COMPARISON OF INITIAL PROPOSED AND FINAL PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT STANDARD The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), is a law passed by the Ontario legislature that allows the government to develop specific standards of accessibility. These standards are recommendations to the government from independent committees on what should become law. The purpose of the accessibility standards is to help meet the goal of an accessible province by 2025. Accessibility regulations will set requirements in a number of key areas and will be reviewed at least every five years. The Accessible Built Environment Standards Development Committee (ABE-SDC) was established in October 2007 under the AODA to develop a proposed standard for the built environment. The built environment standard aims to break down barriers in buildings and other structures for people with disabilities by proposing requirements for entrances; doorways and ramps; parking spaces; signs; and parks and trails. The ABE-SDC developed an initial proposed standard that was released for public review from June 14, 2009 to October 16, 2009. Based on comments received during the public review process, the ABE-SDC met to review the feedback it received. It decided to make some changes to the initial proposed standard. The ABE-SDC finalized their recommendations and then submitted their final proposed standard to the Minister for her consideration in July 2010. The purpose of this document is to compare requirements between the initial proposed standard and the final proposed standard. If there is any conflict between this document and the final proposed standard, the final proposed standard is the ultimate authority. Sections and clauses within Final Proposed Standard (July 2010) Initial Proposed Standard (June 2009) Final Proposed Standard (July 2010) SECTION 2.0 2.2 Application, 2.2.4 Similar Occupancies Third paragraph: Accessibility requirements have not been developed specifically for occupancies like schools and hospitals within this Standard. Third paragraph: Accessibility requirements specific to building uses not mentioned in the Standard to be developed as quickly as possible. 2.2.1.2 Change of use and Extensive Renovation 3 conditions to be met for the Standard’s requirements to apply to existing buildings. Only 1 of 3 conditions must be met for the Standard’s requirements to apply to existing buildings. 2.2.2 Exemptions — New Construction and Change of Use / Extensive Renovation ‘Undue hardship’, as expressed by the Ontario Human Rights Code, listed as an exemption. ‘Hardship’ replaces ‘Undue hardship’ as an exemption. 2.3 Existing Barriers and Retrofit Compliance plan, administration and timelines for retrofit to existing buildings. Removed. 2.5 Other Training programs reviewed within 36 months of regulation coming into force. Training programs to be reviewed within 24 months of regulation coming into force. SECTION 3.0 3.2.3 Clear Opening Title: “Clear Width”. Re-titled to: “Clear Opening”. 3.2.7 Door Opening Force Different maximum door opening forces for exterior doors and interior doors. All doors to have same maximum opening force. 3.2.9 Power Door Operators Power door operators for all doors on an interior accessible route when they exceed maximum door opening forces. Power door operators for all doors on an interior accessible route regardless of maximum opening forces. 3.3.2 Escalators Escalators included as part of an interior accessible route. Escalators excluded from an interior accessible route. 3.3.3 Moving Walks Moving walks included as part of an interior accessible route. Moving walks excluded from an interior accessible route. 3.3.5 Elevators Elevators shall be provided to all storeys of a building. Elevators to all storeys of a building are preferred, but other means of providing access are also permitted (e.g., ramps). 3.6.2 Energy Absorption. Removed. 3.8 Rest Areas Rest areas shall be located next to all accessible routes. Rest areas only required adjacent to accessible interior routes less than 3000 mm wide in high public traffic areas. SECTION 4.0 4.1.1 Clear Width Interior accessible route to be at least 1200 mm wide. Interior accessible route reduced to be at least 1100 mm wide. 4.1.4 Unobstructed Passing Areas Length of passing area for wheeled mobility device users is 1600 mm. Length of passing areas for wheeled mobility device users increased to 2200 mm. 4.1.5 Reduced Width Reduced width measure for an interior accessible route and measures for separation segments provided. Removed. 