11
Accessibility

Accessible Route

The intent of an accessible route is to allow persons with disabilities to enter a building, get into and out of spaces where desired functions occur, and then exit the building. It is also necessary that support functions such as toilets, telephones, and drinking fountains be accessible. The goal is the integration of people with disabilities into the full function of a facility with a minimum of atypical treatment. Such unequal treatment could be considered to include provision of separate routes or auxiliary aids such as wheelchair lifts.

The concept of universal design is useful to keep in mind. The goal of universal design is to make facilities accessible to the widest possible range of people, regardless of mobility, physical ability, size, age, or cognitive skills.

The designer should bear in mind all types of disabilities when designing accessible routes. Projections may affect people with visual impairments and, of course, changes in grade, such as ramps or steps, impact people in wheelchairs.

The requirements for areas of refuge, discussed in Chapter 10, recognize that getting people with disabilities into a building under normal conditions may not allow them to exit under emergency circumstances. See the provisions for areas of refuge in § 1009.

• The basis of accessible design is the idea of an accessible route. The definition of accessible route in Chapter 2 uses the words continuous and unobstructed. Any usable path for people with disabilities must not cut them off from the spaces or elements of the building that they have a right to use. This route is often referred to in other code sections or access documents as the path of travel.

Dwelling Unit Types

There are three broad categories of accessible dwelling units addressed in the code. The definitions for these units are contained in Chapter 2. The definitions all refer back to ICC A117.1 for the descriptions of the detailed requirements for each type of unit. The units can be generally described, in descending order of accessibility, as follows:

• Accessible units (with the “A” always capitalized), which are fully wheelchair accessible at the time of first occupancy;
• “Type A” units, which are adaptable units, with clearances for wheelchair access built-in and provisions such as blocking for grab bars to allow them to be modfied into Accessible units;
• “Type B” units, which match Fair Housing Act requirements and are wheelchair friendly but not accessible. They generally allow tighter spaces than Accessible or Type A units.

These requirements impact the space requirements for single-level multifamily housing and multiple-level buildings where elevators are provided. Designers of Group-R occupancies should study the scoping requirements carefully. Note also that while these code revisions are intended to conform to Federal Fair Housing ACT requirements, those requirements should be reviewed as well, so that the designer may be assured of compliance with both federal and local requirements.

• Definitions and requirements for Type A and B dwelling units have been incorporated into the code to bring the code requirements in line with the Federal Fair Housing Act Guidelines (FFHA). The designer has the option under given conditions of providing fully accessible units per A117.1 (Accessible units) or adaptable units (Type A or B) in residential projects. The scoping requirements for these dwelling units are contained in § 1107. The plan dimension requirements are essentially the same for both Accessible and Type A units, as clearances must be provided for future accessibility in adaptable units. Type B units are intended to match the Fair Housing requirements and are not held to the higher levels that Accessible and Type A units must meet.

  

• Certain accessibility features, such as grab bars, lowered counters, and clear space under cabinets, may be provided later in adaptable units. Construction features, such as convertible cabinetry and wall blocking for grab bars, are necessary so that the conversion to an accessible unit may be made readily, without major remodeling.

  

Exceptions

§ 1103.2 specifies the exceptions to access requirements, and these exceptions are distributed among sections in other chapters of the code. The exceptions apply in general to low occupancy spaces and those where provision of access would be disproportionate to the utility of the space. However, it is also worth noting once again that the exceptions noted in the code may not correspond to federal or local laws and regulations, and must be carefully reviewed.

Specific exceptions to accessibility in the IBC include the following items:

• Raised or lowered areas in places of religious worship that are less than 300 sf (30 m²) in area and located 7'' (178) or more above or below the finished floor and used primarily for the performance of religious ceremonies are not required to comply with this chapter.
• Detached residences, such as single-family homes and duplexes, along with their sites and facilities, are not required to be accessible.
• Utility buildings (Group-U occupancies) not open to the general public or required to have accessible parking are exempt from accessibility requirements.

  

• Construction sites need not be accessible.
• Raised areas, areas with limited access, equipment spaces, and single-occupant structures, such as guard stations, catwalks, crawl spaces, elevator pits, and some tollbooths, are not required to be accessible.
• R-1 occupancies with 5 or fewer sleeping rooms that are also the residence of the proprietor are not required to be accessible.

