Access benefits everyone!

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a comprehensive civil rights law that makes it unlawful for public and private employers to discriminate against individuals with disabilities.  The barrier-free facilities program assists agencies in their efforts to increase access to government services, programs and facilities. 

Accessible facilities

To design an accessible facility, access issues must be addressed in the schematic phase of a project. This practice produces buildings that are more accessible at a decreased cost to the project. Design reviews ensure access to all services and programs in public facilities. We provide the following services:

Design reviews

• Early in design - during pre-design and Schematic phases to implement access early in process, prevents costly changes
• Before construction - after Design Development and before Construction Documents to confirm compliance w/ the ADA. Prevents costly modifications
• On campuses - review of exterior pathways, improve way-finding, generate campus wide plan for access improvement
• On existing buildings - to develop sensible, low cost methods to improve overall access

Consulting  

• ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for Buildings and Facilities
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 51-50 Washington’s Building Code Amendments
• International Code Council (ICC)
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the ADAAG, a synergistic approach

For more information about barrier-free facilities or ADA resources, contact Chris Gizzi: (360) 239-7372 or christopher.gizzi@des.wa.gov