Hospital Waiting Rooms Challenges

Hospital waiting rooms can be a challenge for the wheelchair users. 

First of all, the question of how many handicapped spaces are required.  Assembly areas has the answer of 4-25 seats = 1 wheelchair space; 26-50 seats = 2 wheelchair spaces; 51-150 seats = 4 wheelchair spaces.  Now, can the spaces be all together?  The answer is no, the spaces need to be dispersed.

There is a requirement for one companion seat for every wheelchair space and the two are required to be able to sit should to should.  So, that companion seat can not be against a wall because for the that wheelchair user to sit should to should, that wheelchair needs to be 12 inches further behind the companion seat.  Is there a requirement to identify the wheelchair space?  The answer is no.  However, in some situation it may be a good idea for the protection of the owner just to let everyone know that wheelchair spaces have provided.

The condition that is usually overlooked is that of someone with hearing challenges.  It is the hospitals' responsibility to communicate with the hearing impaired.  The best solution I have seen is that pager that vibrates and flashes when your number is called.

Bench seating now has greater definition in Section 903 of the ADA, where it lists the requirement that one bench be accessible, again based on the 5% rule.That bench is required to have a back support that is a minimum of 42" long and extend from a point of 2" maximum above the seat surface to a point  of 18" minimum above the seat surface.  The height of the bench see to between 17-19 inches.  The structural bench strength be able to hold a 250 pound force applied at any point on the seat, fastener, mounting device or supporting structure.

If you find that the appropriate spacing for a wheelchair user is not provided, let us know.  Take a camera with you and take pictures, lots of pictures and send them to us.  We'll determine whether the waiting room is in compliance or not.

Give us your questions or thoughts on the above article.  You can post them here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730.  You can also reach us at hfalstad@accessts.net or call us at (702) 649-7575.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank


The above are opinions of Hank Falstad, AIA, Managing Senior Associate of Access Technologies Services, Inc. (ACCESS).  See our web site for additional information:  www.accessts.net.