When school populations grow to the point where districts must consider new construction, many district administrators face a fork in the road: renovate or opt for new construction? The importance of this decision should not be taken lightly; it can have serious ramifications for years to come. Each situation is unique. Just as no two students are…

Many stakeholders in the public and private sectors have been involved in establishing minimum accessibility standards for people with disabilities in public buildings. One of the most important spaces in any building is the restroom. Unless a building has a restroom that is compliant with applicable accessibility standards such as the Americans…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

Universal design (UD) can play a role in many aspects of academic life and is often thought of in the context of learning. However, this chapter focuses on the impact of UD on the design of facilities in a university or campus setting. Universal design has the potential for transforming universities into truly egalitarian institutions that…

When students think about the obstacles they must overcome to get into a school, most probably are thinking in terms of SATs, ACTs or other entrance exams. However, for students with disabilities, the obstacles they face often are literal ones: manual doors. Accommodating those with disabilities or physical limitations is one reason for schools to…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990 includes a provision requiring that new construction and alterations to existing facilities comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. This report explains 23 common accessibility errors or omissions that the Department of Justice has identified during the course of its enforcement efforts.…

Among U.S. children ages six to 14, about one in eight has a disability. To give the five million students with disabilities the same access to facilities as others, schools are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Schools not in compliance invite lawsuits and risk losing federal funding or accreditation. Many older…

Discusses the challenges inherent with ensuring that exit devices comply with guidelines specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Focuses on compliance problems with grasping the pull side trim on an exit device, the difficulties with surface vertical rods and latches in compliance with barrier-free guidelines, and other concerns. (RJM)

Details advances that educational facilities are making in meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Discusses the cost efficiency, aesthetical value, and collateral benefits of the design changes that would increase accessibility. Features an ADA resource guide listing five related Internet addresses and…

Offers tips on developing a clear and detailed plan that can keep a school rehabilitation project on time and within budget. Developing proper communication between stakeholders, knowing the regulations, probing for facts about deterioration, and being persistent and demanding in monitoring the construction project are stressed. (GR)

Describes how university interior design is responding to increased student demands for wide-ranging services, technological capabilities, and accessibility. Design concepts for dining areas, auditoriums, residential halls, libraries, and computer-friendly classrooms are discussed. (GR)

A facility developed for fitness, physical activity, recreation, or sport is a vital community resource that contributes to the overall health and wellness of that community's citizens. In order to maximize the benefits derived from these facilities, it is imperative that they be accessible to as wide a range of people as possible. The Americans…

Explains the planning process in designing effective library facilities and discusses library building requirements that result from electronic information technologies. Highlights include historical structures; Americans with Disabilities Act; resource allocation; electrical power; interior spaces; lighting; design development; the roles of…

Offers advice on washroom compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Title III (ADA) regulations during school construction and renovation projects. Critical issues concerning bathroom accessibility and practical solutions in washroom design are discussed. Other recommended, non-ADA restroom design guidelines for elementary schools are…

The numbers of both sports facility management college courses and sport and exercise facilities are increasing, along with the need for an understanding of the trends and management concepts of these facilities. This book focuses exclusively on managing facilities where sporting events occur and includes examples in physical education, athletics,…