3 Tips for Making Your Doors ADA Compliant
It can be challenging for individuals with disabilities to navigate the world. In order to ensure that businesses and other public entities accommodate the unique mobility needs of those with disabilities, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was put into law. Although the law doesn't outline provide guidelines for everything, most major accessibility issues are covered.
If you are considering the replacement of any door hardware in your business, you should strive to make your doors more ADA compliant. Here are three tips that you can use to make your doors more accessible in the future.
1. Install a new door closer.
Most interior and exterior doors are equipped with closers that control how quickly the door shuts once it has been opened. An individual with disabilities may rely on a walker or wheelchair for assistance when walking, and these devices can take additional time to maneuver.
To ensure that your doors are allowing everyone to access your company's goods or services, you may want to consider installing a new door closer. Look for a closer that will allow the door to close as slowly as possible to allow those with mobility issues to safely navigate the door with their devices.
2. Install an automatic opener.
If your existing doors require users to use a push bar or handle in order to gain access, you may want to consider installing an automatic opener in order to make your business more accessible to those with disabilities.
It can be very challenging to depress a push bar or handle while trying to simultaneously maneuver a wheelchair or walker through a door. Automatic openers allow those with disabilities to simply press a button and have the door swing open without additional effort.
3. Install new locks.
Locks play an important role when it comes to safety and security of your business. The types of locks that are installed on your doors could be limiting accessibility, so you should consider installing new locks if you want to make your business more ADA compliant.
Avoid locks that require the engagement of a pin near the floor, as these pins can be difficult for someone with mobility issues to reach. You should also avoid locks that engage near the top of the door for the same reason. Opt to install a heavy duty bolt that can be reached with ease from a seated position to ensure both accessibility and security.
Making your doors more ADA compliant will help you ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to take advantage of the goods and services your business can provide.
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