  

• Walk-in coolers and freezers are not required to be accessible where they are intended for employee use only, but only when accessed from an employee-use area. Large walk-in coolers that open to public-use areas, such as those found in a “big-box” retail store, should be assumed to be used by the public and should be accessible. Local access requirements should be verified with the local AHJ.

When dealing with accessibility requirements, especially for new construction, the designer's first assumption should be that all areas and all functions used by the public should be accessible. It is also a prudent assumption that all employee areas should be accessible to people with disabilities, except for specific service areas not typically occupied by either the public or employees.

• Because of the potential for local or federal variations, use the exceptions with great caution!

  

Accessible Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units

§ 1107.2 divides accessible dwelling units and sleeping units into Accessible, Type A, and Type B units. We will use the word “units” here to include both dwelling and sleeping units unless indicated otherwise. Sleeping units are defined in Chapter 2 as rooms or spaces in which people sleep. This could include dormitory, hotel or motel guest rooms or suites, or nursing home rooms.

There are a number of exceptions to § 1107.4 that exempt certain upper-level areas from access requirements when accessible elements are available on an accessible level.

• Note that this exception does not apply to Type A dwelling units. Type A units are to be accessible; Type B units are adaptable. The code assumes that when a Type B unit is adapted the access can be provided at the time of adaptation.

• Per § 1107.4, in Group I-3 facilities, an accessible route is not required to connect stories or mezzanines where Accessible units, all common-use areas serving Accessible units, and all public-use areas are on an accessible level.
• In other than Group R-2 dormitory housing provided by places of education, in Group R-2 facilities with Accessible units complying with § 1107.6.2.3.1, an accessible route is not required to connect stories or mezzanines where Accessible units, all common-use areas serving Accessible units, and all public-use areas are on an accessible route.
• In Group R-1, an accessible route is not required to connect stories or mezzanines within individual units, provided the accessible level meets the provisions for Accessible units and sleeping accommodations for two persons minimum and a toilet facility are provided on that level.
• In congregate residences in Groups R-3 and R-4, an accessible route is not required to connect stories or mezzanines where Accessible or Type B units, all common-use areas serving Accessible and Type B units, and all public-use areas serving Accessible and Type B units are on an accessible route.

Group I Occupancies

Group I occupancies have detailed special requirements in § 1107.5 that recognize the institutional nature of this occupancy group. Typically, the requirements for the number of accessible spaces are higher than for other occupancies as these facilities have a higher proportion of people with disabilities than other occupancies. Where facilities specialize in treatment of conditions affecting mobility, up to 100% of the rooms may be required to be accessible. The designer should verify the percentage of Accessible and Type B units required by § 1107.5 based on the prospective use of an I occupancy.

Group R Occupancies

The trigger for various scoping requirements in Group R occupancies is the number of sleeping spaces and the number of dwelling units. A percentage of each type of multi-unit residential facility must be accessible, with the number and diversity of the types of accommodation increasing with the size and type of the residential facility. These provisions do not apply to individual single-family residences, but do apply to single family residences where there are 4 or more such units per building.

• Note that additional accessible features such as roll-in showers are required as the number of units increases. Thus Table 1007.6.1.1 requires 2 Accessible units for up to 50 total units, with no roll-in shower requirements. However, when there are between 51 and 75 units, a roll-in shower is to be provided in one of the 4 required accessible units; the other 3 units cannot be provided with a roll-in shower.
• To apply the numerous exceptions to these requirements, the designer must further understand the distinction for Type B dwelling unit requirements, based on whether the units in question are ground-floor units or multistory units.

  

General Exceptions

The exceptions for accessible dwelling units depend on specific circumstances and do not apply equally to Type A and B dwelling units. The exceptions are:

1. In walk-up type buildings, where no elevator is provided, neither Type A nor Type B dwelling units need be provided on floors other than the ground floor. The number of Type A dwelling units is to be provided based on the total of all units in the building, not just at the ground floor. It should be assumed that in buildings with more than 4 and fewer than 20 units, the ground-floor units should all be Type B units.

   

2. In podium-type buildings without elevators, where the dwelling units occur only above the ground floor, only the dwelling units on the lowest floor need comply with the requirements of this section. Thus, on the lowest level of a building with 4 to 20 units, all of the units on the lowest level of dwelling units need be Type B units, but only on that level. When the total dwelling unit count exceeds 20, then Type A dwelling units would need to be provided as required in this section, but again only on the lowest dwelling unit level.

