ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters

Step Two - ADA Checklist For Emergency Shelters

Getting to the Emergency Shelter

A. Passenger Drop-Off Areas

During an evacuation the most efficient method of transporting people to shelters likely will include using vans and buses. Accessible buses and vans with wheelchair lifts will be needed to transport people who use wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids. When they arrive at the shelter, an accessible drop-off area (also known as a passenger loading zone) is needed for people using mobility aids to get off of the bus or van and proceed to the shelter's accessible entrance.

An accessible drop-off area must have a level access aisle that is adjacent and parallel to the vehicle space. Where a curb separates the vehicle space from the access aisle or the access aisle from an accessible route, a curb ramp must be provided so people with mobility disabilities can get to the accessible route leading to the accessible entrance of the shelter.

Notes

1. Access aisle depth is at least 5 feet.

2. Access aisle length is at least 20 feet. 3. [sic]

3. Curb ramp connects the access aisle for the accessible drop-off area (which is at the level of the parking lot) to the accessible route to the accessible entrance of the shelter.

The access aisle may be at the parking-lot level or at sidewalk level. If the access aisle is at the parking-lot level, the curb ramp is provided between the access aisle and the sidewalk. If it is at the sidewalk level, an adjacent curb ramp is provided between the street and the sidewalk.

A1. Is a relatively level (1:50 or 2% maximum slope in all directions) access aisle provided adjacent and parallel to the side of the vehicle pull-up area? [ADA Standards § 4.6.6]

   Yes

   No

If No, look for another relatively level location that is on an accessible route to the accessible shelter entrance that could be used.

A2. Is the vehicle pull-up area relatively level (1:50 or 2% maximum slope in all directions)?

   Yes

   No

A3. Is the area for the access aisle at least 5-feet wide and 20-feet long? [ADA Standards § 4.6.6].

   Yes

    No

Note: Unlike at an accessible parking space, the surface for the access aisle of an accessible passenger drop-off area does not have to be marked or striped.

A4. Is there vertical clearance of at least 114 inches (9 feet 6 inches) from the site entrance to the vehicle pull-up area, the access aisle, and along the vehicle route to the exit? [ADA Standards § 4.6.5]

   Yes

   No

A5. Is a curb ramp provided between the vehicle pull up area and the access aisle (see above) or the access aisle and the accessible route to the
accessible entrance? [ADA Standards § 4.6.6]

   Yes

   No

If No, is there another area with a curb ramp and on an accessible route that could serve as the drop-off area?

If there is no curb ramp near the drop-off area, can a temporary ramp be used to connect the drop-off area access aisle to the accessible route to the accessible shelter entrance?

A6. If a curb ramp is provided, is the running slope of the ramp surface (not counting the side flares) no more than 1:12 or 8.33% [ADA Standards § 4.7.2]

   Yes

   No

A7. Is the width of the curb ramp surface at least 36 inches (not counting the side flares)? [ADA Standards § 4.7.3]

   Yes

   No

A8. Does an accessible route connect the curb ramp to the shelter’s accessible entrance? [ADA Standards § 4.1.2(1)]

   Yes

   No

B. Parking

1. Typical Issues

During an evacuation, some individuals with a mobility disability may arrive at the shelter in a car or van. When parking areas are provided at the shelter site, accessible parking spaces must be provided. Individuals with disabilities who arrive at the shelter in their own car or van need to be able to park in an accessible parking space close to an accessible entrance. Accessible parking spaces need an adjacent access aisle that provides space for a person with a mobility disability to exit their vehicle. The access aisle connects directly to an accessible route that leads to an accessible building entrance. In order to be usable, the access aisle must be relatively level, clear of gravel or mud, and the surface must be in good condition without wide cracks or broken pavement.

An accessible route connects the permanent access aisle of each accessible parking space with the accessible entrance to the shelter. When an accessible route crosses a curb, a curb ramp must be provided. During an emergency, as a temporary measure, if additional accessible parking spaces are needed, a portable ramp can be provided in a parking space marked off by traffic cones to provide two additional accessible parking spaces (see page 18).

