Do My Public Area Window Treatments Need To Be ADA Compliant?
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design is an overwhelming 279 page document, and the Guidance Document to these standards is another 170 pages, both of which present an intimidating read. We thought it might be useful to create a quick reference guide to assist with questions as to how this document pertains to Hospitality window treatments in public areas.
The Concept
Fortunately, a very succinct section of the ADA code exempts public area treatments from ADA compliance. Section 35.151 addresses how those with disabilities utilize public areas, and section (4) of this section requires there be a clear path of travel in these areas and that the Primary function of these spaces be accessible to a guest with disabilities.
A small subsection (i)(B) continues to outline the concept of Primary function and states, “For the purposes of this section, alterations to windows, hardware, controls, electrical outlets and signage shall not be deemed to be alterations that affect the usability of or access to an area containing a Primary function.”
In plain English, this means that a guest in a hotel restaurant must be able to use all aspects of the restaurant to eat (the restaurant’s Primary function) however, operating the window treatments within the restaurant does not fall within the Primary function of a restaurant, therefore the window treatments are such not subject to ADA compliance.
Now, guestrooms have quite a few more guidelines. The code outlines how many rooms need to be ADA compliant, how accommodating window treatment controls must be and also dictates what maximum height and reach requirements are. To read about Guestroom ADA Standards, please see our post titled, “ADA Code for Guestroom Window Treatments”
We hope this was post helpful to you! Until next time…
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