   

3. A multilevel dwelling unit without an elevator is not required to comply with the requirements for Type B dwelling units. Thus, townhouse-style multilevel dwelling units are not required to be Type B units. When elevator service is provided to one floor of the unit, however, that floor must meet Type B requirements and a toilet facility provided. It is not stated that this facility requires access, but it should be designed as such. If an elevator accesses any level serving a multilevel unit, that level must meet the requirements noted above.

   

4. Where there are multiple buildings on a site that do not have elevators, and the site has varying grades, then the need to provide Type B dwelling units should be examined in the context of the entire site.

   

   • In no case, however, should the total number of Type B dwelling units be less than 20% of the total number of ground-floor dwelling units on the entire site. So even where the site is steeply sloped throughout, accessible route provisions must be made to satisfy the 20% minimum requirement.

   

   • The arcane and somewhat ambiguous nature of these and most other exceptions to accessibility provisions in this code and ADA Standards only reinforce our basic recommendation regarding provision of access in buildings. If it seems that access may be required by the code, then it should be provided. Provision of access does the building and occupants no harm, while its absence can lead to lack of access and legal problems that are best avoided.

Assembly Areas

In assembly areas with fixed seating, the following provisions are required:

• § 1108.2.1 requires that services be accessible either by providing an accessible route or providing equal services on the accessible route as in nonaccessible areas.
• § 1108.2.2–§ 1108.2.4 require wheelchair spaces to be provided based on the number of seats in the assembly occupancy per Table 1108.2.2.1, or as described in the noted sections.

  

• Sightlines should be carefully studied to allow wheelchair patrons to see the event. Sightlines for patrons in wheelchairs are the subject of much controversy. Especially at issue is providing views for wheelchair patrons over patrons who may be standing at their seats at sporting events, where fans often jump up in excitement during the event. This has been the subject of review by the courts in several cases. It is worth the designer's attention to the current legal status of seating dispersal and sightline access criteria as the design is prepared.

  

• In assembly areas where audible communications are integral to the use of the space, assistive listening devices are to be provided. The number of receivers is based on the seating capacity in the assembly area. Assistive listening devices are required for all spaces where audio-amplification systems are installed. Other than in courtrooms, an assistive listening system is not required where there is no audio amplification system. The best guideline is that if amplification is provided for some, it should be provided for all. Do not assume that assisted listening and wheelchair access always overlap. They often do not.

  

• Dining areas are to be accessible for the total floor area allotted for table and seating, except for mezzanine areas that contain less than 25% of the total area and if the same services are offered in both areas.
• This exception should be used with caution due to the possible ambiguous interpretation of the term same services. The intent of the exception is that the same experiences of environmental character, service, and food be available to all patrons, regardless of disability. The designer must be certain that not only the physical character of the space but also the operation of the establishment will not result in segregation of people with disabilities. The basis of access, especially under the ADA, is providing equal access as a civil right.

  

Self-Service Storage Facilities

Self-service storage facilities are to provide accessible spaces per Table 1108.3. This requires that at least 5% of the spaces be accessible up to 200 spaces, and that 10 spaces plus 2% of the total over 200 spaces be accessible in larger facilities. The accessible units are to be dispersed among various classes of space provided, but the units may be located all in a single building or in multiple buildings. These requirements are similar in principle and application to the requirements for accessible parking, accessible seating, and accessible dwelling units in multiple-unit dwellings.

Other Features and Facilities

§ 1109 sets forth scoping provisions for access to various building parts and functions. These provisions apply to all areas except Accessible, Type A, and Type B dwelling units, which are to comply with A117.1. Where facilities for people without disabilities are provided, then essentially equal facilities are to be provided for people with disabilities. It is also possible and permissible to make all facilities usable by almost all potential users whether disabled or not. This is the underlying principle of what is called “universal design.” Where there are multiple facilities, then percentages apply to determine the total number of such facilities to be provided. But in almost every case, at least one such facility is to be accessible as a base requirement. Where there is a distinctive use for facilities, such as bathing versus toilet facilities, or express checkout lines in addition to normal lines, then accessible facilities should be provided for each different function. The criteria in this section usually do not determine if the facility in question needs to be accessible, but only what criteria apply if accessibility is required by other parts of the code.

