a summary of
accessibility guidelines
for recreation facilities
JUNE 2003
A FEDERAL AGENCY COMMITTED TO ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
accessible amusement rides
amusement rides boating facilities fishing piers & platforms golf courses miniature golf sports facilities swimming pools & spas
Contents
Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities . . .1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Amusement Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Unique Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Accessible Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Accessible Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Amusement Rides with Wheelchair Spaces . . . . . . . . . .8
Amusement Ride Seats Designed for Transfer . . . . . . .12
Transfer Devices for Use with an Amusement Ride . . . .14
Wheelchair Storage Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
This information has been developed and reviewed in accordance with the Access
Board’s information quality guidelines (www.access-board.gov/infoquality.htm).
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A SUMMARY OF ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR RECREATION FACILITIES
accessible amusement ridesaccessible amusement rides
Accessibility Guidelines for
Recreation Facilities
Introduction
The Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) is a
comprehensive civil rights
law that prohibits discrimi-
nation on the basis of
disability. The ADA requires
that newly constructed and
altered state and local
government facilities, places
of public accommodation,
and commercial facilities be readily accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities.
The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) is the standard applied to buildings and
facilities. Recreational facilities, including amusement park rides, are among the facilities
required to comply with the ADA.
The Access Board issued accessibility guidelines for newly constructed and altered
recreation facilities in 2002. The recreation facility guidelines are a supplement to ADAAG.
As a supplement, they must be used in conjunction with ADAAG. References to ADAAG are
mentioned throughout this summary. Copies of ADAAG and the recreation facility accessi-
bility guidelines can be obtained through the Board’s website at www.access-board.gov or
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A SUMMARY OF ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR RECREATION FACILITIES
accessible amusement rides
by calling 1-800-872-2253 or 1-800-993-2822 (TTY). Once these guidelines are adopted by
the Department of Justice (DOJ), all newly designed, constructed and altered recreation
facilities covered by the ADA will be required to comply.
The recreation facility guidelines cover the following facilities and elements:
I
Amusement rides
I
Boating facilities
I
Fishing piers and platforms
I
Miniature golf courses
I
Golf courses
This guide is intended to help designers and operators in using the accessibility guidelines
for amusement park rides. These guidelines establish minimum accessibility requirements
for newly designed or newly constructed and altered amusement park rides. This guide is
not a collection of amusement ride designs. Rather, it provides specifications for elements
of amusement rides to create a general level of usability for individuals with disabilities.
Emphasis is placed on ensuring that individuals with disabilities are generally able to
access the amusement ride and use a variety of elements. Designers and operators are
encouraged to exceed the guidelines where possible to provide increased accessibility and
opportunities. Incorporating accessibility into the design of an amusement ride should
begin early in the planning process with careful consideration to accessible routes and
providing access to rides.
The recreation facility guidelines were developed with significant public participation. In
1993, the Access Board established an advisory committee of 27 members to recommend
accessibility guidelines for recreation facilities. The Recreation Access Advisory
Committee represented the following groups and associations:
I
Exercise equipment
I
Bowling lanes
I
Shooting facilities
I
Swimming pools, wading pools,
and spas
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accessible amusement rides
I
American Ski Federation
I
American Society for
Testing and Materials
(Public Playground
Safety Committee)
I
American Society of
Landscape Architects
I
Beneficial Designs
I
City and County of San
Francisco, California,
Department of
Public Works
I
Disabled American Veterans
I
Environmental Access
I
Golf Course
Superintendents
Association of America
I
Hawaii Disability and
Communication Access
Board
I
International Association
of Amusement Parks
and Attractions
I
Katherine McGuinness
and Associates
I
Lehman, Smith, and
Wiseman Associates
I
Michigan Department
of Natural Resources
I
National Council on
Independent Living
I
National Park Service
I
National Recreation
and Park Association
I
New Jersey Department
of Community Affairs
I
Outdoor Amusement
Business Association
I
Paralyzed Veterans
of America
I
Professional Golfer’s
Association
I
Self Help for Hard
of Hearing People
I
States Organization
for Boating Access
I
Universal Studios
I
U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers
I
U.S. Forest Service
I
Y.M.C.A. of the U.S.A.
