Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Com menta ry on the 201 0 A DAStandards or check-out aisles, including those for food Accessible Courtroom Stations. Sections service, must be accessible to individuals 231.2, 808, 304, 305, and 902 of the 2010 with disabilities. Standards provide increased accessibility at courtroom stations. Clear floor space for a 229 Windows forward approach is required for all courtroom stations (judges’ benches, clerks’ stations, A new requirement at section 229.1 of the bailiffs’ stations, deputy clerks’ stations, court 2010 Standards provides that if operable reporters’ stations, and litigants’ and counsel windows are provided for building users, then stations). Other applicable specifications at least one window in an accessible space include accessible work surface heights and must be equipped with controls that comply toe and knee clearance. with section 309. Accessible Jury Boxes, Attorney Areas, Commenters generally supported this and Witness Stands. Section 206.2.4 of the provision but some commenters asked 2010 Standards requires, in new construction whether the maximum five-pounds (5 lbs.) and alterations, at least one accessible route of force requirement of section 309 applies to connect accessible building or facility to the window latch itself or only to the entrances with all accessible spaces and force required to open the window. Section elements within the building or facility that 309 applies to all controls and operating are connected by a circulation path unless mechanisms, so the latch must comply with they are exempted by Exceptions 1 - 7 of the requirement to operate with no more than section 206.2.3. Advisory 206.2.4 Spaces five pounds of force (5 lbf). and Elements Exception 1 explains that the exception allowing raised courtroom stations 230 and 708 Two-Way Communication to be used by court employees, such as Systems judge’s benches, to be adaptable does not apply to areas of the courtroom likely to be New provisions of the 2010 Standards at used by members of the public such as jury sections 230.1 and 708 require two-way areas, attorney areas, or witness stands. communications systems to be equipped with These areas must be on an accessible route visible as well as audible signals. at the time of initial construction or alteration. 231 and 808 Judicial Facilities and Raised Courtroom Stations Not for Courtrooms Members of the Public. Section 206.2.4, Exception 1 of the 2010 Standards provides Section 231 of the 2010 Standards adds that raised courtroom stations that are used requirements for accessible courtrooms, by judges, clerks, bailiffs, and court reporters holding cells, and visiting areas. will not have to provide full vertical access Department of Justice Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III - 143