The US Congress created guidelines for accessibility of public facilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) disability ramp guidelines apply only to access for new facilities or major renovations built after 1991 that are used by the general public, which includes government offices, polling places, office buildings, apartment buildings, restaurants and stores. They do not apply to private residences.
National Ramp has assembled some important links below to assist you in learning about some fantastic groups and organizations of great interest to handicapped, disabled and elderly individuals. We hope that we have been able to support you in finding the help you desire and hopefully to answer some of your questions.
Key Clauses in the ADA Ramp guidelines
- ADA ramps should not exceed a 1:12 ratio. Every inch of rise needs 12 inches of ramp.
- ADA ramps addressing more than 6 inches should have handrails.
- ADA ramps exceeding 30 feet must have an intermediate platform.
- ADA ramps must have side flanges of 2 inches or more to prevent accidental slipping from the edge.
- ADA ramps and platforms must have nonskid surfaces and be designed to prevent water accumulation.