I
Walt Disney
Imagineering
The public was given an opportunity to comment on the recommended accessibility
guidelines, and the Access Board made changes to the recommended guidelines based on
the public comments. A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) was published in the
Federal Register in July 1999, followed by a five-month public comment period. Further
input from the public was sought in July 2000 when the Access Board published a draft
final rule soliciting comment. A final rule was published in September 2002.
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A SUMMARY OF ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR RECREATION FACILITIES
accessible amusement rides
“Whenever a door is closed to anyone because of a disability, we must work to open it....
Whenever any barrier stands between you and the full rights and dignity of citizenship,
we must work to remove it, in the name of simple decency and justice.The promise of
the ADA...has enabled people with disabilities to enjoy much greater access to a wide
range of affordable travel, recreational opportunities and life-enriching services.”
President George W. Bush, New Freedom Initiative, February 1, 2001
Amusement Rides
The recreation facility guidelines described in this guide focus on newly designed or newly
constructed and altered amusement rides. Other provisions contained in ADAAG address
elements commonly found at an amusement park or theme park, such as accessible
vehicle parking spaces, exterior accessible routes, and toilet and bathing facilities. ADAAG
addresses only the built environment (structures and grounds). The guidelines do not
address operational issues. Questions regarding operational issues should be directed to
the Department of Justice, 1-800-514-0301 or 1-800-514-0383 (TTY).
An “amusement ride” is defined by the guidelines as a system that moves people through a
fixed course within a defined area for the purpose of amusement. The guidelines do not apply
to vehicles such as trams or gondolas, which, while they may be enjoyable, are designed
primarily to transport people. These vehicles are addressed in the ADA Accessibility
Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles, which can be found at www.access-board.gov/transit/
html/vguide/htm.
New Rides
New rides refer to the “first use,” which is the first time amusement park patrons take a
ride on a custom designed or newly manufactured ride. If a ride is moved to another area
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of a park or to another park, it is not considered new. If
the ride was purchased from another entity, “new” is the
first permanent installation of the ride, whether it was
purchased “off the shelf” or modified before installation.
Altered Rides
Altered rides refer to changes in structural or operational
characteristics of an existing ride vehicle configuration
from those specified by the manufacturer or the original
design criteria. An existing ride is also considered an
altered ride if the load or unload area is newly designed or
constructed. Thus, if an existing ride is simply moved to
another area of a park or to another park, it is not
considered altered unless the load or unload area is newly designed or newly constructed.
Routine maintenance, painting, or changing the theme boards is not considered an alteration.
Exceptions
There are four types of rides that are not covered by the guidelines. However, other ADA
requirements still apply. The four types are:
I
Mobile or portable amusement rides such as those in traveling carnivals, State and
county fairs, and festivals, do not need to comply. Mobile rides are available that
provide wheelchair access and other rides could provide transfer access with minor
modifications.
I
Rides that are controlled or operated by the rider (such as bumper cars and go-carts)
are not required to comply with the guidelines, but an accessible route to the ride and a
turning space (60-inch diameter circle or T-shaped turning space) in the load and unload
area must be provided. (This exception does not apply if patrons can merely cause the
ride to make incidental movements, but otherwise have no control over the ride.)
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I
Rides designed for children, assisted on and off by an adult, are only required to
provide an accessible route to the ride and a turning space in the load and unload area.
While the occasional adult user may ride, the exception applies only to those rides that
are designed for children.
I
Rides that do not have seats must only provide an accessible route to the load and
unload areas and a turning space in the load and unload area.
Unique Attractions
There are amusement attractions that are not specifically addressed by the guidelines,
for example, “virtual reality” rides when a device does not move on a fixed course through
an area. For these attractions, the guidelines should be applied to the extent possible.
An accessible route should be provided to connect to a reasonable number, but at least
one, of these attractions. If appropriate technical provisions exist, they should be
applied. Operators are still subject to all the other ADA requirements, including program
accessibility or barrier removal and the obligation to provide equal opportunities.
