The AODA has standards for the design of public spaces, but no standards for accessibility in other built environments. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends improvements to all standards and laws governing buildings and public spaces. In addition, the review recommends that future AODA standards should align with existing standards in other parts of the country. For instance, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) have developed federal standards for accessibility in the built environment. Future AODA standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make buildings more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal built environment standards for accessible building entrances.
Accessible Building Entrances
Entrances to buildings should be either level or ramped. Moreover, the standards list technical requirements for ramps, such as requirements for:
- Running slope
- Cross slope
- Width
- Landings, including at:
- The top and bottom of every section of a ramp
- Changes in direction
- Doorways
- Surfaces that are:
- Secure and stable
- Slip-resistant
- Not reflective
- Free from glare and visual patterns
- Curbs or rails to prevent people’s assistive devices from falling off the ramp edge
- Lighting
- Handrails on both sides
Stairs
In contrast, some people may find stairs the most accessible way to enter buildings. For example, some people may find a shorter route with stairs less tiring than a longer route with a ramp. As a result, when possible, entrances should offer the option of stairs as an alternative to ramps. Therefore, the standards list measurements for stairs, including ranges for:
- Depth of treads
- Height of risers
- Nosings
Similarly, the standards list other technical requirements for stairs. For example, each step in a flight should be the same height and depth. In addition, stair risers should be closed, not open. Furthermore, there should be colour contrast between stair nosing and the rest of the stairs. Like ramps, stairs should:
- Be slip-resistant
- Have handrails on both sides
Moreover, stairs should have tactile attention indicators at the top. Tactile attention indicators are sections of floor made of small domes that alert people to the change in level. The standards list measurements for these indicators, such as:
- Dome height
- Dome area
- Distance between domes
Stair landings outside buildings should be slightly sloped to drain water.
Doors
Furthermore, the standards list technical requirements for doors, including doors at the entrances to buildings and units. These requirements govern elements such as:
- Width
- Areas for people to move safely as the door opens
- Multiple doors close together
- Door closers
- Power-assisted doors
- Controls to open the door, including:
- Handles
- Locks
- Security alarms
- Controls for power-assisted doors
- Door viewers, vision panels, and side lights
For example, when an entrance includes a revolving door, there should also be an alternative door that does not revolve.