment or accessory, it can still not be accessible if you mount it at the wrong height.... ;-)
 
 reach range
If you have any other questions or if there is anything else I can help you with, feel free to contact me any time. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Marcela Abadi Rhoads, RAS #240
Abadi Accessibility
214. 403.8714