Modern Contractor Solutions November 2024 - 26

legal solution
From Paper to Practice
ensuring ADA standards on the jobsite
By Elizabeth Ruggles
I
n the realm of commercial construction,
compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) is not just a legal
obligation but a cornerstone of inclusive and
responsible building practices. Ensuring
that public and commercial facilities are
accessible to people with disabilities is
essential to prevent both legal liabilities and
preventable accidents. For contractors, this
means navigating a complex landscape of
regulations and standards that impact every
phase of construction.
The ADA encompasses a wide range of
accessibility requirements, from building
entrances and exits to interior spaces,
restrooms, and parking facilities. How these
pieces of the puzzle fit together is also a
crucial factor. For commercial construction
contractors, it is essential to understand
the ADA Standards for Accessible Design,
which outline the minimum requirements to
ensure facilities are usable by individuals with
disabilities. Failure to comply can result in
costly litigation, project delays and damage to
a company's reputation.
OVERCOMING DESIGN AND
PLANNING HURDLES
One of the primary challenges lies in the
design and planning phases. Misinterpreting
the detailed and specific ADA guidelines can
lead to significant design flaws. It is crucial
to engage with accessibility consultants
during the planning stages to ensure that all
aspects of the design meet ADA standards.
Additionally, space constraints in commercial
sites can make it challenging to incorporate
all necessary ADA features. For instance,
ensuring that doorways are wide enough
for wheelchair access or that there is
adequate turning space in restrooms requires
meticulous planning and foresight.
26
NOVEMBER 2024
During construction, site conditions such
as uneven terrain and existing infrastructure
can pose challenges to ADA compliance.
Contractors must be adept at modifying
plans and employing creative solutions to
address these issues without compromising
accessibility. The choice of materials also
plays a significant role; for instance, flooring
must be slip-resistant and stable to prevent
accidents, and fixtures must be reachable by
individuals with varying abilities. Selecting
materials that meet both aesthetic and
functional ADA requirements can be tricky but
is still of paramount importance.
Ongoing compliance during construction
requires regular inspections and quality
control to ensure adherence to ADA
standards. This includes checking the
height of switches, the slope of ramps and
the width of hallways. There are often also
different standards on the state and federal
level that need to be evaluated for strictness
and overlap.
Having a dedicated team member or
consultant focused on ADA compliance
can help catch and correct issues before
they become problematic. Educating the
construction team about ADA requirements
is equally important. Training should cover
not only the legal aspects but also practical
implementation strategies to foster a culture
of compliance and inclusivity on the jobsite.
ENSURING COMPLIANCE
Engaging with ADA consultants from the
outset of the project can save time and
money. These experts can provide valuable
insights and identify potential issues before
they arise. Collaborating closely with
architects, designers, and clients ensures
that everyone is aligned on ADA requirements
and committed to achieving compliance.
Implementing robust review processes,
including thorough plan reviews with an
emphasis on accessibility, is vital. This should
be an ongoing process, with adjustments
made as necessary based on site conditions
and project changes. Creating physical
or digital mock-ups of key accessibility
features can help visualize and evaluate
their effectiveness, particularly for complex
elements such as ramps, elevators and
accessible restrooms.
Staying updated on regulations is crucial
for maintaining compliance, but it's possible.
ADA standards and guidelines can evolve, so
continuous education is necessary. Attending
workshops, webinars, and other educational
opportunities focused on ADA compliance
can help contractors stay informed about
changes and updates. Monitoring industry
trends and keeping an eye on best practices
and technological advancements can
provide fresh solutions and strategies for
enhancing accessibility.
Achieving ADA compliance in commercial
construction is a dynamic and ongoing
process that requires diligence, expertise,
finding the right partners, and a proactive
approach. By understanding common
challenges and implementing best
practices, contractors can ensure that their
projects are accessible to all individuals,
fostering an inclusive environment that
benefits everyone.
about the author
Elizabeth Ruggles is senior ADA and accessibility
consultant, Charles Taylor. For more, visit
www.charlestaylor.com.
www.mcsmag.com
Modern Contractor Solutions November 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Modern Contractor Solutions November 2024
