ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal

Priority 2 – Access to Goods and Services
The layout of the building should allow people with disabilities to obtain goods and services and to participate in activities without assistance.

Institute for Human Centered Design
www.HumanCenteredDesign.org                                                        

ADA National Network  Questions on the ADA 8009494232  voice/tty                  
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education

Survey Project 
Building 
Location  
Date 
Surveyors  
Contact Information

For each question indicate yes or no and add measurements where appropriate. Some of the questions have explanatory notes after them which are in parentheses. Most of the questions include possible solutions. Please add any additional solutions that you can think of.

2.1 Does the accessible entrance provide direct access to the main floor, lobby and elevator?
yes or no
Solution: Create accessible route

Interior Accessible Route (2010 Standards – Ch.4)

2.2 Are all public spaces on at least one accessible route?
yes or no
Solution: Create accessible route

2.3 Is the route stable, firm and slip-resistant?
yes or no
Solution: Repair uneven surfaces

2.4 Is the route at least 36 inches wide?
yes or no
Measurement:
(The accessible route can narrow to 32 inches min. for a max. of 24 inches.  These narrower portions of the route must be at least 48 inches from each other.)
Solution: Widen route

2.5 If the route is greater than 200 feet in length and no less than 36 inches wide, is there a passing space no less than 60 x 60 inches?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Widen route for passing space

2.6 Is the running slope no steeper than 1:20, i.e. for every inch of height change there are at least 20 inches of route run?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Regrade
Treat as ramp

2.7 Is the cross slope no steeper than 1:48?
yes or no
Measurement:
(If constructed before 3/15/2012, the cross slope may be no steeper than 1:50)
Solution: Regrade

2.8 Do all objects on circulation paths through public areas, e.g. fire extinguishers, drinking fountains, signs, etc., protrude no more than 4 inches into the path?
yes or no
Measurement:
If an object protrudes more than 4 inches, is the bottom leading edge at 27 inches or lower above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Is the bottom leading edge at 80 inches or higher above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Remove object
Add tactile warning such as permanent planter or partial walls

2.9 Are there ramps, lifts, or elevators to all public levels?
yes or no
(Vertical access is not required in many buildings, even in new construction.  See 28 CFR 36.401 (d) Elevator Exemption for clarification.
If the sign is at double doors with one active leaf, the sign should be on the inactive leaf; if both leaves are active, the sign should be on the wall to the right of the right leaf.)
Solutions: Install if necessary
Offer goods and services on accessible level if vertical access is not provided

2.10 If there is a ramp, is it at least 36 inches wide? If there are handrails, measure between the handrails.
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Alter ramp

2.11 Is the surface stable, firm and slip resistant?
yes or no
Solution: Change surface

2.12 For each section of the ramp, is the running slope no greater than 1:12, i.e. for every inch of height change there are at least 12 inches of ramp run?
yes or no
Measurement:
(Rises no greater than 3 inches with a slope no steeper than 1:8 and rises no greater than 6 inches with a slope no steeper than 1:10 are permitted when due to space limitations.)
Solutions: Lengthen ramp to decrease slope
Reconfigure ramp to include switchbacks 
Relocate ramp

2.13 Is there a level landing that is at least 60 inches long and at least as wide as the ramp:
At the top of the ramp?
yes or no
Measurement:
At the bottom of the ramp?
yes or no
Measurement:
(landing widths must ba at least equal to ramp width)
Solutions: Alter ramp
Relocate ramp

2.14 Is there a level landing where the ramp changes direction that is at least 60 x 60 inches?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Increase landing size

2.15 If the ramp has a rise higher than 6 inches are there handrails on both sides?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Add handrails

2.16 Is the top of the handrail gripping surface no less than 34 inches and no greater than 38 inches above the ramp surface?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Adjust handrail height

2.17 Is the handrail gripping surface continuous and not obstructed along the top or sides?
yes or no
If there are obstructions, is the bottom of the handrail gripping surface obstructed by no more than 20%?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter handrails
Remove obstructions

2.18 If the handrail gripping surface is circular, is it no less than 1 Ό inches and no greater than 2 inches in diameter?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter handrails

2.19 If the handrail gripping surface is non-circular, is it no less than 4 inches and no greater than 6 ½  inches in perimeter and no more than 2 Ό  inches in cross section?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter handrails

2.20 Does the handrail:
Extend at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp? 
yes or no
Measurement:
Return to a wall, guard, or landing surface?
yes or no
(If a 12” extension would be hazardous (in circulation path), it is not required)
Solution: Alter handrails

2.21 To prevent wheelchair casters and crutch tips from falling off:
Does the surface of the ramp extend at least 12 inches beyond the inside face of the handrail?  
yes or no
Measurement:
Is there a curb or barrier that prevents the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere? 
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Add curb 
Add barrier
Extend ramp width

Elevators – Full Size & LULA (limited use, limited application) (2010 Standards – 407 & 408) (Vertical access is not required in new construction or alterations if a facility is less than three stories or has less than 3,000 square feet per story, unless a facility is a shopping center, shopping mall, professional office of a health care provider, transportation terminal, state facility or government facility.)

