ADA Accessiblity Guidelines
The following sections excerpted from the full ADA-ABA Accessiblity Guidelines provide guidance for various types of technologies within the scope of this website, and the environments in which those technologies are operated:
- Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines (220)
- Floor or Ground Surface (302)
- Changes in Level (303)
- Turning Space (304)
- Clear Floor or Ground Space (305)
- Knee and Toe Clearance (306)
- Reach Ranges (308)
- Operable Parts (309)
- Walking Surfaces (403)
- Braille (703.3)
- Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines (707)
- Storage (811)
- Miscellaneous Guidelines
220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines
220.1 General
Where automatic teller machines or self-service fare vending, collection, or adjustment machines are provided, at least one of each type provided at each location shall comply with 707. Where bins are provided for envelopes, waste paper, or other purposes, at least one of each type shall comply with 811.
Advisory: If a bank provides both interior and exterior ATMs, each such installation is considered a separate location. Accessible ATMs, including those with speech and those that are within reach of people who use wheelchairs, must provide all the functions provided to customers at that location at all times. For example, it is unacceptable for the accessible ATM only to provide cash withdrawals while inaccessible ATMs also sell theater tickets.
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302 Floor or Ground Surfaces
302.1 General
Floor and ground surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip resistant and shall comply with 302.
Exception 1: Within animal containment areas, floor and ground surfaces shall not be required to be stable, firm, and slip resistant.
Exception 2: Areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with 302.
Advisory: A stable surface is one that remains unchanged by contaminants or applied force, so that when the contaminant or force is removed, the surface returns to its original condition. A firm surface resists deformation by either indentations or particles moving on its surface. A slip-resistant surface provides sufficient frictional counterforce to the forces exerted in walking to permit safe ambulation.
302.2 Carpet
Carpet or carpet tile shall be securely attached and shall have a firm cushion, pad, or backing or no cushion or pad. Carpet or carpet tile shall have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture. Pile height shall be 1/2 inch (13 mm) maximum. Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to floor surfaces and shall have trim on the entire length of the exposed edge. Carpet edge trim shall comply with 303.
Advisory: Carpets and permanently affixed mats can significantly increase the amount of force (roll resistance) needed to propel a wheelchair over a surface. The firmer the carpeting and backing, the lower the roll resistance. A pile thickness up to 1/2 inch (13 mm) (measured to the backing, cushion, or pad) is allowed, although a lower pile provides easier wheelchair maneuvering. If a backing, cushion or pad is used, it must be firm. Preferably, carpet pad should not be used because the soft padding increases roll resistance.
Figure 302.2
Carpet Pile Height
302.3 Openings
Openings in floor or ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter except as allowed in 407.4.3, 409.4.3, 410.4, 810.5.3 and 810.10. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.
Figure 302.3
Elongated Openings in Floor or Ground Surfaces
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303 Changes in Level
303.1 General
Where changes in level are permitted in floor or ground surfaces, they shall comply with 303.
Exception 1: Animal containment areas shall not be required to comply with 303.
Exception 2: Areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with 303.
303.2 Vertical
Changes in level of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.
Figure 303.2
Vertical Change in Level
303.3 Beveled
Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.
Advisory: A change in level of 1/2 inch (13 mm) is permitted to be 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) vertical plus 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) beveled. However, in no case may the combined change in level exceed 1/2 inch (13 mm). Changes in level exceeding 1/2 inch (13 mm) must comply with 405 (Ramps) or 406 (Curb Ramps).
Figure 303.3
Beveled Change in Level
303.4 Ramps
Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch (13 mm) high shall be ramped, and shall comply with 405 or 406.
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304 Turning Space
304.1 General
Turning space shall comply with 304.304.2 Floor or Ground Surfaces
Floor or ground surfaces of a turning space shall comply with 302. Changes in level are not permitted.
Exception: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.