Accessible Rides
Each newly constructed or newly designed amusement ride must provide at least one
wheelchair space, or at least one ride seat designed for transfer, or a transfer device
designed to transfer a person using a wheelchair from the load and unload area to a ride
seat. The choice of which type of access that is provided for each ride is left up to the
operator or designer.
Where possible, operators are encouraged to exceed the number of accessible ride seats
so that more people with disabilities and their families can enjoy the rides at the same time.
Accessible Routes
Accessible routes are continuous, unobstructed paths connecting all accessible elements
and spaces of a building or facility. For each accessible amusement ride, an accessible route
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is required to connect to a wheelchair space, a ride seat designed for transfer, or
a transfer device for use with an amusement ride. The accessible route must comply with
ADAAG provisions for the location, width (minimum of 36 inches), passing space, head room,
surface, slope (maximum of 1:12 or 8.33%), changes in level, doors, egress, and areas of
rescue assistance, unless otherwise modified by specific provisions outlined in this guide.
As previously discussed, an accessible route is also required to connect the load and unload
areas of rides that are not required to comply with the guidelines. This includes rides that are
controlled by the rider, rides designed for children, and rides without seats.
Any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 1:20 (5%) is considered a ramp,
which limits the slope to 1:12 (8.33%) maximum. There are some exceptions to the
accessible route requirements when connecting to an accessible amusement ride:
I
In the load and unload areas or on the ride, the guidelines permit slopes as steep
as 1:8 (12.5%), if it is structurally or operationally infeasible to limit ramps to slopes of
1:12 (8.33%). In most cases, this will be limited to areas where the route leads directly to
PRIMARY
NON-
ACCESSIBLE
ENTRY
(STAIRWAY)
LIMITED-USE
ACCESSIBLE
ENTRY BY
PLATFORM
LIFT OR
ELEVATOR
ACCESSIBLE
ROUTE
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A SUMMARY OF ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR RECREATION FACILITIES
the ride and there are space limitations on the ride. This exception does not apply to
the queue line.
I
Handrails are not required on accessible routes that exceed 1:20 (5%) in the load and
unload area or on the ride, if it is structurally or operationally infeasible to provide them.
I
Limited-use/limited-application elevators (LULA’s) and platform lifts may be provided as
part of the accessible route serving the load and unload area. Platform lifts must
comply with ADAAG.
The guidelines do not address the motion or speed of moving turntables and walkways as
part of the accessible route because those can be stopped or slowed. Operators should
adjust the speed to accommodate riders, where necessary.
Signage
Signage must be provided at the entrance of the queue or waiting line for each accessible
amusement ride to identify the type of access provided on the ride (e.g., rides with
wheelchair spaces or transfer rides). If the route to the accessible load area is different for
persons with disabilities than for other riders, there must be signage indicating the location
of the accessible load area so that riders can avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Amusement Rides with Wheelchair Spaces
Minimum space requirements and clearances for wheelchairs are specified where a ride
provides a wheelchair space. If possible, designers and manufacturers should incorporate
more space to enhance the ease of loading and unloading and to accommodate a greater
variety of personal mobility devices.
Approach
Turning space (60-inch diameter or T-shaped space) for a wheelchair must be provided
where the accessible route adjoins the ride, so that riders can access the ride. One side
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of the wheelchair space must adjoin an accessible route.
The turning space may overlap the accessible route and the
required clear floor space.
Load and Unload Areas
The floor or ground surface in the load and unload areas must
have a slope not steeper than 1:48 and be stable, firm, and slip
resistant.
Gaps
Where wheelchair spaces are provided on amusement rides,
the floors of rides must be coordinated with the floors of the
load and unload areas so that when the ride is at the load
and unload position, the vertical differences between the two
floors are within 5/8 inch and the horizontal gap is not more
than 3 inches, under normal conditions.
However, if compliance with those measurements is not
operationally or structurally feasible, operators may use
bridge plates, ramps or other devices. They must comply with
the Board’s vehicle guidelines (36 CFR 1192.83 (c), available at
www.access-board.gov/transit/html/vguide.htm#LRVM).
