The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many schools to continue their virtual learning plans once classes resumed in the fall and through the winter.
And while these times aren’t ideal for students, educators, and staff, there is an opportunity for administrators to make sure their schools meet standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is essential to determine now so that when students do return to the physical classroom, the school is properly equipped to provide the necessary means of access for everyone on school grounds.
ADA compliance is critical for all public schools. Not only is it essential to avoid potential legal implications, but it is important to ensure that students, teachers, and any other staff know they can safely and easily access any part of the school they need to. At EZ-ACCESS, we’re experts in manufacturing ADA-compliant ramps to ensure accessibility, but we’re also here to be your resource so you understand the importance of ADA compliance.
What is ADA Compliance?
Having an ADA-compliant school means individuals with limited mobility have the same level of access as everyone else.
Schools throughout the United States are required to adhere to these standards, whether they are public or private. By following accessible design standards, you can make sure your school is accessible to all while also avoiding potential legal conflicts for inaccessible areas.
Key ADA Standards to Follow
Maintaining a 1:12 inch ratio for rise to run on ramps
This means that for every 1 inch of rise, a ramp needs 12 inches of length. So, if your school’s entrance has a rise of 4 inches, the ramp must be at least 48 inches in length
Ramps must be at least 36 inches wide
and have rest spaces after every 30 feet of ramping
Ramp landings need to be level
and provide adequate space to allow mobility devices to make turns
The maximum rise for any single ramp run shall be 30 inches
before a level landing is required, but there is no limit on the number of runs per ramp system
Handrails are required on both sides of all ramps
with a rise greater than 6 inches
There must be an accessible path to all public areas of the school
including restrooms and parking lots
At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible to all
Assessing Your Ramp Needs
Before determining whether you need to implement a new ramp system, you need to assess the current level of accessibility at your schools.
Key things to consider include:
- Do your current entrances/ramp systems follow the standards laid out above?
- What are your current ramp systems made of? Wood ramps and concrete ramp systems can degrade over time and can lead to higher maintenance and replacement costs. EZ-ACCESS ramps are made of durable aluminum that will perform well in all weather conditions and won’t rust.
EZ-ACCESS's PATHWAY® HD Code Compliant Modular Access System is the ideal solution for schools looking to implement an ADA-compliant accessibility solution.
If you’d like to speak with a member of the EZ-ACCESS team about how our fully compliant ramp system can be implemented at your school, please contact us.