Accessible Entrance

Providing physical access to a facility from public sidewalks, public transportation, or parking is basic to making goods and services available to people with disabilities. Having only one step at the entrance can prevent access by a person using a wheelchair, walker, or cane and can make entry difficult for many other people with mobility disabilities.

Where one or two steps exist at an entrance, access can be achieved in a variety of ways -- for example, by using an alternate accessible entrance, adding a short ramp, modifying the area in front or to the side of the entrance to eliminate a step, or installing a lift.

When a business has two public entrances, in most cases, only one must be accessible. The shop shown in the photo (bottom right) has a street entrance and is also served by an accessible entrance from the building lobby at the other side of the store. Using the lobby entrance provides access to the store. When one entrance is not accessible and another entrance is accessible, a sign must provide direction to the accessible entrance. The alternative entrance must be open during store hours. If the alternative accessible entrance is not left unlocked due to security concerns, you must provide an accessible way for notifying staff to open the door, such as a buzzer or bell. If used, the buzzer or call bell must be located on an accessible route and mounted at an accessible height (generally not more than 48 inches above ground).

When a ramp is added to provide an accessible entrance, the slope of the ramp should be as shallow as possible but not more than 1:12. It is also important to provide handrails whenever the slope is more that 1:20 and the vertical rise is greater than 6 inches (a slope of 1:20 means that for every 20 units of horizontal length there is one unit of vertical rise or fall). It is best to grade the area that is adjacent to the ramp to avoid an abrupt drop-off. If a drop-off exists, then a barrier such as a raised edge or railing must be installed. Edge protection is very important because it prevents people from accidentally rolling off the edge of the ramp. The ramp that is shown (page 6, top right ) uses railings and edge protection. Edge protection could also be provided by a lower railing installed parallel to the ramp surface.

A new ramp with edge protection, handrails and a wide landing outside the entrance provide access to this business

Notes on photo:

• Edge protection prevents people from rolling over the edge of the ramp.
• Wide landing accommodates turns needed to enter or exit the store.

Signage provided at an inaccessible entrance provides direction to another entrance that is accessible

Example of a sign that directs customers to the nearest accessible entrance

A new landing, ramp and lever door handle provide an accessible entrance to this business

The photo [above] illustrates another way to modify an entrance to make it accessible. A level landing area is provided in front of the entry door so a person can pull the door open. The area adjacent to the landing is graded flush with the landing so no drop-off exists between the landing and the grass area eliminating the need for railings. The earth is also graded flush with the ramp surface to eliminate a drop-off.

Notes on photo:

• Lever handle added to or in place of round door knob.
• Landing extends 18" minimum beyond the edge of door and 60" minimum out from door.
• New landing and ramp eliminates step at entrance.
• Earth is graded up to landing and ramp to eliminate drop off.
• Ramp slope max. 1:12 and width is 36" minimum

Another approach to providing access at an entrance is to use a platform or folding lift. Lifts are mechanical devices that can be used to transport a person using a wheelchair or scooter up or down several feet. A lift may be a preferred solution where little space exists for a ramp or when an entrance serves more than one level. For example, had the bookstore shown in the photo [above] not had an alternate entrance that was accessible, a lift could have been installed. Lifts require periodic maintenance and must meet safety codes but are worthwhile considerations when a ramp is not feasible.

Home delivery, take-out, curbside delivery or other alternate service is required, if readily achievable, when you cannot make an entrance accessible

When it is not readily achievable to provide an accessible entrance, the goods and services must be provided in some other way, if doing so is readily achievable. For example, if a restaurant has several steps at the entrance and no accessible entry is possible, providing home delivery or some alternative service may be required. In other cases, it may be possible to receive an order by telephone and to have a clerk bring the order to the customer outside the store or business. If alternative service is provided, it is important that it be publicized so a customer knows how the goods and services are offered.