Clearances
Wheelchair spaces on amusement rides must comply with
the following provisions, with three exceptions:
I
Securement devices may overlap required clearances.
I
The wheelchair spaces may be mechanically or manually
repositioned, for example, using a turntable.
3”
INTERIOR
FLOOR
LOADING
AREA
RAMP UP
RAMP DOWN
BRIDGE PLATES
ALLOWABLE GAPS
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
5/8”
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I
There is no clear headroom requirement for wheelchair spaces on a ride since many
rides move through confined spaces. The 80-inch minimum vertical clearance
requirement remains for circulation areas and accessible routes in the queue line and
load and unload areas.
Openings, Width and Length of Wheelchair Space
Openings and the width and length of wheelchair spaces need to be considered in relation
to each other. Openings on rides that provide wheelchair spaces must be at least 32
inches wide. This minimum width is necessary for passage of a wheelchair or mobility
device.
Wheelchair spaces must have a clear width of 30 inches minimum and a clear length of 48
inches minimum, measured to at least 9 inches above the floor surface. Wheelchair
access can be provided onto the ride vehicle in many ways, including, but not limited to,
rear entry, side entry, or side entry with a turntable.
Side Entry Openings, and Width and Length of Wheelchair Space
If the wheelchair space can only be entered from the side, the ride must be designed to
permit sufficient turning space for people using a wheelchair or mobility device to enter
and exit the ride. Designers must consider the position of the opening in relation to the
wheelchair space and add clear space and larger openings as necessary. For example, an
opening of 32 inches, combined with a 30-by-48-inch minimum wheelchair space, is not
enough space for turning to face the front of the ride vehicle. If there is a 42-inch opening,
a wheelchair space with a clear length of 60 inches minimum and a clear width of 36
inches minimum would be needed.
Protrusions
There may be some protrusions into wheelchair spaces on rides, but not into circulation
areas, accessible routes, or load and unload areas. Where a wheelchair space is located
on a ride, nothing may protrude into the front of the wheelchair space 9 inches from the
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floor. Objects may protrude into the space a maximum of 6 inches along the front of the
space, if they are between 9 inches and 27 inches maximum above the floor. Objects may
protrude a maximum of 25 inches along the front of the space if they are more than 27
inches above the floor surface.
ALLOWABLE PROTRUSIONS INTO WHEELCHAIR SPACES
9” VERTICAL
TOE CLEARANCE
(NO
PROTRUSIONS
ALLOWED)
OBJECTS MAY
PROTRUDE A MAXIMUM
OF 25” IF ABOVE 27”
FROM FLOOR
27” KNEE
CLEARANCE
30” MINIMUM
25” MAXIMUM
48” MINIMUM
BETWEEN 9” AND
27” ABOVE THE
FLOOR, OBJECTS
MAY PROTRUDE TO
A MAXIMUM OF 6”
6”
9”
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Companion Seats
Where companion seating is provided on a ride, companion
seating adjacent to wheelchair spaces is also required in some
cases. A companion seat is required if the interior of an
amusement ride is more than 53 inches wide, there is seating
for more than one rider, and the wheelchair doesn’t need to
be centered within the ride to maintain the center of gravity.
If the ride has shoulder-to-shoulder seating, the companion
seating must be shoulder-to-shoulder with the adjacent
wheelchair space. If shoulder-to-shoulder companion
seating is not operationally or structurally feasible (i.e., in
water rides where the rider’s center of gravity is critical)
operators must comply with this provision to the maximum
extent feasible.
Amusement Ride Seats Designed for Transfer
Where an amusement ride seat is designed for transfer, it
is expected that someone will transfer only once from a
wheelchair or mobility device to the ride seat. Amusement
ride seats designed for transfer should allow individuals to
make independent transfers to and from their wheelchairs
or mobility devices. There are many different ways that
individuals transfer from their wheelchairs or mobility
devices. Both the clear space and the height of the seat are
critical for a safe and independent transfer. When greater
distances are required for transfer, consideration should
be given to providing gripping surfaces, seat paddings, and
avoiding sharp or protruding objects.
