ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters

G. Completing the Survey and Checklist

The survey and checklist forms will prompt you for what to look at and where to measure. You should write down all answers and notes for use later in the planning process. If a photo is taken of a particular element or condition, then you should note this on the checklist. It is usually more efficient for two or three people to work together doing these surveys. One person can measure while the other records the information and takes photos.

For each item, check either “Yes” or “No.” If the measurement or number falls short of that required for accessibility, write the measurement or number to the right of the question. Add notes or comments as needed. For some questions when “No” is the answer, the checklist will include a prompt to check for an alternate solution. Information on possible alternative solutions can be used later to decide how to better provide accessibility. Taking several photos is also helpful when the answer is “No” and an alternative way to provide accessibility is not readily apparent.

When completing the survey or checklist, try to answer every question in each section unless the element is not present at that facility. For example, if no parking lot is provided at the facility, (such as where only on-street parking is provided), do not measure the size of the on-street parking spaces.

Some sections of the checklist are divided into two parts, one for individuals with a mobility disability and the other for individuals who are blind or who have low vision. While evaluating a facility you will be checking to ensure that an accessible route is provided. The accessible route is a continuous unobstructed pedestrian path without steps or steep slopes that connects all accessible site and building features and spaces together. A continuous accessible route must be available at the shelter for people who use a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility device. Other sections of the checklist ask questions related to individuals who are blind or have low vision. These questions cover all circulation paths, not just pedestrian paths that are also an accessible route.

The survey and the checklist are based on some of the requirements from the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (the Standards). Questions have been selected to reflect features that may be most important for the short-term stays common for emergency shelters. To learn more about the Standards, see the Department of Justice regulations, 28 C.F.R. Part 36, Appendix A. The regulations and the Standards are available at www.ada.gov. Copies are also available by calling the ADA Information Line at 800‒514‒0301 (voice) or 800‒514‒0383 (TTY).