4.1.10 Convex Mirrors Convex Mirrors shall be installed at all hallway intersections. Convex mirrors shall be installed at hallway intersections only where line of sight is impeded. SECTION 5.0 5.1 Accessible Exterior Route 5.1.2 Clear Width Exterior accessible route to be at least 1800 mm wide. Exterior accessible route reduced to be at least 1500 mm wide. 5.1.3 Running Slopes 5.1.3.1 Limit Front-to-back and side-to-side slopes to be equally steep to help with drainage. Replaced with ratio that describes maximum incline for front-to-back slope over a specified distance. 5.1.4 Cross Slope 5.1.4.1 Exterior Side-to-side slope to be same as or steeper than front-to-back slope to help with drainage. Replaced with ratio that describes maximum side-to-side slopes for different ground surfaces. 5.2. Curb Ramps 5.2.2 Running Slope Ratio describes maximum incline over a specified distance. Replaced with ratio that describes maximum difference in slope between curb ramp and surrounding surfaces. 5.2.3 Cross Slope Ratio describes maximum side-to-side slope and maximum difference in slope with surrounding surfaces. Replaced with: a) Statement about importance of drainage; b) Ratio that describes maximum side-to-side; slopes for different ground surfaces; and c) Ratio that describes maximum difference in slope between curb ramp and surrounding surfaces. 5.2.4.2 Flared Sides Flared sides not permitted in new construction. Flared sides permitted in new construction or extensive renovations only where return curbs cannot be installed. Specifications for installation of flared sides provided. 5.2.6 Width Width of curb ramp to be at least 1800mm. Width of curb ramp reduced to be at least 1500mm. 5.2.7 Drainage Objective of curb ramp design stated as preventing accumulation of water on accessible route. Objective of curb ramp design revised to minimise accumulation of water on accessible route. 5.3.4 Traffic Islands Waiting area dimensions to accommodate a wheeled mobility device user. Waiting area dimensions revised to allow two wheeled mobility device users to use the waiting area at the same time. 5.5 Street Furniture 5.5.2 Amenities – Seating and Benches Seat depth range provided. Revised to smaller seat depth range. SECTION 6.0 6.1 Signage Reorganized for simplicity. 6.2 Information / Visual Display Systems 6.2.1.3 Lighting Levels; 6.2.2 Electronic Signs; 6.2.3 Directories; and 6.2.4 Visual and Tactile Maps. Removed. 6.2.3 Systems Did not previously exist. New sub-clause: Information/Visual display systems will comply with CSA B651.2-07, Self service interactive devices. 6.5 Public Telephones 6.5.2 Text Telephones (TTY); and 6.5.3 Telephone Stall or Booth. Removed. 6.6 Exhibition and Display Systems Rationale and Functional Description Removed. 6.7 Emergency Systems Rationale and Functional Description Removed. 6.8 Security Systems Rationale and Functional Description Removed. SECTION 7.0 7.1 Lavatories, Functional description Only includes lavatories in accessible washrooms. Revised to also include lavatories in universal toilet rooms. 7.1.1, General, g) Clear floor space width specified to allow for a scooter side approach. Clear floor space width increased. 7.2 Washrooms 7.2.2.1, Dimensions and placement, b) Clear floor space specified to accommodate 180 degree turn by a wheeled mobility device user. Minimum clear floor space reduced. 7.2.2.1 Dimensions and placement e) Emergency call switch requirement. Removed. 7.2.4 Minimum number (UTRs) Minimum number of UTRs specified as 1 per floor irrespective of building size. Minimum number of UTRs determined by size of floor area within building. 7.4.4 Water closet location Distance between water closet and side wall specified. Revised to specify distance between water closet and a grab bar. 7.5.4 Grab bars Option provided for either of two grab bar types. Revised to permit only type of grab bar. 7.5.6 Tonal contrast Title: “Colour/Tonal contrast”. Clause cross referenced with Clause 6.1.12. Re-titled to: “Tonal contrast”. Removed cross reference with Clause 6.1.12 cross and replaced with specific tonal contrast measure. 