Access Bulletin Edition #30 | Go Back | Home

ACCESS  BULLETIN

Edition #30         DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD           December 2006

The Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) has rendered several interpretive opinions to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and the Final Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines (FFHAG).  A DCAB interpretive opinion is a clarification of a particular design standard, and only applies to State and county construction projects subject to HRS §103-50.  This Bulletin presents a summary of the questions received and their rulings rendered by DCABsince the last Access Bulletin Edition #29.  There are four parts to each interpretive opinion: the relative guideline section is underscored, the question is in bold type, and the request’s docket number and ruling date in [brackets], and the ruling in italic.  If you would like to receive a copy of a complete docket, please call DCAB with your name, address, and the docket number you desire.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines

4.13 Doors
ADAAG Section 4.13.6 Maneuvering Clearances at Doors
What is the minimum clearance at a door to allow a front approach, when the prominent approach to the door is a side approach? When is front approach required rather then optional?
[DCAB 2006-02; Rul: 09/27/06]
Doors with a predominant side approach are allowed to comply with front approach door maneuvering clearances when a turning space is provided at the door and an accessible route adjoins the entire front edge of the door maneuvering clearance. All doors in alcoves shall comply with front approach door maneuvering clearances and shall have an accessible route adjoining the entire front edge of the door maneuvering clearance.

4.21 Shower Stalls
ADAAG Section 4.21.3 Seat
Can a fixed, non-folding seat, of a dimension not to obstruct the clear effective minimum roll-in shower dimension with a seat height of 17”-19” above the finished floor, be used and located at the end of the shower stall in lieu of a folding shower seat?
[DCAB 2006-04; Rul: 09/27/06]
A fixed, non-folding shower seat, with a seat height of 17”-19” above the finished floor, can be used and located at the end of a roll-in shower stall in lieu of a folding shower seat provided that a clear dimension of 30” by 60” is maintained within the shower, beyond the fixed seat. The fixed shower seat shall span the full depth of the shower stall. The depth of the seat shall be 23” maximum from the main seat wall. The structural strength of the seat shall comply with ADAAG 4.26.3.

4.21 Shower Stalls
ADAAG Section 4.21.4 Grab Bars
Can non-continuous grab bars be used on the back or sidewall of accessible showers?
[DCAB 2006-03; Rul: 09/27/06]
For accessible showers, non-continuous grab bars may be used when standard manufactured lengths do not exist. A maximum of two grab bars is permitted along the shower wall that exceeds 60”. Where multiple grab bars are used, grab bars shall be installed at the same height above the finish floor. Where a seat is not provided in accessible roll-in type shower compartments, grab bars shall be provided on three walls. Grab bars shall be installed 6” maximum from adjacent walls. A minimum of 3” and a maximum of 6” clear distance between adjacent grab bars shall be provided.

4.30 Signage
ADAAG Section 4.30.6 Mounting Location & Height
Can non-pictogram signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces be mounted 60 inches above the finish floor or ground surface to the centerline of the tactile characters/Braille?
[DCAB 2006-01; Rul: 07/19/06]
Non-pictograms signs that designate permanent rooms and spaces can be mounted 60 inches above the finished floor or ground surface measured to the centerline of the tactile characters and Braille.

News You Can Use

The Disability and Communication Access Board is presenting the:
2007 DISABILITY ACCESS CONFERENCE
Design for All
on
September 6, 2007
at the
Ala Moana Hotel 

This full-day conference will be an opportunity for individuals and design professionals to learn, share ideas and promote exemplary designs that create social and physical environments which successfully integrate imaginative solutions and diverse user needs. For more information go to: www.hawaii.gov/health/dcab
 
Disability and Communication Access Board
919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 · Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Oahu: (808) 586-8121 (Voice/TTY),  (808) 586-8129 (FAX)
E-mail: dcab@doh.hawaii.gov
Web site: www.hawaii.gov/health/dcab          
           
Call toll free from:
Big Island: 974-4000, ext. 6-8121# (Voice)
Kauai: 274-3141, ext. 6-8121# (Voice)
Maui:  984-2400, Ext. 6-8121# (Voice)
Molokai & Lanai:  1(800) 468-4644, ext. 6-8121# (Voice)