Furniture Solutions that Meet ADA Requirements for Office Workspaces

ADA( American Disability Act) Requirements for the workplace and hospitality environments are at an all time high. The number of disabled Americans in the workforce will  continue to increase in the next few years as soldiers return from war. We owe our Veterans and all disabled Americans our respect. 

So how can that be shown in the office work environment?

 When planning your office space it is important to understand the ADA guidelines for the disabled. For more information and training on these guidelines you can contact the Government Access Board  or other experienced professionals in the field of ADA Compliant Training. 

As it relates to furniture for ADA interiors, I have listed some important tips and sample furniture products to help in the furniture selection process.

ADA Furniture Tips and Solutions

• It is important to recognize the height and width restrictions of a disabled person. This is primarily related to those in a wheelchair.

Work surfaces must be able to adjust to a height in which a wheel chair can get under.Almost all manufacturers of systems furniture have some sort of adjustable table or adjustable support to meet this requirement. Since it needs to be adjustable you must be aware of allowing some spaces that have mobile pedestal filing units or freestanding filing units. Support Pedestals WILL NOT work in this environment as they are not at the required height to support the ADA height work surface. Standard work surface full or partial, full to the floor end panels WILL NOT work either.

In cafe, training and conference areas you need to consider either setting aside tables for ADA compliance or choosing adjustable height tables that can adjust for any individual. CFG Brands Cobalt Base Series has an ADA compliant table that works great in healthcare and hospitality dining  and office environments. Most manufacturers can accommodate ADA compliant height tables but you need to ask for it.

Always plan with the idea that someone with a disability will be using your facility at some time.

 

• Drawers, overhead and filing issues need to be addressed. 

Choose ADA compliant hardware and handles such as the Rail and Arc pulls by Kimball Office. This allows individuals to easily grasp the handle and open the filing units.

Choose overheads that are easy to open such as hinged doors with arced pulls or hydraulic self assist over-cabinet doors that open and close on their own with a gentle nudge. It is still important to note the individuals needs. Some individuals can stand and reach a standard overhead height and others can not. You must keep that in mind in your planning.

The height of a lock in a 5 High lateral can also be an issue. It is important to maximize your floor space and using tall files accommodates this. However, look for a manufacturer that has ADA compliant options that allows for a lock at a lower height. For example, Kimball Office Fundamental files have a lock option on their 5H lateral that is at 38 5/8″H .

• Panel Systems and Demountable partition system door requirements need to be considered.

Systems furniture manufacturers offer a levered handle specifically for ADA compliance. In most cases as it relates to management and private office areas it makes sense to specify this option.

When specifying a door for systems furniture and demountable partitions a 42″w hinged or gate  door that has a clearance of at least 36″ is recommended to meet ADA Compliance. Most 36″ doors only have a clearance of a little over 31″. Kimball Office furniture offers a hinged 42″w door that has a clearance of 37 1/4″. 

• Electrical for desking and systems furniture is an important consideration.

Look for a panel systems product that has the ability to place electrical anywhere along the height of the panel . You need to be able to place phone, data, and electrical at a reasonable height of approximately 36″ H for easy access.

As it relates to training areas, conference and desking or work surface situations you can also use an on the desk top mount electrical and phone, data solution.

The important thing is to ask you designer and furniture representative for ADA compliant solutions. They should be familiar with the requirements and solutions for your environment. The above list is only some of the items you need to consider when planning your space.You do not have to be the expert, only aware of the challenges as well as the need for a comfortable environment for all individuals.

 You may also be interested in my post regarding ADA compliant reception desks.