Compiled by Dr. Sandra S. West
Please do not copy w/o credit being given to author.
Texas Accessibility Standards
based upon
Accessibility & Individuals w/ Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)
The Americans w/ Disabilities Act (ADA)
The inclusion of these materials in this web page is a service, & is not intended to supplant or serve as legal advice. We assume no obligation to update these materials, & no liability for their accuracy or content. Reader assumes all responsibility for confirming the accuracy of these materials & any amendments or repeals thereof.
The 1997 IDEA defines the rights of inclusion for special education students in US schools. Science classrooms should be built to accommodate every student who wishes to study in themwhether it includes providing wheelchair access, augmentative communication devices or Braille assistance.
The ADA defines standards for physical access to facilities for all persons who may use a public building. A handicap is defined as a "determinable physical or mental characteristic of an individual which may result from disease, injury, congential condition of birth, or functional disorder which is unrelated to the individual's qualifications for employment or promotion." Use of illegal substances is not a handicap, but the conditions which may result during the recovery process of a person under treatment are handicapping conditions.
Typcial accommodations include elevator; 4 ft. doors & aisles that will allow wheelchair access; lower lab stations, sinks, eyewash/shower & handles, fume hood decks; and lever-operated or electronic controls that do not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate.
Controls - lever-operated or electronic controls
Sinks - depth = 6 1/2 in at front (to allow a wheelchair to fit under it), deeper in the back, rim/counter top = max height 34 ", 27" minimum knee clearance
Eyewash/shower - bowl mounted at approximately32" above floor so that the water at eyewashing level is no more than 36 " high and 17-25" from the wall to the center of the bowl; shower pull handle 48"- 54 " above floor.
Lab station - 34" high counter top w/ wheelchair access of 27" minimum knee clearance, w/ lever or electronic controls
Fume hood - 34" high counter top w/ wheelchair access of 27" minimum knee clearance, w/ lever or electronic controls
Other - (1) furniture placement does not impede either emergency egress (2) sharp or unexpected corners on cabinets for sight impaired (3) wiring for electronic aids such as field monitors for hearing impaired
* The Photos are of CampbellRhea casework manufactured by Mohon International, Inc.
Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regluations
Code Review & Inspections
Architectural Barriers Dept.
Texas Accessibility Standards requirements - http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/tas/abtas.htm
512-463-3211
or
if your state is under federal requirements:
Justice Dept.'s Technical Assistance hotline: 1-800-514-0301 for help in applying ADAAG regulations to specific design issues.
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