The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is overseen by the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This law insures that Americans with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in mainstream life in the United States – including having access to public spaces via wheelchair access ramps which is covered under Title II of the law.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is overseen by the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This law insures that Americans with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in mainstream life in the United States – including having access to public spaces via wheelchair access ramps which is covered under Title II of the law.
Just Because It’s A Modular Building Doesn’t Mean The ADA Law Doesn’t Apply
Any space that is open to the public in the United States must have wheelchair access according to the ADA law. This includes schools, churches, retail stores, government offices and many other structures. The law also covers accessibility to modular buildings, portable classrooms, mobile office trailers and portable buildings as long as the general public will have access to the space.
Modular Buildings, Portable Classrooms, Office Trailers and Mobile HomesHere are some tips to consider if you are planning to buy or rent a modular building that will be accessible to the public:
1.) ADA approved Wheelchair ramps can be purchased or rented directly from the modular building supplier. Standard wheelchair ramps are usually available for immediate delivery. Custom ramps require more time.
2.) Wheelchair ramps can be modified and outfitted with landings, decking and canopy covers to meet most site requirements. The length of the wheelchair ramp, size of the landings, size of the toe and railing dimensions are all identified in the Title II regulations of the ADA.
3.) Wheelchair ramps can be fabricated using steel or wood. Steel is preferred for maintenance and durability reasons. Steel is also relocatable for future use.
4.) When you are in the process of buying or renting a modular building you can request a set of wheelchair ramp plans from the supplier to present to your local building department for permitting.
5.) Wheelchair ramps are just as flexible as modular buildings. They can be quickly delivered and installed and removed just as easily when the modular building or classroom is no longer needed.
6.) ADA guidelines basically dictate that for every 1 inch the threshold of your main entrance door sits above the ground you will need 1 foot of ramp to accompany the adequately sized landing. So, the higher your modular building sits above the ground (beware of unlevel sites) the more wheelchair ramp you will be required to install.
How Can You Learn More About ADA Guidelines?
The most reliable resources for ADA guidance are Architects and people working in your local building, safety and planning departments. If you have questions about providing wheelchair ramp access to your modular building, portable classroom or mobile home, you can usually get the fastest response from these professionals. If you want to do some of your own homework here are some helpful resources:
⇢ www.ada.gov – Americans With Disabilities Act main web site
⇢ Classroom Accessibility Information from The Modular Building Institute
⇢ Vanguard Modular’s How to Make Your Modular Building ADA Compliant
