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ADA Information and Consultation
After more than 20 years there is still a great deal of misunderstanding about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and what it means to individuals with disabilities and the general public. CID offers ADA consulting and education in all areas of the act including: · Building access assessments · Assessments of parking and sidewalk access · Public accommodations needed in the community · Access related to employment · Access to state and local government buildings and services.
This service is available to individuals, groups, public and private agencies, businesses, and community organizations. For additional information, please contact Ray Pittsinger at 650-645-1780 ext. 113
ADA Spotlight
Americans with Disabilities Act: Door Handles
by Ray Pittsinger
Businesses can do relatively simple things to make their sites more accessible. A door handle is a good place to begin. If a person cannot open the door the business will lose their custom so it only makes sense to comply with the ADA and change the handle if readily achievable.
Door hardware can be inaccessible for people with disabilities. The door handle most inaccessible could be the round door knob (which requires tight grasping and twisting to operate).
Another one is the handle with the thumb latch. This is because one must grasp the handle and pinch down on the thumb latch at the same time.
Changing or adding door hardware is usually relatively easy and inexpensive. A round doorknob can be replaced with a lever handle or modified by adding a clamp-on lever. In some cases, a thumb latch can be disabled so the door can be pulled open without depressing the latch or the hardware may be replaced.