Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Com menta ry on the 201 0 A DAStandards in court sports the accessible route must recently developed these new “buttonless” directly connect both sides of the court. elevator control systems. These new, more efficient elevators are usually found in high- Limited-Use/Limited-Application rise buildings that have several elevators. Elevators, Destination-Oriented Elevators They require passengers to enter their and Private Residence Elevators. The destination floor on an entry device, usually 1991 Standards, at section 4.1.3(5), and a keypad, in the elevator lobby. The system the 2010 Standards, at sections 206.2 and then sends the most efficient car available 206.6, include exceptions to the scoping to take all of the passengers going to the requirement for accessible routes that sixth floor, for example, only to the sixth floor, exempt certain facilities from connecting without making stops at the third, fourth, each story with an elevator. If a facility is and fifth floors on the way to the sixth floor. exempt from the scoping requirement, but The challenge for individuals who are blind nonetheless installs an elevator, the 1991 or have low vision is how to know which Standards require the elevator to comply elevator car to enter, after they have entered with the technical requirements for elevators. their destination floor into the keypad. The 2010 Standards add a new exception that allows a facility that is exempt from Commenters requested that the Department the scoping requirement to install a limited- impose a moratorium on the installation of use/limited-application (LULA) elevator. destination-oriented elevators arguing that LULA elevators are also permitted in the this new technology presents wayfinding 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards challenges for persons who are blind or have as an alternative to platform lifts. The 2010 low vision. Standards also add a new exception that permits private residence elevators in multi- Section 407.2.1.5 of the 2010 Standards story dwelling and transient lodging units. allows destination-oriented elevators to not The 2010 Standards contain technical provide call buttons with visible signals to requirements for LULA elevators at section indicate when each call is registered and 408 and private residence elevators at when each call is answered provided that section 409. visible and audible signals, compliant with 407.2.2 of the 2010 Standards, indicating Section 407.2.1.4 of the 2010 Standards which elevator car to enter, are provided. includes an exception to the technical This will require the responding elevator car requirements for locating elevator call buttons to automatically provide audible and visible for destination-oriented elevators. The communication so that the system will always advisory at section 407.2.1.4 describes lobby verbally and visually indicate which elevator controls for destination-oriented elevator car to enter. systems. Many elevator manufacturers have Department of Justice Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III - 81