Accessibility/ ADA Requirements

General Provisions

• The standards for accessibility and ADA are to follow the current building code. 
• Additional provisions above these baseline code standards are as noted below.

Building Design Standards Above Minimum Requirements

• Doors
  • Push buttons for automatic operators to be located 29” AFF
  • One set of double exterior main entry doors to a building to have automatic operators (single door on minor entries is acceptable)
    • No push buttons on glass mullions
    • No push buttons on railings – install post with push button at appropriate location
    • Locate automatic door operators at large auditoriums entrances
    • Door operators to be WSU standard – see architectural division 08
  • Closers not to exceed 5 Lb limit – WSU standard – see architectural division 08
  • Keep door handles and locks as low as possible – 31” AFF maximum. Location should not void warranty from door manufacturer or fail to meet current building code.
  • Standard door width is 3’-0”
  • Door view lite panels are good but keep as low as possible without voiding door manufacturer warranty
• Restrooms
  • The preferred design is no doors into public restrooms when in keeping with adjacent spaces.
  • All restrooms to have no visible entry door layout design with push pull door swinging out and recessed.
  • Locate hand wash and towel dispensers on side walls not front mirror wall.
  • Toilet paper dispenser to be located if single roll just below the grab bars or if a large roll type above the grab bar with bottom of tissue 2 “ above grab bar for easy access.
  • Grab bars 36” AFF
  • Toilet stalls to be 5 X 5  with toilet on one side to allow chair on side for easy transfer
  • Shower stalls shall be a minimum of 42” x 78”
  • Paddle handles on sink fixtures preferred.
  • Unisex standard design for family use requirement is preferably one per building located on first floor.
• Tunnels
  • All new buildings connected with tunnels to allow full access between buildings and into buildings from tunnels. Currently this does not exist with existing system of tunnels and WSU will strive to achieve this requirement in existing buildings with projects in the future.  Cost implications should be discussed with the University prior to being integrated into design.
• Exterior Sidewalks
  • Minimum width of 8’-0”.  Larger widths to be determined on per project bases.
  • Pavers to concrete walk or joints in concrete walks to be flush.
  • Pervious paving desired but hard to achieve with campus soil type and its use should be carefully analyzed. 
  • Provide curb cuts for total campus access. Locate in convenient pathways.
  • Maintain raised roadway walk at primary road crossings.
  • Provide tactile surface (rubber) at all crossings.  Basis of Design: Armorcast Detectable Warning Panels.
• Parking
  • Disability office advocates for increase to ADA regulations for minimum for cars and vans, if cost permissible.
• Elevators
  • Locate cab controls under railing
  • Exterior call buttons to be located 29” AFF
  • For new buildings provide two elevators per building with two ways to access each floor.
  • Provide extended time for elevator door hold openings after car arrives to allow entry
  • Provide both sight and sound announcements at call locations
• Reception Counters
  • Provide minimum access but also flexible seating locations for people and wheelchairs
• Hallways
  • Disability office advocates main corridors @ 8’-0” and internal corridors/hallways          @ 6’-0” where cost permissible. 
• Stairways
  • Increase minimum light levels to 25% above current code.
  • Treads – provide color contrast at first step and last step to make easily seen
• Signage
  • WSU desires an increase in signs, locating exist signs low and possible Q codes, voice activated or phone applications to assist with way finding.
• Classrooms
  • No elevated stages
• Labs
  • One station ADA compliant including hood access.
• Security
  • Card swipes are OK if located properly but proximity detector preferred.
  • Push button door security access is OK but not preferred.
• Vending Machines & ATM Machines
  • Keep access to 29” AFF is preferred
  • Provide speaking or Braille controls
• Phones
  • Install all emergency phones at 29” AFF
• Housing
  • Locate all ADA rooms on first floor
• General locker rooms
  • Disability office advocates to locate ADA lockers low for access and provide greater quantity than ADA minimum.
• Building ramps
  • Entries to have all flush entry points. If ramps required they are to be 1 in 20 with no rails and no switch back designs if at all possible. Design any access as a sidewalk not a ramp.