Toilet and Bathing Facilities

§ 1109.2 requires all toilet rooms and bathing facilities to be accessible. Where there are inaccessible floors that otherwise comply with the code, the only available toilet and bathing facilities should not be located on that level. At least one of each type of fixture, element, control, or dispenser in each toilet room is to be accessible. The facilities are to provide equal access to all of the functions provided in them.

The exceptions for accessible toilet rooms and bathing facilities are very focused and very minimal:

Family or Assisted-Use Toilet and Bathing Rooms

§ 1109.2.1 requires an accessible unisex toilet in assembly and mercantile occupancies when six or more water closets in total are required in the facility. This also applies to all recreational facilities where separate-sex facilities are provided, regardless of the count of water closets. This does not apply in facilities where there is only one bathing fixture in each separated-sex bathing room. These unisex facilities can be counted as part of the total number of fixtures to satisfy fixture-count requirements. Per § 1009.2.2 at least 5% of toilet compartments are to be accessible. For very large toilet rooms (>20 stalls) this will result in needing to provide two accessible stalls in such toilet rooms.

Sinks

§ 1109.3 requires 5% of sinks to be accessible, except for service sinks.

Kitchens

§ 1109.4 requires that, when provided in accessible space or rooms, kitchens, kitchenettes, and wet bars must be accessible per the space criteria of A117.1.

• Unisex facilities are to meet the criteria of A117.1 for space layout. Each facility is to contain only one water closet and one lavatory; however, in unisex bathing facilities, a shower or bathtub may be in the same room. Where lockers or similar storage units are provided in separate-sex bathing facilities, then accessible storage facilities are to be provided in the unisex bathing facilities as well.
• Separate-sex toilets with only two sanitary fixtures in each—one water closet and a lavatory or one water closet, a lavatory, and a urinal—may be considered as unisex toilet rooms.

  

• Where plumbing fixtures and drinking fountains are designed primarily for use by children, the fixtures may be located using the children's provisions from A117.1

Elevators

§ 1109.7 requires passenger elevators on an accessible route to be accessible and to comply with IBC Chapter 30.

Lifts

The allowable uses for lifts for accessibility are:

1. At stages, other raised performing areas, or speaker's platforms in Group A occupancies. This should be applied sparingly only where use of ramps or elevators is not feasible.
2. In assembly areas to provide accessible wheelchair seating required under § 1108.2.2. Again, this should be applied sparingly only where use of ramps or elevators is not feasible.
3. To provide an accessible route to spaces not accessible to the general public and with fewer than five occupants.
4. For an accessible route within a dwelling or sleeping unit that is required to be an Accessible unit, Type A unit, or Type B unit.
5. In courtrooms to provide access to such items as jury boxes, witness stands, and judge's benches.
6. For access to amusement rides.
7. To provide access to play structures or soft contained play structures.
8. An accessible route to team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.
9. An accessible route instead of gangways serving recreational boating facilities and fishing piers and platforms.
10. An accessible route where existing exterior site constraints make use of a ramp or a stair infeasible.

Storage

Where fixed or built-in storage facilities, such as cabinets, lockers, and medicine cabinets are provided, § 1109.9 requires that 5% or at least one of each type of storage be accessible. When items such as coat hooks and folding shelves are provided in inaccessible facilities, then at least one of each shall also be provided in an accessible facility as well.

Detectable Warnings

A detectable warning is a defined term, typically meaning a pattern of raised truncated domes of specified size and spacing. § 1109.10 requires passenger transit platforms without guards to have detectable warnings at the edge to warn people with visual impairments of the falling hazard at that edge.

A117.1 regulates detectable warnings as follows:

• § 705.5 Truncated Domes. Detectable warning surfaces shall have truncated domes complying with § 705.5.

  

• Note that this provision does not apply to bus stops as they typically abut a curb rather than have the kind of drop that occurs at a train or subway platform.

Seating at Tables, Counters, and Work Surfaces

Customer-Service Facilities

Controls, Operating Mechanisms, and Hardware

Recreational Facilities

To coordinate with the 2010 ADA Standards, a new section, §1110, has been created to gather together the prior and new provisions for accessibility to recreational facilities.

Illustrations of technical requirements are taken from ICC A117.1–09, the applicable technical reference for use with IBC Chapter 11. Note that there are sections of A117.1–09 that are not scoped in the IBC. One example of this is play structures. A117.1–09 has technical requirements for accessible play structures, but there is no reference to play structures in the IBC, even in this new section for recreational facilities.

