The Americans with Disabilities Act

ABLE: Administering Better

Libraries – Educate

Module 3

The Americans With Disabilities Act

Federal Legislation signed into law on July 26, 1990

Overview of Workshop

• The ADA and Libraries• Documentation• Reasonable Accommodation• Readily Achievable• Costs• Alternatives• Library Accessibility• Accessible Building Design

The ADA and Libraries

Are libraries specifically mentioned in the

Americans with Disabilities Act?

• Yes, in addition to complying with the law, Section 8 of the ADDAG (Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines) specifically addresses libraries.

Documentation

Public Libraries should maintain an ADA file.

Items to include in this file are:

1. The ADA Handbook

2. Self-Evaluation

3. List of Local Disability Groups

What is “Reasonable Accommodation”?

Reasonable accommodation is a

modification or an adjustment to a job or the

work environment that will enable a qualified

applicant or employee with a disability to

perform essential job functions.

What Does “Readily Achievable” Mean?

It means easily accomplishable and able to

be carried out without much difficulty or

expense.

Costs

How much will it cost to make my library

accessible to people with disabilities?

Alternatives

What kind of alternative methods can be

used to comply with the ADA?

Library Accessibility

What areas should I look at, both inside and

outside my library, to see if the building is

accessible?

ADA Self-Evaluation Form

• Part 1 - Interested Persons Consulted

• Part 2 - Areas Examined and Problems Identified including:

Access Into the LibraryAccess to Programs and ServicesAccess to the RestroomEmployment and Communications

• Part 3 - Description of Modifications Made

Accessible Building Design

This section of the module is made possible by the United Spinal Association who generously gave permission to reprint parts of Accessible Building Design.

Handrails

Parking

Vestibules

Elevators

Assembly Spaces

Toilet Rooms

Toilet Stalls

Sinks and Lavatories

Widths for Wheelchairs

Door Approaches

Reading and Study Areas

• At least 5% or a minimum of one each element of fixed seating, tables, or study carrels shall be wheelchair accessible.

• Clearance between fixed accessible tables and between study carrels shall be at least 36”.

Check-Out Areas

• At least one lane at each check-out area shall have a portion of the counter which is at least 36” in length and a maximum height of 36” from the finished floor.

• Any traffic control or book security gates or turnstiles shall be at least 32” wide.