Codes that ensure buildings are accessible to persons with disabilities, with requirements such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible bathroom facilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, and access to public facilities and transportation.
Accessibility Standards Guidelines: A set of guidelines and standards to ensure that buildings and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.
Universal Design: Designing products and spaces that are accessible to people with disabilities, as well as able-bodied individuals.
Building Codes: Regulations that govern the design, construction, and occupancy of buildings to protect the health and safety of the public.
Compliance and Enforcement: The process of ensuring that buildings and facilities comply with accessibility codes and standards.
Accessible Routes and Usable Spaces: A set of guidelines that specifies how people with disabilities should move around and interact with public spaces.
Assistive Technology: Devices and equipment designed to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Barrier Removal (Renovations): Making changes to buildings and facilities to remove obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from accessing them.
Environmental Accessibility: Designing buildings and facilities to accommodate people with certain disabilities who may have difficulties with sensory processing, such as those with autism or sensory processing disorder.
Mobile Accessibility: Ensuring that the digital content of websites and mobile apps is accessible to people with disabilities using assistive technology.
Signage and Information: Developing signage and information materials that are accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual and hearing impairments.
Telecommunications and Emergency Communications: Ensuring that people with disabilities have access to communication and emergency systems.
Transportation: Ensuring that transportation systems and services are accessible to people with disabilities.
Workplace Accessibility: Providing accessible work environments, including accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Professional Certification and Training: Certification and training programs available for professionals to become knowledgeable in accessibility codes and standards.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, and other areas. One of the key requirements of the ADA is that buildings must be accessible to people with disabilities.
International Building Code (IBC): The IBC is a model building code that provides minimum standards for building safety, health, and welfare. The code includes provisions for accessibility, such as requirements for wheelchair ramps, door widths, and accessible toilets.
International Code Council Accessibility Code (ICC/ANSI A117.1): This code, produced by the International Code Council (ICC), provides technical specifications for making buildings and facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (NFPA 101): This standard outlines fire safety requirements for all types of buildings. It includes provisions for accessibility, such as requirements for emergency evacuation routes and accessible egress paths.
Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS): The UFAS is a set of standards for accessibility in federally-funded buildings and facilities. It covers a wide range of designs and features, including parking, signage, and accessible entrances.
National Accessible Housing Standard (NAHS): This standard provides guidelines for building accessible homes and apartments for people with disabilities. It covers features such as doorways, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Fair Housing Act (FHA): The FHA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. It requires builders and landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.
ANSI/BHMA A156.19: This standard provides specifications for door hardware designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. It covers issues such as lever handles, door closers, and door latches.