Advisory: As used in this section, the phrase "changes in level" refers to surfaces with slopes and to surfaces with abrupt rise exceeding that permitted in Section 303.3. Such changes in level are prohibited in required clear floor and ground spaces, turning spaces, and in similar spaces where people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices must park their mobility aids such as in wheelchair spaces, or maneuver to use elements such as at doors, fixtures, and telephones. The exception permits slopes not steeper than 1:48.
304.3 Size
Turning space shall comply with 304.3.1 or 304.3.2.
304.3.1 Circular Space
The turning space shall be a space of 60 inches (1525 mm) diameter minimum. The space shall be permitted to include knee and toe clearance complying with 306.
304.3.2 T-Shaped Space
The turning space shall be a T-shaped space within a 60 inch (1525 mm) square minimum with arms and base 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum. Each arm of the T shall be clear of obstructions 12 inches (305 mm) minimum in each direction and the base shall be clear of obstructions 24 inches (610 mm) minimum. The space shall be permitted to include knee and toe clearance complying with 306 only at the end of either the base or one arm.
Figure 304.3.2
T-Shaped Turning Space
304.4 Door Swing
Doors shall be permitted to swing into turning spaces.
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305 Clear Floor or Ground Space
305.1 General
Clear floor or ground space shall comply with 305.
305.2 Floor or Ground Surfaces
Floor or ground surfaces of a clear floor or ground space shall comply with 302. Changes in level are not permitted.
Exception: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.
305.3 Size
The clear floor or ground space shall be 30 inches (760 mm) minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum.
Figure 305.3
Clear Floor or Ground Space
305.4 Knee and Toe Clearance
Unless otherwise specified, clear floor or ground space shall be permitted to include knee and toe clearance complying with 306.
305.5 Position
Unless otherwise specified, clear floor or ground space shall be positioned for either forward or parallel approach to an element.
Figure 305.5
Position of Clear Floor or Ground Space
305.6 Approach
One full unobstructed side of the clear floor or ground space shall adjoin an accessible route or adjoin another clear floor or ground space.
305.7 Maneuvering Clearance
Where a clear floor or ground space is located in an alcove or otherwise confined on all or part of three sides, additional maneuvering clearance shall be provided in accordance with 305.7.1 and 305.7.2.
305.7.1 Forward Approach
Alcoves shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum where the depth exceeds 24 inches (610 mm).
Figure 305.7.1
Maneuvering Clearance in an Alcove, Forward Approach
305.7.2 Parallel Approach
Alcoves shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) wide minimum where the depth exceeds 15 inches (380 mm).
Figure 305.7.2
Maneuvering Clearance in an Alcove, Parallel Approach
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306 Knee and Toe Clearance
306.1 General
Where space beneath an element is included as part of clear floor or ground space or turning space, the space shall comply with 306. Additional space shall not be prohibited beneath an element but shall not be considered as part of the clear floor or ground space or turning space.
Advisory: Clearances are measured in relation to the usable clear floor space, not necessarily to the vertical support for an element. When determining clearance under an object for required turning or maneuvering space, care should be taken to ensure the space is clear of any obstructions.
306.2 Toe Clearance
Figure 306.2
Toe Clearance
306.2.1 General
Space under an element between the finish floor or ground and 9 inches (230 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall be considered toe clearance and shall comply with 306.2.
306.2.2 Maximum Depth
Toe clearance shall extend 25 inches (635 mm) maximum under an element.
306.2.3 Minimum Required Depth
Where toe clearance is required at an element as part of a clear floor space, the toe clearance shall extend 17 inches (430 mm) minimum under the element.
306.2.4 Additional Clearance
Space extending greater than 6 inches (150 mm) beyond the available knee clearance at 9 inches (230 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall not be considered toe clearance.
306.2.5 Width
Toe clearance shall be 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum.
