Accessibility/Architectural Barriers and Home Modifications

Question 1

What is accessibility?

Answer 1

as the ease with which an environment can be reached or utilized.

Question 2

Why is accessibility important?

Answer 2

a) help achieve maximum potential
b) gives control for their life through educated choices
c) interact with environment.

Question 3

Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 PL 90-480

Answer 3

The buildings must be designed and constructed or altered to be accessible to and usable by physically limited persons. For federally funded building.

Question 4

Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 PL 93-112

Answer 4

a) institution receiving federal funds could not discriminate against people with disabilities because of existing architectural barriers.
b) make “reasonable accommodations” for handicapped employees

Question 5

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988

Answer 5

a) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the sale, rental, or the financing of housing
b) The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Question 6

Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (PL 101-336)

Answer 6

a) prohibits exclusion of individuals with physical/mental disabilities.
b) Represents progress in providing people with disabilities greater access to employment, transportation, telecommunications, restaurants, museums, and other facilities/services that the general public uses daily.

Question 7

With Act of 1990, The legislation is attempting to

Answer 7

a) Eliminate discrimination; ensure federal govt plays central role
b) Provide enforceable standards that address such discrimination
c) Establish guidelines for employers, public transit systems, telecommunications, and public services

Question 8

Who is protected under ADA?

Answer 8

A handicapped person: physical or mental impairment, Has a record of such impairment, Is regarded as having such impairment
These may include, but are not limited to: blindness/ visual impairments, cerebral palsy, AIDS, arthritis, cancer, cardiac diseases, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, psychiatric disorders, hearing impairments, drug/alcohol addiction(not currently using), epilepsy, orthopedic handicap, specific learning disability, speech disorder, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury

Question 9

Architectural Barriers

Answer 9

any limitation in the design of facilities that restricts the access of persons with disabilities and limited mobility, including those using wheelchairs.

Question 10

Examples of architectural barriers

Answer 10

Curbs/ Stairs				
Unreachable phones			
Narrow doorways, aisles, and steep ramps
Inaccessible restrooms
Heavy doors
Poor signage
Lack of tactile or audible cuing

Question 11

Negatives of Architectural Barriers

Answer 11

a) Prevents people from participating fully in ADL’s, work, and leisure activities
b) Confines people to unfulfilled lives
c) Prevents independence
d) Causes isolation
e) Results in poor self-esteem

Question 12

Positives of Lack of Architectural Barriers

Answer 12

a) It’s good for business
b) It allows for a freer and safer flow of people into and out of buildings
c) It increases independence
d) It’s necessary to comply with the ADA

Question 13

Who May be Affected by Barriers?

Answer 13

• Wheelchair users
• Those using aids such as: canes, crutches, walkers, braces
• Reduced stamina/ endurance
• Problems with coordination and balance
• Those with reductions in hearing and sight
• The elderly
• Those with temporary or long-term disabilities
• Those with multiple or severe disabilities

Question 14

Principles of Accessibility

Answer 14

a) Can be applied to various sizes and types of settings
b) Should not be that much more expensive
c) Early plans must include accessibility designs
d) The facility should be architecturally pleasing