Q3 2023: ADA Accessibility

Sep 1

**Social Awareness**

The Americans with Disabilities Act was established 33 years ago but recently there has been an increased social awareness prompting the public and the design community to demand flexible, appealing, equivalent facilities for all users.

Statistics: 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have some type of disability and 38% of people aged 65 or older have a disability and by the year 2035, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there will be 78 million people who are 65 years and older. [9]

ADA requirements prioritize individuals with a wide range of disabilities including mobility, chronic illness, vision or hearing impairment, and speech; they also take into consideration psychiatric, cognitive and behavioral conditions. Typical ADA features like ramps and compliant bathroom layouts are already common but more recently there are more elements for designers to consider like incorporating more signage, well-lit spaces, zero-threshold entrances, voice activated technology, and more.

In general, there is a social demand to increase the standards required by public facilities, and an increase in interest from homeowners to invest in accessibility upgrades (which is no surprise given the widespread aging-in-place trend). As reported by the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey, over half of homeowners want universal design features in their bathrooms. At this rate, accessible/universal design trends are poised to continue increasing.

Despite a lot of ADA improvements to public spaces over the years, there are still many problems that designers and contractors can collectively continue to enhance and solve. [10]

A common stereotype is that ADA and universal designs are cold and institutional. This is no longer the case now that manufacturers are introducing attractive product options. Manufacturers are offering high-performance finishes, fixtures, and accessories with a wider range of styles, finishes, and colors.

[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023).https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html#:~:text=Up%20to%201%20in%204,and%20people%20with%20no%20disability.
[10] AIA Continuing Education Provider. (2022, Apr).https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/inpro/designing-for-a-new-age-of-accessibility/5/