About This Book
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are the enforceable federal rules setting minimum accessibility requirements for buildings and facilities in the United States. Published by the U.S. Department of Justice on September 15, 2010, they replaced the 1991 guidelines and became mandatory for new construction and alterations on March 15, 2012.
Scope
The standards apply to physical spaces under Titles II and III of the ADA: - Title II – State and Local Government Facilities: City halls, public schools, courthouses, and police stations. - Title III – Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities: Privately owned businesses open to the public (restaurants, hotels, retail stores, banks, medical offices) and private commercial spaces such as office buildings.
Key Components
The standards establish two types of criteria: - Scoping Requirements: How many elements must be accessible—for example, the number of accessible parking spaces or hotel rooms required relative to the total available. - Technical Requirements: Precise, measurable design specifications, such as ramp slopes, doorway widths, toilet heights, and reach ranges for switches and controls.
What Was New in 2010
The update added detailed accessibility guidelines for recreational and specialized facilities, including swimming pools, spas, amusement rides, play areas, boating and fishing facilities, golf courses, courtrooms, and detention facilities.
Practice Tests Using This Book
This book is required or recommended for 3 licensing exams. Our practice tests include questions based on this material.