ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters

2. Typical Issues for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision

Individuals who are blind or have low vision may walk along any route or through any shelter activity area, not just the accessible routes. That means any area where people using the shelter can walk, including hallways, corridors, eating areas, and sleeping areas, must be free of objects that cannot be detected by a person who is blind or has low vision. Objects that are wall mounted, that project into a pedestrian route from the side, or that are overhead must be located so that individuals who are blind or have low vision will either detect the objects before they run into them or safely pass under them. These routes must be free of overhanging objects that are less than 80 inches above the floor and side objects that protrude into the route more than 4 inches when the bottom of the object is more than 27 inches above the floor. Items to watch for include wall-mounted fire extinguishers and wall-mounted display cases when the bottom is more than 27 inches above the floor, wall sconces and light fixtures that protrude more than 4 inches off the wall, and open staircases, exit signs, overhead signs, banners, and arched doorways that are lower than 80 inches above the floor.

Notes:

1. Wall-mounted drinking fountains are a hazard when the front projects more than 4 inches beyond the wall and the bottom is more than 27 inches above the floor.

2. Wall-mounted objects cannot project more than 4 inches beyond the wall if the bottom is not in the cane-detectable area below 27 inches off the floor.

3. Overhead objects must be at least 80 inches off the floor.

The following questions apply to pedestrian routes serving or leading to the shelter activity and common use areas.

E2-a. Are pedestrian routes leading to or serving each service or activity area of the shelter free of objects that protrude from the side more than 4 inches into the route with the bottom of the object more than 27 inches above the floor? [ADA Standards § 4.4.1]

   Yes

   No

Note: These objects may be wall mounted or free standing. Items to check include wall-mounted fire extinguishers, light fixtures, coat hooks, shelves, drinking fountains, and display cases.

E2-b. Are pedestrian routes leading to or serving each of the service or activity areas free of overhead objects with the bottom edge lower than 80 inches above the floor? [ADA Standards § 4.4.2]

   Yes

   No

E2-c. Are any interior stairs along these routes configured with a cane-detectable warning or a barrier that prevents travel into the area with less than an 80-inch high head clearance so that people who are blind or who have low vision cannot hit their heads on the underside or stair frame? [ADA Standards § 4.4.2]

   Yes

   No

If No, list the objects that are a hazard and their location. Remove or relocate the object or place a detectable object on the floor below each object to remove the hazard.