The AODA does not yet include standards governing the housing sector. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends new standards in various sectors, and suggests guidelines for future housing standards. 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 accessible housing. Future AODA housing standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make people’s homes more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal housing standards for accessible housing entrances.
Accessible Housing Entrances
Entrances to houses or apartment 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
Likewise, the standards reference technical requirements for elevators and platform lifts. People with apartments or condos on upper floors may use these devices to reach their front doors.
In contrast, some people may find stairs the most accessible way to enter their homes. 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 and elevators. The standards list 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. Like ramps, stairs should:
- Be slip-resistant
- Have handrails on both sides
Stair landings outside buildings should be slightly sloped to drain water.
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
Finally, the standards include technical requirements for doorbells, door cameras, and intercoms.