ADA Survey Program

SOLUTION

The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division recently published revised regulations, implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act for Title II (State and Local Government Services) and Title III (Public accommodations and Commercial facilities). WFC undertook the responsibility for Flushing Savings Bank to perform physical site survey’s for fifteen existing Retail and Interior Office facilities, identifying existing areas which may prevent access of public accommodations to people with disabilities.

The revised ADA requires businesses to revise their procedures and policies when necessary to accommodate patrons with disabilities and additionally requiring that businesses remove architectural barriers in existing building and make accessible their products and services. Some local municipalities’ local building codes contain “Grandfather Provisions” that attempt to provide shelter to existing facilities; however these provisions do not exempt businesses from their obligations under the Federal Department of Justice ADA regulations to provide a barrier free environment.

In order to ensure Flushing Savings Bank had sufficient time to respond to regulatory requirements, WFC had just 8 weeks to survey all of their existing facilities and provide a thorough report. WFC documented all discrepancies in accordance with Accessible and Useable Building and Facilities ICC A117.1-2009. Building Blocks, Accessible Routes, Communication Elements and Features, etc… were main focuses which broke down into specifics such as tactile communication signage, reaching heights, ramp progressions limits, elevator cab maneuvering clearance, clear passage width and lavatory accessibility. With discrepancies reported, Flushing Savings Bank is now fit to begin the next phase of implementation. Specifically, Flushing Bank will seek to move forward on a priority indexed basis, with the required facility modifications to create a barrier free business environment.