Notes:

1.  Accessible route.

2.  Accessible parking with van accessible parking space.

3.  Accessible entrance to shelter.

4.  Temporary accessible parking spaces.

2. Parking Spaces Checklist

B1. When parking areas are provided at the shelter site, count the total number of parking spaces provided in each area. Is the minimum number of accessible parking spaces provided, based on the total number of available parking spaces (see table below)? [ADA Standards § 4.1.2(5)(a)]

   Yes

    No

[Click image above to view HTML version]

If more than 150 parking spaces are provided in a particular lot, see section 4.1.2 of the ADA Standards for the number of accessible parking spaces required.

B2. Does each accessible parking space have its own, or share, an adjacent access aisle that is least 60 inches (5 feet) wide? [ADA Standards § 4.6.3]

   Yes

   No

B3. Is there at least one van-accessible parking space provided with an access aisle that is at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide or are universal parking spaces provided that are 132 inches (11 feet) wide for vehicle space with a 60-inch (5-feet) wide access aisle? [ADA Standards § § 4.1.2(5), A4.6]

   Yes

    No

B4. For van-accessible spaces (particularly in a garage or parking structure), is there vertical clearance of at least 98 inches (8 feet - 2 inches) for the vehicle route to the parking space, the parking space, the access aisle, and along the vehicle route to the exit? [ADA Standards § 4.6.5]

   Yes

    No

If No: Can the route be cleared by removing or raising low objects, or can each van accessible parking space be relocated?

B5. Are all accessible parking spaces, including the access aisle, relatively level (1:50 or 2%) in all directions? [ADA Standards § 4.6.3]

   Yes

    No

If No: Look for a nearby area that is relatively level in all directions that could serve as an accessible parking space with an accessible route to the accessible entrance to the shelter.

B6. Does each accessible parking space have a sign with the symbol of accessibility that is visible when a vehicle is parked in the space? [ADA Standards § 4.6.4]

   Yes

   No

B7. If there is a curb between the access aisle and the accessible route to the building, is there a curb ramp that meets the following requirements: [ADA Standards § 4.7]

   Yes

   No

B7-a. Is the curb ramp surface at least 36 inches wide, excluding flared sides? [ADA Standards § 4.7.3]

   Yes

   No

B7-b. Is the slope (up or down the ramp) no more than 1:12? [ADA Standards § 4.7.2]

   Yes

    No

Note: 1:12 is one inch of vertical height for each 12 inches of length.

B8. Are the accessible parking spaces serving the shelter on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance? [ADA Standards § 4.6.2]

   Yes

    No

B9. Does each access aisle connect to an accessible route from the parking area to the shelter's accessible entrance? [ADA Standards § 4.6.2]

   Yes

   No

3. Temporary Solutions for Emergency Sheltering - Parking

Problem: Parking at the shelter facility either has no accessible parking, not enough accessible parking, or accessible parking spaces are not on level ground.

Suggestion: Find a fairly level parking area near the accessible entrance and mark the area for accessible parking spaces. Three regular parking spaces will make two accessible parking spaces with a shared access aisle. Provide a sign designating each accessible parking space. Ensure there is an accessible route from each access aisle to the accessible entrance.

If temporary accessible spaces are used, mark the temporary accessible parking spaces with traffic cones or other temporary elements. Traffic cones can also be used to mark off an access aisle if designated accessible parking spaces lack an access aisle or if the access aisle is too narrow. At least one accessible parking space should be a van-accessible parking space with an access aisle that is at least 96 inches wide.

C. Sidewalks and Walkways

1. Typical Issues for Individuals Who Use Wheelchairs, Scooters, or other Mobility Devices

An accessible route connects accessible passenger drop-off areas, accessible parking spaces, and other accessible elements, like a route from a bus stop, to an accessible building entrance. The accessible route is essential for people who have difficulty walking or who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids to get to the accessible entrance of the shelter. The accessible route must be at least 36 inches wide (it may narrow briefly to 32 inches wide where utility poles, signs, etc. are located along the accessible route). Abrupt level changes, steps, or steep running or cross slopes cannot be part of an accessible route. Where ramps are used, they cannot be steeper than 1:12. Ramps with a vertical rise of more than 6 inches must have handrails on both sides. Ramps must also have edge protection to stop wheelchairs from falling off the sides, and level landings at the top and bottom of each segment and where the ramp changes direction.

Notes:

1. Accessible route

2. Accessible drop-off area

3. Accessible parking with van-accessible parking space

4. Accessible entrance to shelter

C1-a. Is an accessible route provided from accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance of the shelter? [ADA Standards § 4.1.2(1), 4.3]

   Yes

    No

C1-b. Is an accessible route provided from public sidewalks and public transportation stops on the shelter site (if provided) to the accessible entrance for the shelter? [ADA Standards § 4.1.2(1)]

   Yes

    No

Note: The accessible route is at least 36 inches wide and may be a portion of a sidewalk.

