People who use mobility devices and canes can more readily navigate pathways to buildings that have accessible route and ground surfaces from the site arrival to the entrance. These areas need to comply with technical requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Standards. A recent webinar from the U.S. Access Board, which was recorded, addressed the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards for exterior routes and surfaces, including the differences in requirements for building sites, outdoor recreation areas, trails, and beaches. Accessibility Specialists participating in the session also shared information on thoughts related to stable, firm, and slip-resistant surfaces in the outdoor environment, including playground surfaces. They highlighted specific instances regarding the implementation of legislation. For example, accessible entryways to buildings now must be located near the building entrance, rather than around the corner or rear, which had often been the case previously. The program provided video remote interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning. This series of webinars, held each month, is hosted by the ADA National Network in cooperation with the Board. More background information and a link to the full webinar are available here for Accessible Exterior Routes and Surfaces.
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