2.22 If there is a full size or LULA elevator, are the call buttons no higher than 54 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Change call button height

2.23 If there is a full size or LULA elevator, does the sliding door reopen automatically when obstructed by an object or person?
yes or no
(If constructed before 3/15/2012 and manually operated, the door is not required to reopen automatically)
Solution: Install opener

2.24 If there is a LULA elevator with a swinging door: 
Is the door power- operated? 
yes or no
Does the door remain open for at least 20 seconds when activated? 
yes or no
time :
Solutions: Add power operated door
Adjust opening time

2.25 If there is a full size elevator:
Is the interior at least 54 inches deep by at least 36 inches wide with at least 16 sq. ft. of clear floor area?
yes or no
Measurement:
Is the door opening width at least 32 inches?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Replace elevator

2.26 If there is a LULA elevator, is the interior:
At least 51 x 51 inches with a door opening width of at least 36 inches?
yes or no
Measurement:
Or 
At least 54 inches deep by at least 36 inches wide with at least 15 sq. ft. of clear floor area and a door opening width of at least 32 inches?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Replace elevator

2.27 If there is a full size or LULA elevator, are the in-car controls:
No less than 15 inches and no greater 48 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Or 
Up to 54 inches for a parallel approach?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Change control height

2.28 If there is a LULA elevator, are the in-car controls centered on a side wall?
yes or no
Solution: Reconfigure controls

2.29 If there is a full size or LULA elevator:
Are the car control buttons designated with raised characters? 
yes or no
Are the car control buttons designated with Braille?
yes or no
Add raised characters
Solutions: Add Braille

2.30 If there is a full size or LULA elevator, are there audible signals which sound as the car passes or is about to stop at a floor?
yes or no
Solution: Add audible signals

2.31	If there is a full size or LULA elevator:
Is there a sign on both door jambs at every floor identifying the floor?
yes or no
Is there a tactile star on both jambs at the main entry level?
yes or no
Do text characters contrast with their backgrounds?
yes or no
Are text characters raised?
yes or no
Is there Braille?
yes or no
Is the sign mounted between 48 inches to the baseline of the lowest character and 60 inches to the baseline of the highest character above the floor?*
yes or no
Measurement:
(If constructed before 3/15/2012 and mounted no higher than 60 inches to the centerline of the sign, relocation is not required)
Solutions: Install signs 
Change sign height

2.32 If a lift is provided, can it be used without assistance from others?
yes or no
Solution: Reconfigure so independently operable

2.33 Is there a clear floor space at least 30 inches wide by at least 48 inches long for a person using a wheelchair to approach and reach the controls to use the lift?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Remove obstructions

2.34 Are the lift controls no less than 15 inches and no greater than 48 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Change control height

2.35 Is there a clear floor space at least 30 inches wide by at least 48 inches long inside the lift?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Replace lift

2.36 If there is an end door, is the clear opening width at least 32 inches?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter door width

2.37 If there is a side door, is the clear opening width at least 42 inches?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter door width

Signs (2010 Standards – 703) 
(“Tactile characters” are read using touch, i.e. raised characters and Braille.)

2.38 If there are signs designating permanent rooms and spaces not likely to change over time, e.g. room numbers and letters, room names, and exit signs: 
Do text characters contrast with their backgrounds?
yes or no
Are text characters raised?
yes or no
Is there Braille?
yes or no
Is the sign mounted on the wall on the latch side of the door? 
yes or no
Is the sign mounted so there is a clear floor space beyond the arc of the door swing between the closed position and 45-degree open position, at least 18 x 18 inches centered on the tactile characters?
yes or no
Measurement:
(If constructed before 3/15/2010 and a person may approach within 3 inches of the sign without protruding objects or standing within the door swing, relocation not required)
Is the sign mounted between 48 inches to the baseline of the lowest character and 60 inches to the baseline of the highest character above the floor? 
yes or no
Measurement:
(If constructed before 3/15/2012 and mounted no higher than 60 inches to the centerline of the sign, relocation not required)
Solutions: Install tactile signs
Install sign on wall
Change sign location

2.39 If there are there signs that provide direction to or information about interior spaces:
Do text characters contrast with their backgrounds? 
yes or no
Is the sign mounted so that characters are at least 40 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
(Raised characters and Braille are not required)
Solutions: Install signs with contrasting characters
Change sign height

Interior Doors – to classrooms, medical exam rooms, conference rooms, etc. (2010 Standards – 404)

