2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

CHAPTER 7: COMMUNICATION ELEMENTS AND FEATURES TECHNICAL 704.2.1.2 Forward Approach. Where a forward approach is provided, the distance from the front edge of a counter within the telephone enclosure to the face of the telephone unit shall be 20 inches (510 mm) maximum. Figure 704.2.1.2 Forward Approach to Telephone 704.2.2 Operable Parts. Operable parts shall comply with 309. Telephones shall have push-button controls where such service is available. 704.2.3 Telephone Directories. Telephone directories, where provided, shall be located in accordance with 309. 704.2.4 Cord Length. The cord from the telephone to the handset shall be 29 inches (735 mm) long minimum. 704.3 Volume Control Telephones. Public telephones required to have volume controls shall be equipped with a receive volume control that provides a gain adjustable up to 20 dB minimum. For incremental volume control, provide at least one intermediate step of 12 dB of gain minimum. An automatic reset shall be provided. Advisory 704.3 Volume Control Telephones. Amplifiers on pay phones are located in the base or the handset or are built into the telephone. Most are operated by pressing a button or key. If the microphone in the handset is not being used, a mute button that temporarily turns off the microphone can also reduce the amount of background noise which the person hears in the earpiece. If a volume adjustment is provided that allows the user to set the level anywhere from the base volume to the upper requirement of 20 dB, there is no need to specify a lower limit. If a stepped volume control is provided, one of the intermediate levels must provide 12 dB of gain. Consider compatibility issues when matching an amplified handset with a phone or phone system. Amplified handsets that can be switched with pay telephone handsets are available. Portable and in-line amplifiers can be used with some phones but are not practical at most public phones covered by these requirements. D2e3p2artment of Justice 2010 Standards: Titles II and III - 195 Titles II and III - 2010 Standards - 166