306.3 Knee Clearance
Figure 306.3
Knee Clearance
306.3.1 General
Space under an element between 9 inches (230 mm) and 27 inches (685 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall be considered knee clearance and shall comply with 306.3.
306.3.2 Maximum Depth
Knee clearance shall extend 25 inches (635 mm) maximum under an element at 9 inches (230 mm) above the finish floor or ground.
306.3.3 Minimum Required Depth
Where knee clearance is required under an element as part of a clear floor space, the knee clearance shall be 11 inches (280 mm) deep minimum at 9 inches (230 mm) above the finish floor or ground, and 8 inches (205 mm) deep minimum at 27 inches (685 mm) above the finish floor or ground.
306.3.4 Clearance Reduction
Between 9 inches (230 mm) and 27 inches (685 mm) above the finish floor or ground, the knee clearance shall be permitted to reduce at a rate of 1 inch (25 mm) in depth for each 6 inches (150 mm) in height.
306.3.5 Width
Knee clearance shall be 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum.
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308 Reach Ranges
308.1 General
Reach ranges shall comply with 308.
308.2 Forward Reach
308.2.1 Unobstructed
Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.
Figure 308.2.1
Unobstructed Forward Reach
308.2.2 Obstructed High Reach
Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the clear floor space shall extend beneath the element for a distance not less than the required reach depth over the obstruction. The high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum where the reach depth is 20 inches (510 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 20 inches (510 mm), the high forward reach shall be 44 inches (1120 mm) maximum and the reach depth shall be 25 inches (635 mm) maximum.
Figure 308.2.2
Obstructed High Forward Reach
308.3 Side Reach
308.3.1 Unobstructed
Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum and the low side reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.
Figure 308.3.1
Unobstructed Side Reach
Exception 1: An obstruction shall be permitted between the clear floor or ground space and the element where the depth of the obstruction is 10 inches (255 mm) maximum.
Exception 2: Operable parts of fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing curbs.
308.3.2 Obstructed High Reach
Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the high side reach is over an obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. The high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 10 inches (255 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 10 inches (255 mm), the high side reach shall be 46 inches (1170 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum.
Figure 308.3.2
Obstructed High Side Reach
Exception 1: The top of washing machines and clothes dryers shall be permitted to be 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finish floor.
Exception 2: Operable parts of fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing curbs.
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309 Operable Parts
309.1 General
Operable parts shall comply with 309.
309.2 Clear Floor Space
A clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be provided.
309.3 Height
Operable parts shall be placed within one or more of the reach ranges specified in 308.
309.4 Operation
Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
Exception: Gas pump nozzles shall not be required to provide operable parts that have an activating force of 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
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403 Walking Surfaces
403.1 General
Walking surfaces that are a part of an accessible route shall comply with 403.
403.2 Floor or Ground Surface
Floor or ground surfaces shall comply with 302.
403.3 Slope
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.
403.4 Changes in Level
Changes in level shall comply with 303.
403.5 Clearances
Walking surfaces shall provide clearances complying with 403.5.
Exception: Within employee work areas, clearances on common use circulation paths shall be permitted to be decreased by work area equipment provided that the decrease is essential to the function of the work being performed.
403.5.1 Clear Width
Except as provided in 403.5.2 and 403.5.3, the clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.
Exception: The clear width shall be permitted to be reduced to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum for a length of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum provided that reduced width segments are separated by segments that are 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum.
Figure 403.5.1
Clear Width of an Accessible Route
403.5.2 Clear Width at Turn
Where the accessible route makes a 180 degree turn around an element which is less than 48 inches (1220 mm) wide, clear width shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum approaching the turn, 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum at the turn and 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum leaving the turn.
Exception: Where the clear width at the turn is 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum compliance with 403.5.2 shall not be required.
Figure 403.5.2
Clear Width at Turn
403.5.3 Passing Spaces
An accessible route with a clear width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet (61 m) maximum. Passing spaces shall be either: a space 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum; or, an intersection of two walking surfaces providing a T-shaped space complying with 304.3.2 where the base and arms of the T-shaped space extend 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the intersection.
