Accessible Solutions: Entrances

Door thresholds should be no higher than 1/2" and tapered for easy passage by a wheelchair's small front wheels. Entrances should not include steps between the home's interior and the outside porch or stoop. As a practical matter, there will always be a construction joint at this location. At wood-framed entry decks, this joint will not obstruct access. At concrete or masonry stoops, however, builders should take precautions to prevent settlement. Accessible Entrance Options Based on Elevation Difference Elevation Difference Typical Application Options for Accessible Entrances Minimal Level Difference • Lots where either the driveway or the public sidewalk is approximately level with the house entry. • loped walk can be used if the house has a slab-on-grade floor or has masonry veneer walls. • Bridge or ramp can be used if the house has wood-framed floors and wood, vinyl or aluminum siding. Moderate or Greater Level Difference • Lots where either the driveway or public sidewalk is more than 24" below (or above) the house entry. • Long ramp system can be used from the walk to a deck, landing, or porch. • Platform lift can be used between the walk and a deck, landing, or porch. Garage and Carport Entrances This addition is a wide one-car garage that provides the necessary interior clearances and room for a ramp inside. Vehicular access is critical to a homeowner's independence, so an accessible garage entrance is important. Garages and carports protect wheelchair users from inclement weather as they transfer and disassemble and load their chairs. To accommodate transfer, garages must be wide enough to provide access for transfer. Accessible garages should ideally include a 5' access aisle adjacent to the parked vehicle. Lift-equipped vans may require an 8' aisle. If homeowners drive a raised-top van, garage door height is also a consideration. Many building codes require a step (or curb) between the house and the garage floor. The step prevents spilled gasoline from entering the house and protects residents from carbon monoxide fumes. In some jurisdictions, wheelchair users can request a waiver from this requirement. If a waiver isn't possible or if the project involves an existing home, a ramp can be constructed between the garage and the house. In some existing homes, the height difference between the garage and house is three or more steps. This exaggerated difference occurs because the garage is typically slab-on-grade construction while the main house has wood-framed floors. If the height difference is too great, an accessible ramp may be too long to fit inside the garage. Because of both access aisle and ramp requirements, it is common for existing garages with a two-car capacity to be used as an accessible one-car facility. In new construction projects, the garage size should provide sufficient access clearances and accommodate a ramp, if necessary. From Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User PVA accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information published herein and does not endorse any company or any of the products or services advertised on this Web site.

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