2.40 Is the door opening width at least 32 inches clear, between the face of the door and the stop, when the door is open 90 degrees?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Alter door
Install offset hinges

2.41 If there is a front approach to the pull side of the door, is there at least 18 inches of maneuvering clearance beyond the latch side plus at least 60 inches clear depth?
yes or no
Measurement:
(For other approaches to the door, see maneuvering clearance requirements at 2010 Standards 404.2.4)
Solutions: Remove obstructions
Add automatic door opener

2.42 Is the door threshold edge no more than ½ inch high?
Or 
Ύ inch high if slope is beveled so no steeper than 1:2?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Replace threshold

2.43 Is the door equipped with hardware that is operable with one hand and does not require tight grasping, pinching and twisting of the wrist?
yes or no
Solutions: Replace inaccessible knob with lever, loop or push hardware
Add automatic door opener

2.44 Are the operable parts of the hardware no less than 34 inches and no greater than 48 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Change hardware height

2.45 Can the door be opened easily (5 pounds maximum force)?
yes or no
Measurement:
(You can use a pressure gauge or fish scale to measure force.  If you do not have a pressure gauge or fish scale you will need to judge whether the door is easy to open.)
Solution: Adjust door closer

Rooms and Spaces – stores, supermarkets, libraries, etc.  (2010 Standards – 302, 304, & 402)

2.46 Are aisles and pathways to goods and services, and to one of each type of sales and service counters, at least 36 inches wide?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Rearrange goods, equipment and furniture

2.47 Are floor surfaces stable, firm and slip resistant?
yes or no
Solution: Change floor surface

2.48 If there is carpet: 
Is it no higher than ½ inch?
yes or no
Measurement:
Is it securely attached along the edges?
yes or no
Solution: Replace carpet

Controls – light switches, security and intercom systems, emergency/alarm boxes, etc.  (2010 Standards – 309)

2.49 Is there a clear floor space at least 30 inches wide by at least 48 inches long for a forward or parallel approach? 
yes or no
Measurement:
Are the operable parts no higher than 48 inches above the floor?*
yes or no
Measurement:
(If constructed before 3/15/2012 and a parallel approach is provided, controls can be 54 inches above the floor)
Solution: Change height of control

2.50 Can the control be operated with one hand and without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist?
yes or no
Solution: Replace control

Seating:  Assembly Areas – theaters, auditoriums, stadiums, theater style classrooms, etc.  (2010 Standards – 221 & 802)

2.51 Are an adequate number of wheelchair spaces provided?
yes or no
total number of seats:
Wheelchair Spaces:
(if the total number of seats is between 4 and 25 you need 1 Wheelchair Spaces
if the total number of seats is between 26 - 50 you need 2 Wheelchair Spaces
if the total number of seats is between 51 - 150 you need 4 Wheelchair Spaces
if the total number of seats is between 151 - 300 you need 5 Wheelchair Spaces
if the total number of seats is more than 300 see 2010 Standards see 2010 Standards 221.2.1.)
Solution: Reconfigure to add wheelchair spaces

2.52 Are wheelchair spaces dispersed to allow location choices and viewing angles equivalent to other seating, including specialty seating areas that provide distinct services and amenities?
yes or no
Solution: Reconfigure to disperse wheelchair spaces

2.53 Where people are expected to remain seated, do people in wheelchair spaces have a clear line of sight over and between the heads of others in front of them?
yes or no
Solution: Alter for line of sight

2.54 Where people are expected to stand, do people in wheelchair spaces have a clear line of sight over and between the heads of others in front of them?
yes or no
Solution: Alter for line of sight

2.55 If there is a single wheelchair space, is it at least 36 inches wide?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter space

2.56 If there are two adjacent wheelchair spaces, are they each at least 33 inches wide?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter space

2.57 If the wheelchair space can be entered from the front or rear, is it at least 48 inches deep?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter space

2.58 If the wheelchair space can only be entered from the side, is it at least 60 inches deep?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter space

2.59 Do wheelchair spaces adjoin, but not overlap, accessible routes?
yes or no
Solution: Alter space

2.60 Is there at least one companion seat for each wheelchair space?
yes or no
Solution: Add companion seats

2.61 Is the companion seat located so the companion is shoulder-to-shoulder with the person in a wheelchair?
yes or no
Solution: Alter seating

2.62 Is the companion seat equivalent in size, quality, comfort and amenities to seating in the immediate area?
yes or no
Solution: Add equivalent seating

Seating:  At dining surfaces (restaurants, cafeterias, bars, etc.) and non-employee work surfaces (libraries, conference rooms, etc.) (2010 Standards – 226 & 902)

2.63 Are at least 5%, but no fewer than one, of seating and standing spaces accessible for people who use wheelchairs?
yes or no
total number of seats:
Wheelchair Spaces:
Solution: Alter to provide accessible spaces