403.6 Handrails
Where handrails are provided along walking surfaces with running slopes not steeper than 1:20 they shall comply with 505.
Advisory: Handrails provided in elevator cabs and platform lifts are not required to comply with the requirements for handrails on walking surfaces.
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703.3 Braille
703.3 Braille
Braille shall be contracted (Grade 2) and shall comply with 703.3 and 703.4.
703.3.1 Dimensions and Capitalization
Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.3.1. The indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the first word of sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials, and acronyms.
| Measurement Range | Minimum in Inches Maximum in Inches |
|---|---|
| 1. Measured center to center. | |
| Dot base diameter | 0.059 (1.5 mm) to 0.063 (1.6 mm) |
| Distance between two dots in the same cell ¹ |
0.090 (2.3 mm) to 0.100 (2.5 mm) |
| Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells ¹ |
0.241 (6.1 mm) to 0.300 (7.6 mm) |
| Dot height | 0.025 (0.6 mm) to 0.037 (0.9 mm) |
| Distance between corresponding dots from one cell directly below ¹ |
0.395 (10 mm) to 0.400 (10.2 mm) |
Figure 703.3.1
Braille Measurement
703.3.2 Position
Braille shall be positioned below the corresponding text. If text is multi-lined, Braille shall be placed below the entire text. Braille shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from any other tactile characters and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from raised borders and decorative elements.
Exception: Braille provided on elevator car controls shall be separated 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) minimum and shall be located either directly below or adjacent to the corresponding raised characters or symbols.
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707 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines
Advisory. Interactive transaction machines (ITMs), other than ATMs, are not covered by Section 707. However, for entities covered by the ADA, the Department of Justice regulations that implement the ADA provide additional guidance regarding the relationship between these requirements and elements that are not directly addressed by these requirements. Federal procurement law requires that ITMs purchased by the Federal government comply with standards issued by the Access Board under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. This law covers a variety of products, including computer hardware and software, websites, phone systems, fax machines, copiers, and similar technologies. For more information on Section 508 consult the Access Board's website at www.access-board.gov.
707.1 General
Automatic teller machines and fare machines shall comply with 707.
Advisory: If farecards have one tactually distinctive corner they can be inserted with greater accuracy. Token collection devices that are designed to accommodate tokens which are perforated can allow a person to distinguish more readily between tokens and common coins. Place accessible gates and fare vending machines in close proximity to other accessible elements when feasible so the facility is easier to use.
707.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space
A clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be provided.
Exception: Clear floor or ground space shall not be required at drive-up only automatic teller machines and fare machines.
707.3 Operable Parts
Operable parts shall comply with 309. Unless a clear or correct key is provided, each operable part shall be able to be differentiated by sound or touch, without activation.
Exception: Drive-up only automatic teller machines and fare machines shall not be required to comply with 309.2 and 309.3.
707.4 Privacy
Automatic teller machines shall provide the opportunity for the same degree of privacy of input and output available to all individuals.
Advisory: In addition to people who are blind or visually impaired, people with limited reach who use wheelchairs or have short stature, who cannot effectively block the ATM screen with their bodies, may prefer to use speech output. Speech output users can benefit from an option to render the visible screen blank, thereby affording them greater personal security and privacy.
707.5 Speech Output
Machines shall be speech enabled. Operating instructions and orientation, visible transaction prompts, user input verification, error messages, and all displayed information for full use shall be accessible to and independently usable by individuals with vision impairments. Speech shall be delivered through a mechanism that is readily available to all users, including but not limited to, an industry standard connector or a telephone handset. Speech shall be recorded or digitized human, or synthesized.
Exception 1: Audible tones shall be permitted instead of speech for visible output that is not displayed for security purposes, including but not limited to, asterisks representing personal identification numbers.