C1-c. Is the accessible route at least 36 inches wide? [ADA Standards § 4.3.3]

   Yes

    No

If No, does the accessible route narrow to 32 inches for no more than 2 feet?

C1-d. Is the accessible route free of steps and abrupt level changes higher than 1/2 inch? [ADA Standards § 4.3.8]

   Yes

    No

Note: Level changes between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch should be beveled (sloped) at 1:2 maximum.

C1-e. Where an accessible route crosses a curb, is a curb ramp provided? [ADA Standards § 4.3.8]

   Yes

    No

e-i. Is the curb ramp surface at least 36 inches wide, excluding flared sides? [ADA Standards § 4.7.3]

   Yes

    No

e-ii. Is the running slope (up or down the ramp) no more than 1:12? [ADA Standards § 4.7.2]

   Yes

    No

Note: 1:12 is one inch of vertical height for 12 inches of horizontal distance.

C1-f. If the slope of part of the accessible route is more than 1:20, does it meet the following requirements for an accessible ramp?

   Yes

   No

f-i. Is the running slope no greater than 1:12? [ADA Standards § 4.8.2]

   Yes

    No

Note: For existing ramps, the slope may be 1:10 for a 6-inch rise and 1:8 for a 3-inch rise in special circumstances (see ADA Standards § 4.1.6(3)).

f-ii. Are handrails installed on both sides of each ramp segment? [ADA Standards § 4.8.5]

   Yes

   No

f-iii. Is the ramp width, measured between the handrails, at least 36 inches? [ADA Standards § 4.8.3]

   Yes

    No

f-iv. Does the ramp have a level landing at the top and bottom of each ramp section that is at least 60 inches long? [ADA Standards § 4.8.4]

   Yes

    No

Note: The level landing may be part of the sidewalk or walking surface.

Notes:

1. At least 36 inches between handrails

2. Top landing part of walk

3. Bottom landing part of walk

4. Handrail height 34 to 38 inches

5. Edge protection.

f-v. If a ramp is more than 30 feet long, is a level landing at least 60 inches long provided at every 30 feet of horizontal length? [ADA Standards § 4.8.4]

   Yes

    No

Note: if the running slope is less than 1:16 but more than 1:20, each ramp segment may be up to 40 feet long followed by a level landing].

f-vi. Is there a level landing, at least 60 inches x 60 inches, when a ramp changes direction? [ADA Standards § 4.8.4]

   Yes

    No

f-vii. Are the handrails mounted 34 to 38 inches above the ramp surface? [ADA Standards § 4.8.5]

   Yes

    No

f-viii. If the ramp or landing has a vertical drop-off on either side, is edge protection provided? [ADA Standards § 4.8.7]

   Yes

    No

Temporary Solutions For Emergency Sheltering - Ramps

Problem: The sidewalk connecting parking to the shelter entrance is too steep to be accessible.

Suggestion: Check to see if there is another accessible route to the accessible entrance. Sometimes there is a less direct route that is accessible. During an evacuation it will be helpful to put up signs or to have volunteers stationed at the accessible parking spaces to direct people along this less direct, but nonetheless accessible, route.

Problem: The accessible route crosses a curb but no curb ramp is provided.

Suggestion: Install a portable ramp with a slope no steeper than 1:12 with edge protection. Store the portable ramp on site so it can be easily accessed in an emergency.

Problem: There are two steps where the sidewalk connects to the accessible entrance.

Suggestion: Install a portable ramp with a slope no steeper than 1:12 with edge protection and handrails on both sides of the ramp. Store the portable ramp and components on site so everything can be easily accessed in an emergency.

2. Typical Issues for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Objects that are wall mounted, that project into a pedestrian route from the side, or that are overhead can be hazards to people who are blind or who have low vision. These objects must be positioned so people will either detect the objects before they run into them or safely pass under them. Examples may include handrail extensions on stairs and ramps, post- or wall-mounted signs, drinking fountains, and low hanging tree limbs. Pedestrian routes open to people during the time that the facility is being used as an emergency shelter, such as sidewalks, courtyards, and plazas, must be free of overhanging objects that are less than 80 inches above the route. Objects more than 27 inches and less than 80 inches above the route and that protrude from the side more than 4 inches are also a hazard. Since people can walk on any sidewalk, not just the accessible routes, all exterior pedestrian routes serving or leading to the shelter areas must be checked. The following questions apply to sidewalks and walkways leading to the emergency shelter.