WHEELCHAIR SPACE WITH COMPANION SEATING
48” MINIMUM
30”
MINIMUM
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RIDE SEAT DESIGNED FOR TRANSFER
30”
MINIMUM
48” MINIMUM
24”
MAXIMUM
14”
MINIMUM
Clear Floor Space
The load and unload areas adjacent to ride seats designed for transfer must have a clear
space of 30 by 48 inches minimum. Designers may decide which location is best suited for
transfer on a particular ride. Because people transfer in different ways, providing
additional space both in front of and to the side of the ride will increase flexibility and
usability for a more diverse population.
Transfer Height
Ride seats designed for transfer must be between 14 and 24 inches above the load and
unload area surface. Where possible, designers are encouraged to locate the ride seat
within 17 to 19 inches above the load and unload surface.
Transfer Entry
There is a large amount of variance in amusement rides and the sides of the ride are often
part of the restraint or securement system. For those reasons, the opening provided to
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transfer from a wheelchair or mobility device must provide
sufficient clearance for transfer.
Transfer Devices for Use with an
Amusement Ride
Transfer devices may also be used to provide access
onto an amusement ride. A transfer device can be either
permanent or temporary and does not require modification
to the ride. There are a variety of transfer devices available
that could be adapted to provide access onto an
amusement ride. Examples of devices that may provide
for transfers include, but are not limited to, transfer
systems, lifts, mechanized seats, and other custom
designed systems.
Operators and designers have flexibility in developing
systems that will facilitate individuals to transfer onto
amusement rides. These systems or devices should be
designed to be reliable and sturdy. A transfer board,
provided by the operator, for example, may not be
sufficient because it will not provide enough support or
stability. However, people using mobility aids may prefer to
use their own transfer boards in addition to devices
provided by the operator.
Designs that limit the number of transfers required from
one’s wheelchair or mobility device to the ride seat are
encouraged. When using a transfer device to access an
amusement ride, the least amount of transfers for the least
amount of distance is desired.
TRANSFER DEVICE: PORTABLE TIER
TRANSFER DEVICE: FIXED TIER
TRANSFER DEVICE: PORTABLE BENCH
30”
MIN
48” MIN
24”
MAX
14”
MIN
30”
MIN
48” MIN
24”
MAX
14”
MIN
30”
MIN
48” MIN
24”
MAX
14”
MIN
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accessible amusement rides
Clear Floor Space
The load and unload areas adjacent to transfer devices must have a clear space of 30 by
48 inches minimum. Designers may decide which location is best suited for transfer on a
particular ride. Because people transfer in different ways, providing additional space both
in front of and to side of the ride will increase flexibility and usability for a more diverse
population.
Transfer Height
The height of the transfer device must be between 14 and 24 inches above the load and
unload area surface. Where possible, designers are encouraged to locate the transfer
device seat within 17 to 19 inches above the load and unload surface. If greater distances
are required for transfers, extra consideration should be given to providing gripping
surfaces, seat paddings, and avoiding sharp or protruding objects in the path of transfer
to better facilitate the transfer process. If multiple transfers are necessary to reach the
amusement ride seat, it is recommended that each vertical transfer not exceed 8 inches.
Wheelchair Storage Space
People using wheelchairs and mobility devices need to leave their equipment when they
transfer onto rides. There must be space in or adjacent to load and unload areas for each
ride seat designed for transfer or transfer device. The space must be a minimum of 30
inches by 48 inches. For safety reasons, this space may not overlap any required means
of egress or an accessible route. Most designs for load and unload areas will already
include enough space. Operators are not required to provide a constructed element or
lockers for storage, only a clear space.
More Information
You can obtain copies of the recreation facility guidelines, which include amusement rides,
and further technical assistance from the U.S. Access Board at www.access-board.gov
,
1-800-872-2253, or 1-800-993-2822 (TTY).
United States Access Board
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004-1111
voice (800) 872-2253
tty (800) 993-2822
www.access-board.gov
