ABA Accessibility Standard for GSA Facilities Pocket Guide

802 Wheelchair Spaces, Companion Seats, and Designated Aisle Seats

802.1 Wheelchair Spaces.

Wheelchair spaces shall comply with 802.1.

802.1.1 Floor or Ground Surface.

The floor or ground surface of wheelchair spaces shall comply with 302. Changes in level are not permitted.

EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.

802.1.2 Width.

A single wheelchair space shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum. Where two adjacent wheelchair spaces are provided, each wheelchair space shall be 33 inches (840 mm) wide minimum. [ECTCR UFAS 4.33.2, Fig. 46]

Figure 802.1.2 Width of Wheelchair Spaces in Assembly Areas

802.1.3 Depth.

Where a wheelchair space can be entered from the front or rear, the wheelchair space shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) deep minimum. Where a wheelchair space can be entered only from the side, the wheelchair space shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) deep minimum.

Figure 802.1.3 Depth of Wheelchair Spaces in Assembly Areas

802.1.4 Approach.

Wheelchair spaces shall adjoin accessible routes. Accessible routes shall not overlap wheelchair spaces. [ECTCR UFAS 4.33.3, 4.2.4.2, Fig. 46(b)]

802.1.5 Overlap.

Wheelchair spaces shall not overlap circulation paths.

802.2 Lines of Sight.

Lines of sight to the screen, performance area, or playing field for spectators in wheelchair spaces shall comply with 802.2.

802.2.1 Lines of Sight over Seated Spectators.

Where spectators are expected to remain seated during events, spectators in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight complying with 802.2.1. [ECTCR UFAS 4.33.3]

802.2.1.1 Lines of Sight over Heads.

Where spectators are provided lines of sight over the heads of spectators seated in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the heads of seated spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces. [ECTCR UFAS 4.33.3]

Figure 802.2.1.1 Lines of Sight over the Heads of Seated Spectators

802.2.1.2 Lines of Sight between Heads.

Where spectators are provided lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of spectators seated in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of seated spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces. [ECTCR UFAS 4.33.3]

Figure 802.2.1.2 Lines of Sight between the Heads of Seated Spectators

802.2.2 Lines of Sight over Standing Spectators.

Where spectators are expected to stand during events, spectators in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight complying with 802.2.2. [ECTCR UFAS 4.33.3]

802.2.2.1 Lines of Sight over Heads.

Where standing spectators are provided lines of sight over the heads of spectators standing in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the heads of standing spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces. [ECTCR UFAS 4.33.3]

Figure 802.2.2.1 Lines of Sight over the Heads of Standing Spectators

802.2.2.2 Lines of Sight between Heads.

Where standing spectators are provided lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of spectators standing in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of standing spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces. [ECTCR UFAS 4.33.3]

Figure 802.2.2.2 Lines of Sight between the Heads of Standing Spectators

802.3 Companion Seats.

Companion seats shall comply with 802.3.

802.3.1 Alignment.

In row seating, companion seats shall be located to provide shoulder alignment with adjacent wheelchair spaces. The shoulder alignment point of the wheelchair space shall be measured 36 inches (915 mm) from the front of the wheelchair space. The floor surface of the companion seat shall be at the same elevation as the floor surface of the wheelchair space.

802.3.2 Type.

Companion seats shall be equivalent in size, quality, comfort, and amenities to the seating in the immediate area. Companion seats shall be permitted to be movable.

802.4 Designated Aisle Seats.

Designated aisle seats shall comply with 802.4.

802.4.1 Armrests.

Where armrests are provided on the seating in the immediate area, folding or retractable armrests shall be provided on the aisle side of the seat.

802.4.2 Identification.

Each designated aisle seat shall be identified by a sign or marker.