7.6.1 Urinals 7.6.2 Minimum Number 1 type of accessible urinal required within each male washroom. 2 types of accessible urinals required within each male washroom. 7.7 Universal Toilet Rooms 7.7.1.2 Details Internal dimensions between walls specified. Revised to specify clear manoeuvring space. 7.7.5 Fold Down Grab Bars Requirement for all universal toilet rooms to be equipped with a fold down grab bar. Requirement revised to “where possible”. 7.8 Shower Areas 7.8.1 General No minimum numbers or percentages for accessible showers specified. Revised to provide minimum numbers of accessible showers, where showers provided. 7.8.5 Grab bars Type of grab bar to be installed under the shower head and above controls is not specified. Revised to specify type of grab bar to be installed under the shower head and above controls. 7.8.7 Shower Head Number of prescriptive requirements proposed. Revised to a performance statement to allow for flexibility. 7.10 Drinking Fountains 7.10.2 Clear Floor or Ground Area Clear floor area length provided for front or side approach by a wheeled mobility device user. Clear floor area increased to accommodate length of wheeled mobility device. SECTION 8.0 8.1 Property Maintenance. Relocated to Appendix A. 8.4 End User Controls and Operating Mechanisms 8.3.4 Reach Requirements for mounting height range; and maximum forward reach depth, in case of obstructions to the control. Minimum mounting height increased and maximum forward reach depth increased. 8.3.6 Clear Floor Area for Approach Title: “Clear Floor Area for Front Approach” Clear floor area measure provided for front approach by wheeled mobility device. Re-titled to: “Clear Floor Area for Approach” Clear floor area width increased for front or side approach to controls. 8.6 Tactile Walking Surface Indicators 8.6.1.1 Types Title: “Detectable Indicators” Three types proposed: a) hazard indicator; b) warning indicator; and c) direction indicator. Re-titled to: “Tactile Walking Surface Indicators” Two types proposed, consistent with latest international standards: a) attention indicator (hazard); and b) direction indicator. 8.6.1.3.1 Configuration 8.6.1.3.2 Location 8.6.1.3.3 Installation Specifications provided for all three types of indicators e.g. height from surface of floor. International standards provide different specifications for two types of indicators e.g. height from surface of floor higher to facilitate detection by person with low vision. SECTION 9.0 9.2 Team Dressing Rooms, Change Rooms, and Fitting Rooms Title: “Dressing, Fitting and Locker areas”. Re-titled to: “Team Dressing Rooms, Change Rooms, and Fitting Rooms”. Clause 9.2 reorganized — common requirements grouped together, followed by requirements for each specific room. 9.2.1 General 9.2.1.1 Recommendations for benches. Bench seat depth range reduced; requirement for one long bench introduced; lower percent of benches to have back support. 9.2.1.2 Washroom and shower amenities Did not previously exist. Portion of washroom accessories, water closets, water closet stalls and urinals to be accessible within these rooms. 9.2.1.5 Lockers Where lockers are provided, all lockers to have accessible controls. Where lockers are provided, a portion to have accessible controls. 9.2.1.7 Mirrors Where mirrors provided, at least one should provide view of “both head and feet”. Reworded to state: Where mirrors provided, at least one should be “full length”. 9.2.4 Family Change Rooms Did not previously exist. Family Change Rooms specified for compliance. 9.2.4.3 Changing Stalls “Cubicles”. Re-titled to: “Changing Stalls” and introduced minimum percent/number of accessible changing stalls within each family change room. 9.2.5 Individual Dressing / Change Room Requirement that facilities shall have at least 1 individual dressing/change room. Individual dressing/change rooms only required where no family change room provided. 9.2.19 Referees’ Change Room. Removed. 9.3 Kitchens and Kitchenettes 9.3.3 Cabinets All cabinetry to comply with specified reach and depth ranges from a wheeled mobility device. Revised to require only a portion of cabinetry comply with specified reach and depth ranges. 9.3.5.4 Knee Space Height range for sink/wet bar provided for adequate knee space. Upper measure of height range reduced. 9.5 Offices and Work Areas 9.5.1 Offices and Related Work Areas Clear floor space proposed to allow wheeled mobility device user to make a 180 degree turn. