How are the ADA guidelines changing?

The new Americans with Disabilities Act has some interesting techical changes. This Blog  will explain some of the changes.  For a summary of the Scoping changes please read the  past Blog post Summary of Technical Changes

Most of the technical guidelines are very similar to the original ADAAG, but there is a few  minor changes and additions to the entire document.  Below are a few of the changes that  stood out. 1) In the new techical chapters the main changes is the re-formating to meet the numbersing  system of the ANSI.  They have grouped sections together that make more sense, like all plumbing fixtures under chapter 6.  2) New ranges where originally being absolute dimensions and lowering the existing ranges  are two new changes.  For example they lowered the maximum height for side reaches from  54 to 48 inches (308.3.1) 3) Chapter 4 eliminates the texture and contrasting color for the curb ramps.  This issue is being addressed by the Department of Justice and will have new ruling from that agency.  They also  are requiring a 36" landing on top and bottom of the ramp. 4) The parking spaces and access aisle for vans has been changed so that instead of the van  accessible aisle to be 96" wide, now it is 5'-0" but the van space is 132" wide. 5) They added a range to the distance for water closets from the wall to their center line and  made it 16"-18".  6)The clear floor space at water closets is now only allowed to be 5'-0" wide x 56" min. It can  no longer share space with a lavatory. 7) Childrens heights for water closets were added

8) Urinals now have to be 13 1/2" in depth to its rim from the mounting surface.

9) An exception allows for a parallel approach at kitchen sinks if there is no cook top or range. 

10) Signage now has a range for mounting heights from 48" to 60" and an 18" clear floor 

space centered on the sign is required.

For more information on the changes, The ADA Companion Guide is a comprehensive 

explanation of the new ADAAG.