Notes:

1. The bottom of the handrail extensions turn down to 27 inches or less above the route so a person who is blind or has low vision can detect the hazard before running into it.

2. Signs or other objects in the pedestrian route can be a hazard if the bottom is more than 27 inches but less than 80 inches above the route.

3. Objects that overhang the pedestrian route must be at least 80 inches above the route.

C2‒1. Are all sidewalks and walkways to the shelter free of any objects (e.g., wall-mounted boxes, signs, handrail extensions) with bottom edges that are between 27 inches and 80 inches above the walkway and that extend more than 4 inches into the sidewalk or walkway? [ADA Standards §§ 4.4, 4.2.1(3) [sic], 4.1.3(2)] 

   Yes

    No

If No, can the object be lowered, removed, or modified or can the route be moved so that the object can be avoided?

C2‒2. Are the undersides of exterior stairs enclosed or protected with a cane-detectable barrier so that people who are blind or have low vision will not hit their heads on the underside? [ADA Standards § 4.4.2]

   Yes

    No

If No, can a barrier or enclosure be added below the stair or can the route be relocated away from the stair?

C2‒3. Are all objects that hang over the pedestrian routes at least 80 inches above the route? [ADA Standards § 4.4.2]

   Yes

   No

If No, can the objects be removed or relocated, or can a cane-detectable object be added below that is at no higher than 27 inches?

Temporary Solutions For Emergency Sheltering - Protruding Object Hazards

Problem: Objects protrude too far from the side into the route causing a hazard for people who are blind or who have low vision.

Suggestion: When people who are blind or who have low vision use a cane to detect hazards, objects located at 27 inches or lower are detectable. When an object is located higher than 27 inches above the ground it is a hazard if the object protrudes more than 4 inches into the circulation path. To make a protruding object cane-detectable:

• Place an object below, or on either side of, the protruding object that is not higher than 27 inches above the ground. If the protruding object can be moved, lower the object so that its bottom is not more than 27 inches above the ground. Prune or alter the protruding object so it does not protrude above the route.

D. Entering the Emergency Shelter

Building Entrance

A shelter must have at least one accessible entrance that is on an accessible route. An accessible entrance must provide at least one accessible door with maneuvering space, accessible hardware, and enough clear width to allow people who use crutches, a cane, walker, scooter, or wheelchair to use it.

If the accessible entrance is not the main entrance to the facility that is being used as a shelter, signs must be located at inaccessible entrances to direct evacuees and volunteers to the accessible entrance. The accessible entrance must be unlocked when other shelter entrances are unlocked.

 D1. Is there at least one accessible entrance connected to an accessible route? [ADA Standards § 4.1.3(1)]

   Yes

    No

Notes: If this entrance is not the main entrance, it needs to be kept unlocked when other shelter entrances are unlocked.

If there are inaccessible entrances serving the shelter, signs will be needed at inaccessible entrance(s) to direct evacuees to the nearest accessible entrance.

D2. Does at least one door or one side of a double leaf-door provide at least 32 inches clear passage width when the door is open 90 degrees? [ADA Standards § 4.13.5]

   Yes

    No

If No, does another entrance have an accessible door or can both doors be propped open during the evacuation? Other possible solutions are to enlarge the door opening, use a swing clear hinge, or, if a double-leaf door, replace with uneven width doors.

D3. Is the hardware (e.g., lever, pull, and panic bar) usable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist? [ADA Standards § 4.13.9]

   Yes

    No

If No, leave door propped open, add new accessible hardware, or adapt/replace hardware.

D4. On the latch, pull side of the door, is there at least 18 inches clearance provided if the door is not automatic or power-operated? [ADA Standards § 4.13.6, Fig. 25]

   Yes

    No

If No, leave the door propped open or find another accessible entrance.

D5. If there is a raised threshold, is it no higher than 3/4 inch at the door and beveled on both sides? [ADA Standards §§ 4.1.6(3)(d)(ii), 4.13.8]

   Yes

    No

If No, replace threshold with one with beveled sides or add a sloped insert.

