Revised ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
What it Means to Fitness & Exercise Facilities
President Obama recently announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has adopted revised Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, which include the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
For the past several years, these standards have been guiding many who have understood the importance of access and participation. However, the significance of this adoption now ensures that facilities (including fitness centers) have a legal obligation to adhere to these accessible design standards, standards that can really make a difference in the participation of people of all abilities in activities and programs around the country. The Department of Justice Has Adopted Revised ADA Standards (Exercise Machines and Equipment (Sections 206, 236, 1004) changes specific to recreation facilities are summarized below: Exercise Machines: 1) At least one of each type of exercise equipment must be on an accessible route in the category of strength and cardiovascular. 2) Furthermore the piece must have a clear floor space positioned to enable an individual with a disability to use the equipment. Marathon Fitness designs over one million square feet of fitness space annually and we are here to help. Please contact your Marathon Fitness representative for a free consultation on your facility’s compliance needs and questions. The rules will take effect on March 15, 2011, 6 months after their publication in the Federal Register on September, 15, 2010. Then facilities are not going to be required to comply with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design for another 18 months after this publication date. Therefore, as of March 15, 2012, all new construction, renovations, and alterations must use the 2010 Standards. In the period between the publication date and the full compliance date, (September 15, 2010 through March 15, 2012) covered entities may choose to use either standard, but they must use one or the other in its entirety. Elements of a facility that have been built or altered in order to comply with the 1991 Standards do not have to come under compliance with the 2010 Standards until they become part of a planned alteration (due to the Element by Element Safe Harbor rule). Additional Resources: The Department of Justice has published a number of factsheets to explain the changes that were made. The changes include items addressing the accessibility in specific locations, such as detention and correctional facilities, judicial facilities, and residential dwelling units, as well as changes to the 1991 standards that involve improving the access related to reach range requirements, water closet clearances, assembly areas, accessible routes to stages, and more. These can be found on the DOJ website or through the links below. General Summary 2010 Standards for Accessible Design Beyond these Standards for Accessible Design, revisions have also been made to Title II (public entities) and Title III (public accommodation and commercial facilities) of the ADA. For more information, go to: Title II Title III
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