The examples here illustrate the variety of facilities that are to be accessible to some degree. See the code for detailed descriptions of access requirements.

General

Recreational facilities are to be provided with accessible features in accordance with the requirements of § 1110.

Recreational Facilities for Dwellings

Recreational facilities that serve Group R-2, R-3, and R-4 occupancies are to be accessible.

• All recreational facilities serving Accessible units are to be accessible.
• 25% of each type of recreational facility serving Type A and Type B units are to be accessible.

Other Occupancies

Recreational facilities serving other than R-2, R-3, and R-4 occupancies are to be accessible per § 1110.

Areas of Sport Activity

Each area of sport activity is to be on an accessible route but is not required to be accessible except as provided for in § 1110.4.2 through § 1110.4.14, which set forth specific requirements or exclude some areas from accessibility requirements.

Recreational Facilities that need Not be Accessible

The following areas shown here are not required to be accessible or be on an accessible route, except for some areas that serve facilities that have a percentage of uses accessible, such as team or player seating for accessible bowling lanes per § 1110.4.3.

Signs

§ 1111.1 requires the international symbol of accessibility to be located at accessible parking spaces per § 1106.1 and 1106.2, accessible areas of refuge per § 1007.9, at accessible toilet locations, at accessible entries, accessible checkout aisles, and at accessible dressing and accessible locker rooms.

The 2010 ADA Standards requires permanent room signage to be located in a prescribed location. Signs are also to have tactile raised lettering and Braille symbols. These requirements apply even if not stated in the body of the code since the 2010 ADA Standards are to be applied as well. This is a good example of why designers must review ADA requirements along with code requirements. See signage requirements in the commentary on Supplementary Accessibility Requirements.

Directional Signage

Where not all elements are accessible, § 1111.2 requires there be signage to direct people with disabilities to the nearest accessible element. These signs must have the international symbol of accessibility. Directional signage is required at inaccessible building entrances, inaccessible toilet facilities, inaccessible bathing facilities, and elevators not serving an accessible route. Directions to the nearest accessible unisex toilet are to be provided where there are unisex facilities per § 1109.2.1.

Other Signs

When special access provisions are made, then § 1111.3 requires signage be provided to highlight those provisions. The specific requirements noted in the code are:

1. When assistive listening devices are provided per § 1108.2.7, signs to that effect are to be provided at ticket offices or similar locations.
2. Each door to an exit stairway is to have a sign in accordance with § 1013.4. This section requires a tactile exit sign complying with A117.1.
3. At areas of refuge and areas for assisted rescue, signage shall be provided in accordance with § 1009.11.
4. At areas for assisted rescue, signage is to be provided per § 1009.11.

Appendix E

Provisions in the appendices of the IBC do not have any force or effect in local jurisdictions unless the local authority having jurisdiction specifically adopts them. We have included the supplementary accessibility provisions in this chapter as an example of how appendices work. The access section is included because the provisions in this appendix closely parallel ADA and local modifications made to access regulations. In our opinion, most of these requirements should be applied based on common sense or compliance with the ADA, whether the appendix is adopted locally or not. Note that the referenced standards in the appendix include the ADA and various federal publications related to access and access regulations in addition to A117.1. Although the code refers to the old ADAAG, we suggest the reader follow the 2010 ADA Standards, since March 15, 2012 was the effective date for the new ADA standards.

Designers should be familiar with these provisions as it is likely that these requirements or similar ones will be encountered in the course of design work. Appendix requirements are typically ones that are not universally accepted or that are still under development. These provisions are placed in the appendix to give local authorities the option to adopt them or not without compromising the basic code.

Appendix E uses the same reference criteria as the basic code, A117.1. The provisions of the appendix are designed to coordinate the basic code with supplemental requirements. If adopted, the section numbers are placed in the basic code in the numerical sequences noted in the appendix. The appendix requirements form an overlay with the basic code to add requirements for specific occupancies or functions beyond the requirements of the basic code.

Definitions

§ E102 contains definitions of accessible elements.

• Transient Lodging: This is the primary additional term introduced in Appendix E. This function is typically a Group I or Group R occupancy. The major distinction is that the residents of these facilities are not long-term residents and thus are less familiar with their surroundings and may require supplementary services, clearances, or devices to use the transient lodging functions. Longer-term residents may adapt their spaces or have personal or programmatic supplements to their activities to accommodate their disabilities.

