TABLE 1.
Summary of required dimensions for wheelchair accessibility using an abridged form of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.
| Parameters | Accessibility required | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | Minimum of 32 inches (81.5 cm) | Inaccessible if less than 81.5 cm |
| Route | Minimum of 36 inches (91.5 cm) | Inaccessible if less than 91.5 cm |
| Parking area | Minimum of 96 inches by 60 inches (244 cm by 152.5 cm) | Inaccessible if less than 244 cm by 152.5 cm |
| Elevators | Minimum area of 47 inches by 69 inches (119.5 cm by 175.5 cm) | Inaccessible if less than 119.5 cm by 175.5 cm |
| Height of steps | Maximum of 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) | Inaccessible if above 1.3 cm without being levelled or provision of a ramp |
| Water closets or toilets | Maximum height of wheelchair between 17 inches to 19 inches (43 cm to 48.5 cm) | Inaccessible if wheelchair height is above 48.5 cm |
| Sinks | Maximum height of 34 inches (86.5 cm) and depth of 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) | Inaccessible if height is above 16.5 cm |
| Public telephones | A clear ground space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches free ( 76 cm by 122 cm) | Inaccessible if ground space is less than 76 cm by 122 cm |
| Urinals | Either stall type or wall hung with elongated rim having a height of 17 inches (43 cm) from the floor | Inaccessible if height is above 43 cm |
| Automated teller machines (ATMs) | Maximum height from floor, 54 inches (137 cm) and reach depth, to button of 10 inches (25.5 cm) | Inaccessible if height and depth are above 137 cm and 25.5 cm |
| Height of counters | Maximum height of 44 inches (112 cm) | Inaccessible if above 112 cm |
| Grade of ramp, that is, height/length | Maximum of 1:12 with slope length less than 90 cm | Inaccessible if steeper than 1:12 or if slope of 1:12 is longer than 90 cm |
Source: Hamzat, T.K. & Dada, O.O., 2005, ‘Wheelchair accessibility of public buildings in Ibadan, Nigeria’, Asia Pacific Disability and Rehabilitation Journal 16, 125–134