Chapter 8: Special Rooms, Spaces & Elements

In assembly areas (theaters, stadiums, auditoriums):

• Wheelchair space size: 36 inches wide × 48 inches deep (forward/rear entry) or 60 inches deep (side entry)
• Companion seat: Must be directly adjacent — shoulder-to-shoulder with the wheelchair user
• Lines of sight: Wheelchair users must be able to see over standing spectators when others in front stand up. Wheelchair locations must be dispersed — not all clustered in one spot.

Example: In a stadium where fans regularly stand, wheelchair seating in the front row isn't sufficient — the view is blocked. Seats must be elevated or positioned to maintain sightlines.

Where dressing rooms or fitting rooms are provided, at least one of each type must be accessible:

• Turning space: 60-inch diameter clear space
• Door: Cannot swing into the room (or must provide clear space beyond the door swing)
• Bench: 24 inches wide minimum, 48 inches long minimum, at 17–19 inches height
• Coat hooks and shelves: Within reach range

Example: A retail store with six fitting rooms must make at least one large enough for a wheelchair with an accessible bench.

In hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, accessible patient rooms must include:

• Clear floor space: At least 36 inches on each side of the bed that patients use
• Turning space: 60-inch turning radius
• Accessible toilet rooms: Private toilet room with grab bars, accessible fixtures
• Accessible route to bed: No raised thresholds or obstructions

At least 10% of patient bedrooms must provide mobility features. Outpatient facilities must have accessible exam rooms.

Accessible jail and prison cells must include:

• Turning space: 60-inch diameter
• Clear floor space: At beds, desks, and fixtures
• Beds: Clear space on at least one side
• Toilet: Accessible water closet with grab bars
• Benches: In holding cells, accessible benches must be provided

At least 3% of cells must be accessible (per §232↗ scoping).

Every courtroom must provide accessible routes and clear floor spaces at:

• Jury boxes: Accessible route to the jury box with wheelchair space inside
• Witness stands: Accessible route and clear floor space
• Attorney tables: Clear floor space for a wheelchair
• Spectator seating: Wheelchair spaces per §221↗ (assembly area scoping)
• Judges' benches, clerks' stations: Accessible for employees with disabilities

Bus stops, rail stations, and transit platforms must be accessible:

• Bus boarding areas: Firm, stable surface with a clear area 96 inches long (parallel to the bus) and 60 inches wide (perpendicular), at the same height as the street
• Rail platforms: Detectable warnings (truncated domes) along the full length of the platform edge
• Level boarding: Platform height should match the vehicle floor where possible
• Signage: Route identification signs with visual characters meeting §703↗

Pools require specific means of accessible entry:

• Large pools (300+ linear feet of wall): Two accessible means of entry required — at least one must be a pool lift or sloped entry
• Smaller pools: One accessible means of entry
• Pool lifts: Must be capable of unassisted operation, support 300 lbs, lower to 18 inches below water surface
• Sloped entries: Must extend to 24–30 inches below water surface with handrails on both sides
• Spas: At least one accessible means of entry — a pool lift, transfer wall, or accessible steps

Accessible hotel and motel guest rooms must include:

• Accessible route: 36 inches clear from entry to all elements (bed, bathroom, desk, closet)
• Bed clearance: 36 inches on both sides of beds in double-bed rooms
• Bathroom: Accessible toilet, tub or roll-in shower, lavatory
• Controls: All switches, thermostats, outlets within reach range

Accessible kitchens require:

• Work surface: 34 inches max with knee clearance underneath
• Clearance: 40 inches between opposing counters (60 inches for U-shaped)
• Sink: 34 inches max with knee clearance
• Appliances: Clear floor space at each, front-mounted controls