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions. 9.8 Cafeterias and Restaurants 9.8.1 Layout; 9.8.1.1 Random Access Clear floor space provided for access to food/drink stations for wheeled mobility device user. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions and accessibility features introduced for people with low vision. 9.8.1.2 Cash register Clear floor space provided for access to cash register for wheeled mobility device user. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions. 9.10.7 Type A – Mobility Aided Parking space width does not specify width of access aisle. Parking space width specifies required width of access aisle. 9.10.8 Type B – Distance Related Parking space width specifies width of access aisle. Access aisle width reduced. 9.11.11 and 9.11.12 — Specifications provided for on-street parking for both vans and cars. Specifications removed. 9.12 Accessible Seating Spaces 9.12.1 Designated Spaces Numbers/percents proposed for accessible spaces and adaptable seating within theatres, sporting venues, etc. Revised to increase both numbers/percents for both accessible spaces and adaptable seating. 9.12.2 Detailed Requirements Clear floor area proposed for an accessible space. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions. 9.13 Service Counters 9.13.1 Designated Section Clear floor area proposed for access to a service counter along with a proposed maximum countertop height from the floor. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions and countertop height from floor also increased. 9.14 Balconies and Porches Title: “Balconies, Terraces and Porches”. Re-titled to: “Balconies and Porches”. 9.14.1 Location and Depth Stated that balconies, terraces and porches must comply with requirements for an accessible interior route. “Accessible interior route” reference revised to “accessible route” because balconies and porches are located outside of a building. 9.14.4 Surfaces Surfaces must comply with requirements for an accessible interior route. Revised to require compliance with a “clear accessible route”. 9.15 Terraces and Patios Title: “Patios”. Re-titled to: “Terraces and Patios”. 9.16 Assistive Listening Systems for Assembly Title: “Adaptive Systems for Assembly”. Re-titled to: “Assistive Listening Systems for Assembly”. 9.16.3 Minimum number of devices Numbers/percents proposed for minimum number of movie screens to be equipped with assistive listening devices. Revised to minimum percent of seating within each screening room to be equipped with assistive listening devices. 9.17 Passenger Boarding Areas Title: “Passenger Loading Areas”. Re-titled to: “Passenger Boarding Areas”. 9.17.2 Accessible Route Did not previously exist. Committee inserted a note stating that it is beneficial to shelter boarding areas to protect users from inclement weather. 9.17.3 Access Aisle Access aisle dimensions provided to ease boarding/disembarking process for users. Access aisle width reduced. 9.18 Windows 9.18.3 Operating controls Clear floor area proposed for wheeled mobility device user to access controls. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions. 9.19 Community Mailboxes 9.19.1 Exterior Community Mailboxes Clear floor area proposed for access. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions. 9.19.3 Interior Mailboxes Clear floor area proposed for access. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions. SECTION 10.0 Functional Description This section includes student residences in the list of occupancies to which the accessibility requirements apply. Student residences were removed from the list of occupancies. 10.1 Transient Lodging Guest Rooms 10.1.1 Design Consideration Includes a requirement for a fire separation time rating. Removed. 10.1.3 Emergency Power Duplex Outlet Title: “Duplex Outlet”. A duplex outlet with emergency power is required in at least one accessible guest room. Re-titled to: “Emergency Power”. Revised to only require a duplex outlet with emergency power to at least one accessible guest room, where emergency power is already available in the building. 10.1.9 Bathroom Storage Requirement for a storage space in the accessible bathroom. Revised to require storage space or shelving only if no counter space is provided. 