Exception 2: Advertisements and other similar information shall not be required to be audible unless they convey information that can be used in the transaction being conducted.
Exception 3: Where speech synthesis cannot be supported, dynamic alphabetic output shall not be required to be audible.
Advisory: If an ATM provides additional functions such as dispensing coupons, selling theater tickets, or providing copies of monthly statements, all such functions must be available to customers using speech output. To avoid confusion at the ATM, the method of initiating the speech mode should be easily discoverable and should not require specialized training. For example, if a telephone handset is provided, lifting the handset can initiate the speech mode.
707.5.1 User Control
Speech shall be capable of being repeated or interrupted. Volume control shall be provided for the speech function.
Exception: Speech output for any single function shall be permitted to be automatically interrupted when a transaction is selected.
707.5.2 Receipts
Where receipts are provided, speech output devices shall provide audible balance inquiry information, error messages, and all other information on the printed receipt necessary to complete or verify the transaction.
Exception 1: Machine location, date and time of transaction, customer account number, and the machine identifier shall not be required to be audible.
Exception 2: Information on printed receipts that duplicates information available on-screen shall not be required to be presented in the form of an audible receipt.
Exception 3: Printed copies of bank statements and checks shall not be required to be audible.
707.6 Input
Input devices shall comply with 707.6.
707.6.1 Input Controls
At least one tactilely discernible input control shall be provided for each function. Where provided, key surfaces not on active areas of display screens, shall be raised above surrounding surfaces. Where membrane keys are the only method of input, each shall be tactilely discernable from surrounding surfaces and adjacent keys.
707.6.2 Numeric Keys
Numeric keys shall be arranged in a 12-key ascending or descending telephone keypad layout. The number five key shall be tactilely distinct from the other keys.
Advisory: Telephone keypads and computer keyboards differ in one significant feature, ascending versus descending numerical order. Both types of keypads are acceptable, provided the computer-style keypad is organized similarly to the number pad located at the right on most computer keyboards, and does not resemble the line of numbers located above the computer keys.
707.6.3 Function Keys
Function keys shall comply with 707.6.3.707.6.3.1 Contrast
Function keys shall contrast visually from background surfaces. Characters and symbols on key surfaces shall contrast visually from key surfaces. Visual contrast shall be either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
Exception: Tactile symbols required by 707.6.3.2 shall not be required to comply with 707.6.3.1.
707.6.3.2 Tactile Symbols
Function key surfaces shall have tactile symbols as follows:
- Enter or Proceed key: raised circle
- Clear or Correct key: raised left arrow
- Cancel key: raised letter ex
- Add Value key: raised plus sign
- Decrease Value key: raised minus sign
707.7 Display Screen
The display screen shall comply with 707.7.
Exception: Drive-up only automatic teller machines and fare machines shall not be required to comply with 707.7.1.
707.7.1 Visibility
The display screen shall be visible from a point located 40 inches (1015 mm) above the center of the clear floor space in front of the machine.
707.7.2 Characters
Characters displayed on the screen shall be in a sans serif font. Characters shall be 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) high minimum based on the uppercase letter "I". Characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background.
707.8 Braille Instructions
Braille instructions for initiating the speech mode shall be provided. Braille shall comply with 703.3.
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811 Storage
811.1 General
Storage shall comply with 811.
811.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space
A clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be provided.
811.3 Height
Storage elements shall comply with at least one of the reach ranges specified in 308.
811.4 Operable Parts
Operable parts shall comply with 309.
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Miscellaneous Guidelines
902.3 Height
The tops of dining surfaces and work surfaces shall be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.
904.3.3 Check Writing Surfaces
Where provided, check writing surfaces shall comply with 902.3.
904.5.1 Self-Service Shelves and Dispensing Devices
Self-service shelves and dispensing devices for tableware, dishware, condiments, food and beverages shall comply with 308.
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