Accessible Routes

Special Occupancies

§ E104 adds requirements for transient lodging facilities as defined.

Communication Features

§ E104.2 provides for accessible communication features at sleeping accommodations in transient lodging per Table E104.2.1, based on the number of rooms. These features are to accommodate people with hearing disabilities and include visual notification of telephone rings, door knocks, or bells. These functions are to be separate from the visual emergency alarm notifications. There is also to be an electrical receptacle near the phone to allow plugging in of a portable TTY for phone access. Telephones are also required to have volume controls.

It is not stated whether these rooms are to be combined with rooms made accessible for other disabilities, or separate. It is best to assume that the provision of mobility and auditory access is separate, and the requirements for numbers of rooms are additive. However, it is also reasonable to assume that the idea of dispersal and diversity of access will require certain rooms to provide both types of access in the same room. People with multiple disabilities should be accommodated. Also, rooms that are accessible for people with mobility impairments are usable by people without those disabilities. If adopted in the project's jurisdiction, then these requirements should be reviewed with the building official.

Other Features and Facilities

The facilities noted in § E105 are temporary in nature or equipment added after the construction of the building is complete. As such, they may not be under the control of the designer, but designers should be aware of these requirements in order to make physical layouts that can accommodate them.

• Portable Toilet and Bathing Rooms: Where portable facilities are clustered together, § E105.1 requires that at least 5%, or at least one, of the facilities must be accessible. This provision does not apply to construction sites.

  

• Laundry Equipment: When laundry equipment is provided in spaces that are required to be accessible, § E105.2 requires that at least one of each type of equipment should be accessible per A117.1.
• Depositories, Vending Machines, and Other Equipment: § E105.3 requires that spaces containing vending machines be accessible per A117.1. At least one of each type of depository, vending machine, change machine, and similar equipment is to be accessible.

  

• Mailboxes: § E105.4 requires that when mailboxes are provided at an interior location, that at least 5% of them be accessible per A117.1. Where mailboxes are provided at each unit, accessible mailboxes are to be provided at accessible units.
• Automated Teller Machines and Fare Machines: § E105.5 requires that at least one of each type of these machines be accessible. Also, where bins for materials such as envelopes or writing surfaces are provided, at least one of each of these facilities should be accessible as well.

  

• Two-way communication systems: Where communication systems are provided, such as those located at apartment entrances to gain admittance, the system is to be accessible.

  

Telephones

The telephone access requirements contained in § E106, although in the appendix, should be applied in almost all cases. In addition, these detailed access requirements should be reviewed with the 2010 ADA Standards and local code adoptions.

• The access requirements illustrated are from A117.1. Note that while phones may be accessible from the front or the side as illustrated, the general rule to apply is that where pay phones are provided, they should be accessible per Table E106.2.

  

• Each public phone is to have accessible volume controls.

  

  Phones per Floor	Wheelchair-Accessible
  or Level	Phones
  1	1 per floor or level
  1 bank*	1 per floor or level
  2 or more banks	1 per bank
  * Bank consists of a row of two or more phones.

• TTYs: § E106.4 requires that TTYs, telephone devices for hearing-impaired people using text or other nonverbal communication, are to be provided when there are more than four public telephones in a bank. The only exception applies to multiple banks of phones on one floor that are less than 200' (60 960) apart; then only one such bank need have a TTY. TTY locations are to be indicated by the international symbol of TTY and directional signs are to be provided to TTY locations. In addition to the TTY requirements, a shelf for portable TTYs along with an electrical receptacle is to be provided at each interior bank of three or more telephones.

  

Signage

Where permanent signs for rooms or spaces are provided at doors, § E107 requires that the visual characters, raised characters, and Braille comply with ICC A117.1. Where pictograms are provided as permanent designations of permanent interior rooms, the pictograms are to have tactile text descriptors. Directional signs for permanent interior locations except for building directories and personnel names and temporary signs should also be accessible. This is another instance where these requirements should be followed regardless of local adoptions. The 2010 ADA Standards should be reviewed along with A117.1 for signage requirements.

• International TTY/TDD Symbol

  

Transit Facilities

The last three sections of the Appendix contain requirements for transit facilities and airports. The specialized requirements for these uses are beyond the scope of our discussion. However, designers should be aware of the special requirements for these facilities placed on them by the ADA, the Code, and the Appendix, and apply them when appropriate.