D6. If an entry has a vestibule, is there a 30-inch by 48-inch clear floor space inside the vestibule where a wheelchair or scooter user can be outside the swing of a hinged door? [ADA Standards § 4.13.7]

   Yes

    No

If No, leave the inner door permanently open, remove inner door, or modify the vestibule.

E. Hallways and Corridors

1. Typical Issues for Individuals Who Use Wheelchairs, Scooters, or Other Mobility Devices

The interior accessible route connects the accessible entrance with the various service and activity areas within the shelter. Typically made up of hallways, corridors, and interior rooms and spaces, the accessible route is essential for people who have difficulty walking or who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids to get to all of the service and activity areas of the shelter.

An accessible route is at least 36 inches wide and may narrow briefly to 32 inches wide where the route passes through doors or next to furniture and building elements. High thresholds, abrupt level changes, steps, or steep running or cross slopes cannot be part of an accessible route. Where ramps are used, they cannot be steeper than 1:12. Ramps with a vertical rise of more than 6 inches must have handrails on both sides. Ramps must also have edge protection to stop wheelchairs from falling off the sides, and level landings at the top and bottom of each segment and where a ramp changes direction.

Where an accessible route is different from the route used by most evacuees, signs will be needed at key decision points to direct individuals with disabilities to the various activity areas.

Notes:

1. Accessible Entrance

2. Accessible Route connects the accessible entrance with shelter service and activity area

3. Accessible door to service and activity areas

E1-a. Is there an accessible route, at least 36 inches wide, that connects the accessible entrance to all shelter areas (it may narrow to 32 inches wide for up to 2 feet in length)? [ADA Standards § 4.3.2(3)]

   Yes

    No

E1-b. Is the accessible route free of steps and abrupt level changes over 1/2 inch?

   Yes

   No

Note: level changes between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch should be beveled). [ADA Standards §§ 4.1.3(1), 4.3.8]

E1-c. Does the accessible route from the accessible entrance to all activity areas change levels using a ramp, lift or elevator? [ADA Standards §§ 4.1.3(1), 4.3.8]

   Yes

    No

If No, go to question E1-g.

c-i. If Yes, is a ramp or sloped hallway provided?

   Yes

    No

If Yes, go to question E1-d.

c-ii. Is an elevator or lift provided?

   Yes

    No

If Yes, and the elevator or lift is part of the accessible route to a shelter area, is back-up electrical power available to operate the elevator or lift for the duration of shelter operation should the normal electrical service be disrupted?

If Yes and an elevator is provided, see question E1-e.

If Yes and a lift is provided, see question E1-f.

If No, then either provide back-up electrical power to operate the lift or elevator during the power outage or locate shelter services exclusively on accessible levels that may be reached by people with a mobility disability without using an elevator or lift.

E1-d. Where the slope of the accessible route is greater than 1:20, does this area meet the following requirements for an accessible ramp?

   Yes

    No

d-i. Is the slope no greater than 1:12? [ADA Standards § 4.8.2]

   Yes

    No

Note: For existing ramps, the slope may be 1:10 for a 6-inch rise and 1:8 for a 3-inch rise in special circumstances]. [ADA Standards § 4.1.6(3)

d-ii. Are handrails installed on both sides of each ramp segment? [ADA Standards § 4.8.5]

   Yes

    No

d-iii. Is the ramp width, measured between handrails, at least 36 inches? [ADA Standards § 4.8.3]

   Yes

    No

d-iv. Are the handrails mounted 34 to 38 inches above the ramp surface? [ADA Standards § 4.8.5]

   Yes

    No

d-v. If a ramp is longer than 30 feet, is a level landing at least 60 inches long provided every 30 feet? [ADA Standards § 4.8.4]

   Yes

   No

d-vi. Does the ramp have a level landing that is at least 60 inches long at the top and bottom of each ramp section or where the ramp changes direction? [ADA Standards § 4.8.4]

   Yes

    No

d-vii. If the ramp or landing has a vertical drop-off on either side of the ramp, is edge protection provided? [ADA Standards § 4.8.7]

   Yes

    No

E1-e. Is an elevator provided to each of the levels on which each sheltering service or activity area is located?

