ADA Reach Range Requirements
Reach range requirements are the required dimensions and placement of accessories and accessible elements to ensure they can be properly reached.
How are Reach Range Requirements Applied?
Reach range requirements need to be considered when someone is reaching to use an accessible element. This accessible element/accessory (check out our accessible accessory guide) must be positioned correctly and adhere to the ADA standards. These elements can include things like public telephones, paper towel dispensers, ECVS, soap dispensers, and more. All of these elements require proper access to all people such as wheelchair users, or individuals with mobility aids. The height of an ADA element is the most common violation, but the depth at which the element is mounted is important also. Following the proper building code and adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you can avoid headaches.
Images credit of https://www.access-board.gov/
Forward Reach Range Requirements
Forward ADA reach range requirements requirements are put in place to ensure form a forward approach, everyone can use an accessible element. Following these requirements will help you avoid costly lawsuits and fines.
Forward Reach Ranges
Forward reach range requirements are categorized by a standard forward reach, and an obstructed forward reach, both with different requirements. Forward reach ranges that are unobstructed must provide elements between 15 inches (380 mm) and 48 inches (1220 mm). If the operable parts of accessible elements are mounted here, it is accessible according to the ADA.
Obstructed High Forward Reach
The second type of forward rewatch is called the obstructed forward reach. This means that there is some type of barrier in the way of the reach. This configuration is still allowed, it just has different requirements. For example an obstructed forward reach would be a table that must be reached over in order to access an accessible element. When an obstruction is present, the maximum reach range height is 48 inches when the barrier is 20 inches deep maximum. When the barrier extends more than 20 inches and no more than 25 inches, the maximum reach range requirements reduce to 44 inches.
Forward Reach Range Requirements
Much like forward reach ranges, side reach ranges exist to optimize the reach for wheelchair users when approaching accessible elements from the side. All of these reach range requirements make it easier for people with disabilities to access elements and buildings with minimal difficulty.
Side Reach Range Requirements
Side reach requirements state ranges must go from 15 inches minimum to 48 inches maximum above the finish floor. This is also accounting for a 10 inch distance from the element being reached towards.
Obstructed High Side Reach
Much like the side reach range requirements, the obstructed slide reach range serves the same purpose when something is blocking the reach range. You are still permitted to have obstruction. When an obstruction is present, it must be 10 inches in depth maximum and 34 inches maximum in height. When these conditions are met, maximum reach range is 48 inches. When the obstruction is present and greater than 10 inches in depth up to 24 inches, the maximum reach range lowers to 46 inches.
Knee and Toe Clearance
When obstructed forward approaches are present, there is often associated knee and toe clearance. Knee and toe clearance refers to the space necessary underneath things like tables to ensure a wheelchair user is able to maneuver their knees and toes under the table without being blocked. This requires 27 inches of vertical clearance, and 17 inches of depth for knees and toes combined (8 inches for knees and 9 inches for toes to total 17 inches). This ensures they can use accessible routes and elements easier. If you want more information on what knee and toe clearance is, check out our guide here.
Clear Floor Space at Reach Range Approach
Clear floor space is a super important part of an ADA compliant reach range because you can’t reach for something if your surface does not allow for it. ADA clear floor space in front of reach ranges must be 30 inches by 48 inches minimum. The ADA requires not only non-slip and level ground with no barriers along with a clear floor space at reach ranges.
ADA Reach Ranges For Childern
Another consideration for ADA reach range requirements is children being smallerthan aduults. Listed are the ADA compliant ranges for children of different ages in wheelchairs.
2010 ADA Standards · Advisory 308.1
Reach Ranges by Age
Where coat hooks, lockers, or operable parts are designed primarily for use by children, the ADA Standards recommend these unobstructed reach ranges. The same values apply to forward and side reaches.
| Reach | Ages 3–4 | Ages 5–8 | Ages 9–12 | Adult (13+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High reach (maximum) | 36″915 mm | 40″1015 mm | 44″1120 mm | 48″1220 mm |
| Low reach (minimum) | 20″510 mm | 18″455 mm | 16″405 mm | 15″380 mm |
Are Reach Ranges Important in ADA?
Reach range requirements are important because following them ensures access for people with disabilities. When you abide by these rules you are saying as a business owner that you value access and want to provide an equitable business experience. It is often overlooked just how much we reach for things like toilet accessories, telephones, transaction counters, digital displays, gas pumps, and more. Understanding these ranges and providing access provides a better customer experience and helps with the potential lawsuits and legal fees that are associated with ADA access violations.
How to Reach ADA Compliance
If you want to be ADA compliant to avoid headache and lawsuits, you need a professional inspection company like ADA Access Consultants. These companies will access your property for ADA compliance, and provide a detailed report that cites the ADA,and lets you know what is out of compliance. Using our inspection reports you can understand the necessary reach range requirements and ensure access to people with disabilities. In addition to an inspection and report, if you’re California based we can provide additional certificates that can be publicly posted to avoid future lawsuits and complaints. If you’re looking to get ADA accessible and need help with ADA reach ranges, don’t hesitate to get a free inspection quote!
