If you’re looking to begin a commercial construction project, accessibility is one crucial factor to consider. A commercial enterprise must physically open its doors to all, including individuals with accessibility problems.
Since 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACT) has developed various stipulations to foster barrier-free access to commercial spaces for people with disabilities. These stipulations ensure accessibility for everyone, including those with self-care, independent living, cognitive, mobility, hearing, and vision challenges.
Staying ADA-compliant as you begin your construction project should be a key consideration. Here are some ideas for designing a commercial space with accessibility in mind:
Install accessible entry and exit points
When accessibility comes to mind, curb cuts and ramps are often the first things that come to mind, and for good reason.
Without accessible entry and exit points, it becomes impossible for people with disabilities to exit or enter the building safely. Therefore, ensure that your commercial building incorporates the relevant design to encourage accessibility.
Include accessible parking spaces
If there is parking space on the premises, ensure enough accessible spaces for disabled people. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, businesses must provide at least one accessible space per 25 regular standard parking spots.
Use clear and contrasting colors
For interior spaces, endeavor to incorporate contrasting and clear colors. Using high-contrast color combinations like blue and yellow or black and white can ease space navigation for individuals with visual challenges.
Incorporate indoor mapping
Indoor mapping is an excellent way to help people with disabilities navigate the space.
By incorporating the proper installations and technologies, each accessible feature, such as restrooms, elevators, and maps, will be clearly indicated, making it easier for people to know the features available in the space and where they’re located.
You can even install Braille signs for blind people needing assistance navigating the space.
Give priority to physical space
Cramped commercial spaces with narrow doorways and aisles do not encourage people with disabilities, and neither do they help. Consider designing doorways, aisles, and other areas with sufficient space in mind.
This way, people with disabilities, such as individuals on wheelchairs and other mobility aids, can pass through and navigate the space comfortably.
Install accessibility technology
Several technological innovations for accessibility exist today that make life easy for individuals with disabilities. Some of these technologies include automated door openers, audio transcriptions of visual displays, and voice-activated elevators.
Design accessible restrooms
Restroom design is crucial to venue accessibility, even if it is usually overlooked. The solution isn’t as simple as making bathrooms a little larger because wheelchairs often need ample space to be turned around. This goes without mentioning other important hardware considerations.
Designing restrooms for accessibility in commercial spaces should include the incorporation of changing benches and hoists, keeping in mind that some people with motor neuron diseases and reduced mobility can’t use regular toilets.
Design commercial structures in the modern way
As technology evolves, bringing new, improved ways of doing things, it’s essential to move with fundamental trends, such as accessibility designs for commercial spaces.
With the right commercial contractor, your project will reflect modern innovation in accessibility features that will help you stay ADA-compliant. Reach out to us today to leverage our wealth of experience and unrivaled expertise in commercial construction.
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