← Practice & Standards
Americans with Disabilities Act
PRACTICE & STANDARDSbeginnerADA
Definition
A US civil rights law (1990) that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. In architecture, ADA Standards for Accessible Design set specific requirements for ramps, door widths, bathroom layouts, parking, and wayfinding that apply to all public buildings and facilities.
Example
Every new public building in the US must comply with ADA Standards — for instance, requiring at least one entrance without steps, and toilet facilities usable from a wheelchair.