{"id":1229,"date":"2016-08-17T18:54:23","date_gmt":"2016-08-17T22:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.freedomshowers.com\/?p=1229"},"modified":"2024-11-21T13:40:32","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T18:40:32","slug":"ada-compliant-vs-accessible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/ada-compliant-vs-accessible\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Difference Between Accessible and ADA Compliant"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Creating inclusive environments has become a key business goal in today’s world. When discussing accessibility, two terms often come up: “accessible” and “ADA compliant.” While these terms are related, they have distinct meanings, especially when creating an ADA compliant design.<\/p>\n

Any time you are embarking on a renovation or construction project, there are many decisions to make, and things to learn, especially when trying to make a space wheelchair ready. Understanding terminology, like ADA compliant or accessible, can be extremely important when researching products. For bathrooms especially, there can be a range of possible showers and accessories available.<\/p>\n

The key to creating a bathroom that meets legal requirements while offering a comfortable space for users is educating yourself about the different products available today.<\/p>\n

Knowledge is power and we are here to outline the definitions of ADA and Accessible, so you get what you need to help your project go smoothly.<\/p>\n

Note: be sure to consult with local building authorities to confirm which codes you need to comply with before purchasing.<\/p>\n

Defining Accessibility<\/h2>\n

Accessibility refers to the design and provision of environments, products, and services that can be accessed and used by individuals of diverse abilities and disabilities. An accessible space eliminates barriers and ensures that everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations, can navigate, participate, and enjoy the space independently and without discrimination.<\/p>\n

This can be important, including physical features, communication, technology, and policies. Accessible design principles emphasize creating barrier-free environments, such as installing ramps, wider doorways, accessible parking spots, tactile signage, closed captioning, and assistive technology. For bathrooms, it involves creating a space that allows people with mobility limitations to use the room comfortably.<\/p>\n

If a product is described as accessible, that means it is designed to help accommodate the accessibility needs is some capacity.<\/p>\n

Understanding ADA Compliance<\/h2>\n

The most common question when differentiating between the two terms is: what is ADA compliant?<\/p>\n

ADA stands for The Americans with Disabilities Act, a civil rights legislation enacted in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. It aims to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensure equal participation in all aspects of society, including employment, public services, transportation, and public accommodations.<\/p>\n

It is important to note that ADA compliance is mandatory for certain entities, such as businesses open to the public, government buildings, and places of employment. Non-compliance with the ADA can lead to legal consequences, including lawsuits and fines. However, it is worth noting that ADA compliance sets a minimum standard for accessibility, and going beyond these requirements is always encouraged.<\/p>\n

Key Differences Between Accessible and ADA Compliant<\/h2>\n

Scope of Application<\/h3>\n

The concept of accessibility is broader than ADA compliance. While ADA compliance specifically relates to the minimum legal requirements within the United States, accessibility can extend beyond legal obligations and encompass a global approach to inclusivity. Accessibility focuses on creating spaces and experiences that cater to diverse needs, regardless of legal obligations.<\/p>\n

For example, to create an ADA compliant<\/a> bathroom, a certain percentage of the stalls or showers \u00a0must incorporate products that meet the guidelines outlined in the ADA Act, like a wheelchair accessible stall with a grab bar installed on the wall However, to create a more accessible bathroom space, you can make sure most or all stalls are larger and have grab bars to create a bathroom that is easy for all individuals to use. You can also add additional features to help vision impaired visitors, like audio assist technology.<\/p>\n

Standards and Guidelines<\/h3>\n

ADA compliance strictly follows the guidelines outlined in the ADAAG. These guidelines provide detailed specifications for various elements of accessibility, such as ADA showers<\/a>, toilets, or other elements.<\/p>\n

In contrast, accessibility principles may incorporate additional guidelines and best practices from international standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Universal Design principles, and other industry-specific guidelines.<\/p>\n

Legal Requirements<\/h3>\n

ADA compliance is legally binding and mandatory for entities falling under its purview. Failure to comply with ADA guidelines can result in legal consequences. On the other hand, accessibility, although strongly advocated for, may not always have legal obligations associated with it. However, many countries have their own accessibility regulations and standards that align with the principles of inclusivity.<\/p>\n

Flexibility and Innovation<\/h3>\n

Accessibility allows for flexibility and encourages innovative solutions to address diverse needs. It recognizes that not all disabilities are the same and that individuals may have unique requirements. It emphasizes a person-centered approach, promoting user feedback and continuous improvement.<\/p>\n

ADA compliance, while crucial, may sometimes lack the flexibility to accommodate rapidly evolving technologies and emerging accessibility trends. For example, if you want to install an ADA bench<\/a> or ADA shower chairs<\/a>, you must choose products that fit the guidelines addressed in the ADA Act.<\/p>\n

ADA Compliant Showers<\/h2>\n

Once you understand the ADA accessible meaning, it\u2019s important to learn how to design an ADA accessible washroom.<\/p>\n

The ADA act dictates certain requirements for public accommodations and commercial facilities in the United States. This means that any public or commercial building\u201a must comply with ADA requirements. ADA usually does not apply to private residences. The latest update was in 2010. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design can be accessed here<\/a>. There are many Freedom Showers available to meet the latest standards.<\/p>\n

Two styles of ADA Showers<\/h2>\n

There are two styles of ADA compliant showers. ADA Roll in Shower<\/a> and an ADA Transfer Shower<\/a>. See the chart below for a breakdown of the differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Features\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

ADA Roll In Showers<\/strong><\/td>\nADA Transfer Showers<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Usage<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

To accommodate someone entering the shower in a their wheelchair or a rolling shower chair<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

To accommodate someone approaching the shower in their wheelchair and transferring onto the shower seat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Inside dimension<\/td>\n60\u201d x 30\u201d min. inside clearance<\/td>\n36\u201d x 36\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Finished threshold height<\/td>\n\u00bd\u201d maximum<\/td>\n\u00bd\u201d maximum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Accessories needed<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Horizontal grab bars on back wall and on side wall, opposite seat<\/li>\n
  • Folding shower seat may be required, bench style or L shaped<\/li>\n
  • Pressure balanced mixing valve and handheld shower kit installed on back wall adjacent to the seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Horizontal grab bars on back wall and on control wall, opposite seat<\/li>\n
  • Folding shower seat, bench style or L shaped<\/li>\n
  • Pressure balanced mixing valve and handheld shower kit installed on side wall opposite to the seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Both ADA roll in showers<\/a> and transfer showers<\/a> are available in one piece units for new construction, or multi-piece units for remodeling. You can also just purchase the shower pan<\/a> and tile the walls.<\/p>\n

Again, please check with local authorities for additional requirements. There may be regional differences on top of the ADA code requirements. For example, California State does not approve ADA transfer Showers, only Roll in Showers.<\/p>\n

Accessible Showers<\/h2>\n

Accessible Showers<\/a> share some of the features that ADA compliant showers have, but they are designed for residential use. There are rarely code compliance requirements for residential use, so you can choose from many different sizes and styles.<\/p>\n

Accessible Showers:<\/p>\n