2.64 Is there a route at least 36 inches wide to accessible seating?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Widen route

2.65 At the accessible space(s), is the top of the accessible surface no less than 28 inches and no greater than 34 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter surface height

2.66 Is there a clear floor space at least 30 inches wide by at least 48 inches long for a forward approach? 
yes or no
Measurement:
Does it extend no less than 17 inches and no greater than 25 inches under the surface? 
yes or no
Measurement:
Is there knee space at least 27 inches high and at least 30 inches wide?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Alter table or work surface
Add accessible table or work surface

2.67 Is there at least one space at least 36 inches wide by at least 48 inches long for a person in a wheelchair?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Move furniture and equipment to provide space

Benches – In locker rooms, dressing rooms, fitting rooms  (2010 Standards – 803 & 903)

2.68 In locker rooms, dressing rooms and fitting rooms, is there at least one room with a bench?
yes or no
Solution: Add bench

2.69 Is there a clear floor space at least 30 inches wide by at least 48 inches long at the end of the bench and parallel to the short axis of the bench?
yes or no
Measurement:
Is the bench seat at least 42 inches long and no less than 20 inches and no greater than 24 inches deep?
yes or no
Measurement:
Does the bench have back support or is it affixed to a wall? 
yes or no
Is the top of the bench seat no less than 17 inches and no greater than 19 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Move bench
Replace bench
Affix bench to wall

Check-Out Aisles – supermarkets, large retail stores, etc.  (2010 Standards – 904)

2.70 Is the aisle at least 36 inches wide?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Widen aisle

2.71 Is the counter surface of at least one aisle no higher than 38 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Lower counter

2.72 Is the top of the counter edge protection no higher than 2 inches above the counter surface?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Lower edge protection

2.73 If there is a check writing surface, is the top no less than 28 inches and no greater than 34 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Alter check writing surface

2.74 If there is more than one check-out aisle is there a sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility at the accessible aisle?
yes or no
Solution: Add sign

Sales & Service Counters – banks, stores, dry cleaners, auto repair shops, fitness clubs, etc.  (2010 Standards – 904)

2.75 Is there a portion of at least one of each type of counter that is:
No higher than 36 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
At least 36 inches long? 
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Lower section of counter
Widen section of counter

2.76 Does the accessible portion of the counter extend the same depth as the counter top?
yes or no
Solution: Alter accessible portion

2.77 Is there a clear floor space at least 30 inches wide by at least 48 inches long for a forward or parallel approach?
yes or no
Parallel Measurement:
or 
Forward
Measurement:
Solution: Reconfigure to provide a parallel or forward approach

2.78 For a parallel approach, is the clear floor space positioned with the 48 inches adjacent to the accessible length of counter?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: If a parallel approach is not possible, a forward approach is required

2.79 For a forward approach:
Do no less than 17 and no greater than 25 inches of the clear floor space extend under the accessible length of the counter?
yes or no
Measurement:
Is there at least 27 inches clearance from the floor to the bottom of the counter?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Reconfigure to provide knee clearance

Food Service Lines – in cafeterias, salad bars, eat-in fast food establishments, etc.  (2010 Standards – 904)

2.80 Does at least one of each type of self-service shelf or dispensing device for tableware, dishware, condiments, food and beverages have a forward or parallel approach?
yes or no
Forward or Parallel:
Solution: Reconfigure to provide approach

2.81 If there is an unobstructed parallel approach, is the shelf or dispensing device no higher than 48 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Lower shelf and/or dispensing device

2.82 If there is a shallow obstruction no deeper than 10 inches with a parallel approach, is the shelf or dispensing device no higher than 48 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Lower shelf and/or dispensing device

2.83 If there is an obstruction no less than 10 inches and no greater than 24 inches deep with a parallel approach, is the shelf or dispensing device no higher than 46 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Lower shelf and/or dispensing device

2.84 If there is an unobstructed forward approach, is the shelf or dispensing device no higher than 48 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solution: Lower shelf and/or dispensing device

2.85 If there is an obstruction no deeper than 20 inches with a forward approach: 
Does clear floor space extend under the obstruction that is at least the same depth as the obstruction? 
yes or no
Measurement:
Is the shelf or dispensing device no higher than 48 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Reconfigure to provide knee space
Lower shelf and/or dispensing device

2.86 If the obstruction is no less than 20 inches and no greater than 25 inches deep with a forward approach:
Does clear floor space extend under the obstruction that is at least the same depth as the obstruction? 
yes or no
Measurement:
Is the shelf or dispensing device no higher than 44 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Reconfigure to provide knee space
Lower shelf and/or dispensing device

2.87 If there is a tray slide, is the top no less than 28 inches and no greater than 34 inches above the floor?
yes or no
Measurement:
Solutions: Reconfigure