SIAA ADA Level 2 key terms

A continuous, unobstructed path connecting accessible elements and spaces within a site or building, wide enough, firm enough, and gentle enough in slope for a person using a wheelchair to travel independently.

The measured distance between the closest opposing edges of a passage, excluding handrails, door leaves in the open position, and other projections, that must remain free for a wheelchair user to pass.

The slope measured along the direction of travel on a walking surface, expressed as a ratio of rise to run, which determines whether a surface is treated as a walk, a ramp, or too steep to use.

The slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel on a walking surface, which must stay minimal so a wheelchair does not drift sideways and so a person does not lose balance.

A space, fixture, control, or feature that is designed and constructed to be usable by people with disabilities, such as a grab bar, an operable part, or a reachable switch.

The components a user must physically manipulate, such as handles, levers, push buttons, and switches, which must be reachable, graspable, and usable with limited strength or a closed fist.

The permitted height and horizontal distance zone within which operable parts and controls must be located so that a person seated in a wheelchair or a person of short stature can reach them.

The unobstructed space beneath a counter, sink, or fixture that allows a wheelchair user to pull forward, including required height, width, and depth dimensions and protection from sharp or hot surfaces.

Wall-mounted or freestanding items such as signs, fire extinguishers, or planters that extend into a circulation path and can be struck by a person who is blind or who has low vision.

A characteristic of a surface or object that can be sensed with a long white cane, typically requiring a solid base within a set height above the floor so the cane does not pass beneath it.

A standardized surface feature of raised truncated domes built into a walking surface that alerts people who are blind or have low vision to hazards such as a curb ramp, platform edge, or vehicular way.

A short sloped transition cut into a curb that connects a pedestrian path to a street crossing, with flared sides, a detectable warning surface, and a slope gentle enough for wheelchair travel.

A marked stall sized and located to allow a person with a disability to exit a vehicle and reach an accessible route, provided in the number required by the total parking count.

The striped, clear space beside or between accessible parking stalls that lets a wheelchair user deploy a lift or ramp and travel to the building entrance without entering traffic lanes.

An accessible parking stall served by an access aisle wide enough for a side-loading lift or ramp, required in a portion of accessible stalls so larger vehicles can be used.

At least one building entrance on an accessible route that is connected to the public way and to the interior circulation system, and that can be used by people with disabilities without assistance.

A flat, stable area at a door or at the top and bottom of a ramp where a person can pause, maneuver, and open a door without rolling or stepping on a slope.

The unobstructed horizontal distance of a doorway measured with the door open at ninety degrees, which must be wide enough for a wheelchair or walker to pass through.

The maximum push or pull force needed to open a door, limited so that people with limited strength, including children and people using wheelchairs, can operate the door independently.

The clear floor area required inside a room, at a fixture, or in a hallway so a wheelchair user can turn, approach, and position themselves to use the element.

A circular or T-shaped clear area that allows a wheelchair user to reverse direction, required in rooms and at dead ends where a full turn is necessary.

A lavatory with knee and toe clearance beneath it, water supply and drain pipes insulated or concealed, and controls reachable from a seated position, usable by a person in a wheelchair.

A securely mounted rail beside a toilet, tub, or shower that a person can grip to steady themselves, transfer, or stand, with specified diameter, length, and mounting height.

A stable, level area beside a fixture such as a tub or shower that allows a person to move from a wheelchair onto the fixture seat or edge safely.

A sloped walking surface built to connect changes in level, with a running slope limited by code, level landings, edge protection, and handrails on both sides.

A level platform at the top, bottom, or between runs of a ramp or stairway where users can rest, change direction, or open a door safely off the slope.

A graspable rail along a ramp or stair that provides support and guidance, with required height, clearance from the wall, and continuous extension beyond the top and bottom of the run.

The projecting edge of a stair tread, which must be shaped and marked so people with low vision can see the edge and so feet and canes do not catch on it.

The control outside an elevator that summons the car, required to be reachable, identifiable by raised characters and braille, and accompanied by visible and audible signals.

Signs with raised characters and braille, mounted at a consistent height beside doors, that let a person who is blind locate a room and read its designation by touch.

The measurable difference in light reflectance between two adjacent surfaces, such as a sign and its background or a stair edge and the tread, that makes features easier to perceive.

Equipment that transmits amplified sound directly to a user's hearing aid, cochlear implant, or receiver, required in certain assembly spaces to overcome background noise and distance.

A space designed for groups to gather, such as an auditorium, gymnasium, or dining hall, where accessible seating, dispersion of wheelchair locations, and sightlines must be provided.

A designated level area in an assembly space sized for a wheelchair, with companion seating nearby and a view of the event comparable to that of other spectators.

The line of view from a seated position to the focal point of a space, which must not be blocked by people standing or seated in front of a wheelchair location.

The continuous route connecting an altered area to the entrance, parking, and other key features, which must be upgraded when alterations are made unless the cost is disproportionate.

A change to a building or space that affects its usability, such as remodeling or renovation, which triggers a duty to bring the altered elements into compliance with current accessibility requirements.

A cost limit that excuses full upgrading of a path of travel when the added cost exceeds a set percentage of the alteration cost, though other accessible features must still be provided.

A standard for existing facilities meaning a fix can be done without much difficulty or expense, judged against the owner's resources and the nature of the operation.

A documented schedule a covered entity prepares to identify physical barriers in existing facilities and set out the steps and timeline for removing them.

A systematic on-site inspection that measures and records each accessible feature against the applicable standard, forming the factual basis for a report or transition plan.

The small permitted variation in a construction dimension, such as a fraction of an inch on mounting heights, that inspectors allow when judging whether a built feature complies.

A drawing revised after construction to show the dimensions and conditions actually installed, used by inspectors to compare built work against the approved accessible design.