10.1.11 Furniture f) Requirement for telephone jacks to be located at the bedside and desk within a guest room; and g) list of assistive technology provided within a guest room. f) Requirement expanded to allow for access to the telephone jacks; and g) ‘TTY’ added to the list. 10.1.13 Adjoining Guest Room Doors Requirement for adjoining room door to be easily left open. Removed. SECTION 11.0 11.1.2 Optional Experience Title: “Daily basis”. Exterior walkways that provide access to outdoor facilities used on a daily basis are to comply with Clause 5.1. Re-titled to: “Optional experience”. Revised to provide clear distinction between exterior walkways and recreational trails. 11.1.4 Running Slope 11.1.4.1 General Requirement for the front to back slope to be as flat as possible, as permitted by the terrain. Revised to state that the need for drainage will determine how flat the front to back slope will be, not the terrain. 11.1.4.2 Limit. Maximum front to back slope specified. A steeper slope can be built if one of the ‘criteria for exception’ exists. Removed. 11.1.5 Cross Slopes 11.1.5.1 Minimum Requirement for the side-to-side slope to be as flat as possible, as permitted by the terrain. Revised to provide for drainage and to also specify a maximum side-to-side slope. 11.1.10. Changes in level 11.1.10.1 Tripping Hazard Requirement to ensure changes in level do not present a tripping hazard and specifications provided for a bevelled surface. Revised to specify maximum height for changes in level and surface characteristics that would allow a bevel to be built. 11.1.12 Edge Protection 11.1.12.1 Trails near water Statement about need for edge protection to be provided on boardwalks or other trails or paths near water. Requirement revised for edge protection in situations where there is an immediate drop greater than 600mm in height. 11.1.13 Provision on Information. Requirement to provide information that describes trail conditions and to also notify trail users if this information is unavailable. Removed. 11.2 Amusement Parks 11.2.3 Travelling Rides 11.2.3.8 Patron Loading and Unloading Clear floor area proposed for patron loading and unloading area. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions. 11.3 Play areas 11.3.2 Playspaces Clause 11.3 largely contained specifications adapted from Annex H of CAN/CSA Z614-07, Children’s Play Spaces and Equipment. Revised to provide more opportunities for accessible play for children with disabilities and retain technical specifications from Annex H of CAN/CSA Z614-07, Children’s Play Spaces and Equipment. 11.4 Pools, Spas and Splash Pads 11.4.6 Transfer Platform 11.4.6.3 Transfer Space Clear floor area proposed for person to transfer from wheeled mobility device to the pool. Clear floor space increased to accommodate scooter dimensions. 11.4.7 Pool Lifts 11.4.7.6 Seat Width Minimum seat width specified. Revised to increase seat width. SECTION 12.0 Rationale, Functional Description and Technical Requirements. Removed. Did not previously exist. Committee Comment box added: “The SDC is of the view that transit stations, bus stops and shelters should be accessible for persons with disabilities as part of an integrated accessible transit system.” SECTION 13.0 13.2 Scope, Timelines and Application Requirements for new construction, major renovation, retrofit presented in ‘Options’ format for following: Houses; Multi-unit residential with elevator; Multi-unit residential without elevator; and Boarding or Rooming Houses with less than 8 boarders. Removed. 13.3 Building Elements. List of accessibility features relevant to residential buildings. Removed. Title of section: “Housing” Re-titled to: “Multi Unit Housing”. Did not previously exist. New proposal inserted: Recommendations relate exclusively to multi-unit residential housing; and Adopted housing concepts of ‘visitability’ and ‘adaptability’. APPENDICES Appendix A — Committee Members. Schedule 1. Revised Appendix A - Building and Property Maintenance. Appendix B — List of Resources. Removed. Appendix C — Building Code Cross References. Removed. Appendix D — Housing Terms. Removed. Appendix E — Occupancies. Schedule 2. Appendix F — Community Noise Guidelines. Schedule 3. Appendix G — Committee Comments on Retrofit. Removed. Comparison: ABE Initial Proposed Standard & Final Proposed Standard Comparison Page 1 of 52