The Impact of Transfer Setup on the Performance of Independent Transfers: Phase I Final Report

Results comparison with current accessibility guidelines

Current accessibility guidelines for amusement park rides address recommendations for amusement ride seats designed for transfer in two places. First, it recommends a transfer height between 14 to 24” (35.6 to 61.0cm) and does not specify an allowable gap distance (2). Within this range, transfer surfaces are encouraged to be between 17 and 19” (43.2-48.3cm) high (2). Table 13 summarized the percentage of the subjects that could attain these heights for each protocol. Second, it requires that a minimum of 30” (width) by 48” (76.2x121.9cm) for a transfer with the WMD positioned parallel to the ride and assume a parallel approach for the transfer (0°) (2). Table 13 shows that the majority of WMDs (90%) could manage a 19” high surface with no gap and with or without the use of a front grab bar.  Accessibility guidelines concerning handholds and grab bars where transfers are expected are not very detailed and are absent in the guidelines for amusement park rides.  The height of a horizontal grab bar (parallel to the floor) is to be between 33”-36” (83.8 and 91.4cm) for water stalls, water closets, bathtubs, and bathrooms. Our subjects preferred the front grab bar height to be between 30-33” (76.2 and 83.8 cm).

Table 13 . Percentage of subjects in the sample that could attain the heights recommended in the ADA.

Table 13 Alternative Text Description: This table gives the percentage of subjects in the sample that could attain the heights recommended in the ADA.  The majority of WMDs (90%) could manage a 19” high surface with no gap and with or without the use of a front grab bar.