1. Ramps: Buildings must have ramps that allow people with disabilities to enter and exit the building. These ramps must be sloped at a gentle angle and have handrails on both sides.
2. Elevators: Buildings with multiple floors must have elevators that are accessible to people with disabilities. These elevators must be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and must have doors that open wide enough for a wheelchair to enter and exit.
3. Wheelchair-accessible doorways: All doorways in a building must be wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through. They must also have thresholds that are level with the floor.
4. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms: Buildings must have restrooms that are accessible to people with disabilities. These restrooms must have stalls that are large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and must have sinks and mirrors that are at a height that can be reached from a wheelchair.
5. Braille signage: All signs in a building must be in Braille so that people with visual impairments can read them.
6. Accessible parking: Buildings must have accessible parking spaces that are close to the building entrance. These spaces must be wide enough for a wheelchair to enter and exit a vehicle.
These are just some of the criteria that a building must meet in order to be considered accessible. It is important to note that even if a building meets all of these criteria, it does not necessarily mean that it is fully accessible. There may be other factors, such as the layout of the building or the presence of obstacles, that can make it difficult for people with disabilities to use the building.
That’s where the concept of Universal Design comes in as an excellent option for any architect willing to go far beyond compliance with basic guidelines for buildings' accessibility.
