Submitted by Linda from Michigan in response to “What Are Your Issues”.
What is your issue?: My issue is lack of “motorized doors”. There have been many times that I can’t open a door because of its weight. It seems like every rod in my back want to pop out.
Ouch! I’m going to see if an accessibility expert friend can shed any light on legal requirements regarding doors in public buildings.
The Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines do not require automatic or power assisted doors and the requirements for opening force of exterior hinged doors has been reserved. That being said, places of public accommodation, commercial facilities and state and local government facilities open to the public must be accessible to people with disabilities; thus you have the right to request that an accommodation be provided so that you can open the door to access the facility. Installing an automatic or power assisted door may be the only method of providing access, thus the entity should look into providing a power assist door and if one is added it must meet code requirements (ANSI/BHMA A156.10 - 1985).
Kleo King
Senior Vice President
Accessibility Services
http://www.accessibility-services.com/