2016 ADA CHECKLIST FOR POLLING PLACES

Solutions for Accessibility Problems Involving Protruding Objects

Problem One: Objects, such as branches and ceiling-mounted televisions, over a route are lower than 80 inches above the ground or floor.

Solution: Prune the branches or remove the items that are hanging below 80 inches. Another approach is to install a detectable barrier under the item that is too low. The detectable barrier or object must be no higher than 27 inches above the route.

Problem Two:  A wall-mounted display case protrudes seven inches from the wall and the bottom of the case is 40 inches above the floor.

Solution: Place a detectable object or skirting below the case. The bottom of the skirting or detectable object must be no higher than 27 inches above the floor.

Problem Three: The bottom of a set of stairs is open and voters who are blind or have vision loss can hit their head on the underside of the stairs.

Solution: Provide a detectable fence or other object so voters cannot walk under the stairs.

When the underside of a set of stairs is open, it is a hazard to people who are blind or have low vision. Enclosing the area below the stair or installing a cane-detectable barrier helps the person to stop before hitting her head.