   Yes

    No

e-i. Are the centerlines of the call buttons mounted 42 inches above the floor? [ADA Standards § 4.10.3]

   Yes

    No

e-ii. Does the floor area of the elevator car have space to enter, reach the controls, and exit? [ADA Standards § 4.10.9, Fig. 22]

   Yes

    No

Note: See Figure 22 for acceptable floor and opening dimensions. Floor dimensions of at least 48 inches by 48 inches may be allowed in existing facilities built before the ADA went into effect.

e-iii. Can the elevator be called and operated automatically without using a special key or having to turn on the elevator from a remote location? [ADA Standards § 4.10.2]

   Yes

   No

e-iv. Are the highest floor control buttons mounted no more than 54 inches above the floor for a side reach or 48 inches for forward reach? [ADA Standards § 4.10.12 (3)]

   Yes

   No

e-v. Are raised letters and Braille characters used to identify each floor button and each control? [ADA Standards § 4.10.12]

   Yes

   No

e-vi. Are signs mounted on both sides of the elevator hoist way door opening (for each elevator and at each floor) that designate the floor with 2-inch minimum-height raised letters and Braille characters centered at 60 inches above the floor? [ADA Standards § 4.10.5]

   Yes

    No

e-vii. Is the elevator equipped with audible tones or bells or verbal annunciators that announce each floor as it is passed? [ADA Standards § 4.10.13]

   Yes

    No

E1-f. If a wheelchair lift is provided, does it meet the following?

   Yes

    No

f-i. Is the lift operational at the time of the survey? [ADA Standards § 4.11.3]

   Yes

    No

f-ii. Is the change in level from the floor to the lift surface ramped or beveled? [ADA Standards §§ 4.11.2, 4.5.2]

   Yes

    No

f-iii. Is there at least a 30-inch by 48-inch clear floor space on the wheelchair lift? [ADA Standards §§ 4.11.2, 4.2.4]

   Yes

    No

f-iv. Does the lift allow a person using a mobility device unassisted entry, operation (is key available, if required), and exit?

   Yes

    No

f-v. Are the controls and operating mechanisms mounted no more than 54 inches above the floor for a side reach or 48 inches for a forward reach? [ADA Standards §§ 4.11.2, 4.27.3]

   Yes

    No

f-vi. Are the controls and operating mechanisms usable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting? [ADA Standards §§ 4.11.2, 4.27.4]

   Yes

    No

E1-g. At each location on the way to each shelter activity area where the accessible route passes through a door, does at least one door meet the following requirements?

   Yes

   No

g-i. Is the clear width for the door opening at least 32 inches measured when the door is open 90 degrees? [ADA Standards §§ 4.1.3(7), 4.13.5]

   Yes

    No

g-ii. Is the door hardware (e.g., lever, pull, push, panic bar) usable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, to allow people who may not be able to easily use one or both hands to fully operate the hardware? [ADA Standards § 4.13.9]

   Yes

    No

g-iii. Is there clear maneuvering floor space in front of each accessible door (see ADA Standards § Fig. 25) and, on the pull side, is there at least 18 inches clear floor space beyond the latch side of the door (see space configurations in Figure 25)? [ADA Standards § 4.13.6]

   Yes

   No

g-iv. Is no more than 5 pounds force needed to push or pull open the door? [ADA Standards § 4.13.11 (2)(b)]

   Yes

    No

Note: Fire doors are still considered to be accessible if they have the minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority.

g-v. If the answers to questions g-ii thru g-iv are No, can the door be propped open?

   Yes

    No

If an activity area is not on an accessible route and cannot be made accessible, find another area that is on an accessible route where that activity may be provided.

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.

F. Check-In Areas

A shelter usually has one or more check-in areas located near the entrance to the shelter. When check-in areas are provided, then at least one accessible check-in location should be provided. The accessible check-in area should be at the accessible entrance or signs should give directions to the accessible check-in area.

If a permanent reception counter is used for check in, make sure to provide a writing surface at an accessible height for people who use a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility device. This may be a part of the reception counter that is no higher than 36 inches above the floor, a folding shelf or an adjacent table, or a clip board.

F1. Is there an accessible route that connects the accessible entrance to areas that are likely to be used to register people as they arrive at the shelter? [ADA Standards § 4.3]

   Yes

   No

F2. If there is a built-in reception or other type of counter, does it have a section that is at least three feet long that is no higher than 36 inches above the floor or is there a nearby surface that is not higher than 36 inches above the floor? [ADA Standards § 7.2]

   Yes

    No