Ada In Details: Interpreting The 2010 Americans With Disabilities Act Standards For Accessible Design

By providing a synthesis of visual details and specification requirements, the book is basically a kit of parts that can be used by architects as a resource for creating projects that employ accessible design standards. Architects have referred to the author’s previously self-published book on the subject as the ‘graphic standards for accessible details’. The main emphasis is on public buildings, places of public accommodation, and commercial facilities, which are required by law to comply to these standards. The chapters are organized thematically, so as to spotlight architects’ main concerns in designing accessible buildings: accessible routes, site elements, vertical access, architectural elements, restrooms and existing buildings. There is also a catch all chapter that highlights more specialist areas, such as children’s requirements, storage, changing facilities and the needs of leisure facilities. The book is a departure from the author’s previous works as it also includes a chapter on how access is dealt with internationally and how it varies or incorporates the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards, drawing on the guidelines of different international architectural organizations (ie AIA, RIBA, JFAA, RAIC, International Union of Architects, etc). In the American main section of the book, California code will also be denoted on the page in blue.

JANIS KENT, FAIA, CASp, Architect, is the founding president of the Certified Access Specialist Institute (CASI). Designated a Subject Matter Expert by the California Division of the State Architect, she serves on the committee to develop the California State CASp exams. As a consultant to the City of Los Angeles Housing Division, she provides expertise on accessibility in public housing. Additionally she has been asked to speak on a variety of accessibility topics at numerous venues across the country.