Purpose: As many of the next generation leaders are currently on college campuses, endorsing green buildings can foster environmental stewardship among the student body. However, marshalling in the social sphere of sustainability is also critical to cultivate more supportive and inclusive communities. With this in mind, a chief component of the…

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for safe school facilities that protect the health of children and staff. With the first day of school just weeks away, most K-12 schools are likely to rely on distance learning for the start of the academic year. When schools do reopen, adhering to current guidelines on physical distancing, cleaning,…

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…

Offers design guidance for school restrooms, emphasizing the importance of keeping them sanitary and functional. Addresses the issues of building codes and American with Disabilities compliance. (EV)

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)

At the request of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) has conducted "a literature search and review to identify best practices in [school] building design for accommodating the evacuation and sheltering needs of individuals with special needs or…

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…

In 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, and schools must now comply with requirements to remove any physical barriers inhibiting public access to educational facilities. Includes what the "disabled" category covers; other groups and programs that should be accessed for help in implementing ADA goals; and a four-step…

Discusses the electronic retrofitting of educational facilities plumbing systems. Some advantages of an electronic plumbing retrofit are cost, hygiene, water conservation, and meeting Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 (ADA) requirements. Issues important to the planning of a successful project are detailed. (RE)

For 15 years, schools and universities have been striving to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and make their programs and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. It is not uncommon to see education facilities outfitted with ramps, elevators, special parking spaces, curb cuts, playground equipment, and signage--all…

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…

The overlapping coverage and effects on education services and related access issues associated with the 1973 Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are extraordinary. This article explains eligibility, scope of protection, and extensive architectural…

Understanding the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) can help educational facilities managers, planners, and administrators achieve rapid, cost-effective compliance. Educational institutions fall under Title I, Title II, and Title III of the ADA. Guidelines for how to start and conduct an inspection and develop a written…