Free CPSI ADA Accessibility Guidelines Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the 2010 ADA Standards, what is the minimum clear width required for an accessible route located *within* the boundary of a play area?
- 36 inches
- 44 inches
- 48 inches
- 60 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 60 inches
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design require that accessible routes located within the boundary of the play area have a minimum clear width of 60 inches. This wider path accommodates wheelchairs passing one another or turning around more easily within the active play space. The accessible route from the site arrival point to the edge of the play area can be 36 inches.
Question 2: A new playground is designed with 15 elevated play components. According to ADA guidelines, how many of these must be located on an accessible route?
- At least 25% of the elevated components.
- At least 50% of the elevated components. (Correct answer)
- All elevated components.
- A minimum of one of each type of component.
Correct answer: At least 50% of the elevated components.
The ADA guidelines state that for elevated play structures, at least 50% of the elevated play components must be on an accessible route. This ensures that children with disabilities have access to a significant portion of the play opportunities offered by the structure. Ramps or transfer systems are used to provide this access.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a transfer system in an accessible playground?
- To allow children to transfer from a wheelchair directly to a slide.
- To provide a series of platforms that allow a user to move from their wheelchair or mobility device onto the play structure. (Correct answer)
- To lift a wheelchair onto the elevated portion of the play structure.
- To provide a ground-level activity for children who cannot access elevated components.
Correct answer: To provide a series of platforms that allow a user to move from their wheelchair or mobility device onto the play structure.
A transfer system is a series of platforms and supports designed to allow a user to move from their mobility device, such as a wheelchair, and progressively lift themselves onto the deck of a play structure. It typically includes a transfer platform, transfer steps, and supports for pulling up. This provides an alternative to ramps for accessing elevated components.
Question 4: A playground has 8 elevated play components and 3 different types of ground-level play components (e.g., a spring rider, a sand box, and a talk tube). How many different *types* of ground-level components must be provided on an accessible route?
- At least one of each type. (Correct answer)
- At least 50% of the types.
- At least one type.
- All ground-level components.
Correct answer: At least one of each type.
The ADA requires that at least one of each *type* of ground-level play component provided must be on an accessible route. This ensures that a variety of ground-level play experiences are available to children with disabilities. Simply making one component accessible when multiple types are offered is not sufficient.
Question 5: Which of the following is generally NOT considered an accessible surfacing material when first installed, according to ASTM F1951?
- Poured-in-place rubber
- Rubber tiles
- Engineered wood fiber (EWF)
- Pea gravel (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Pea gravel
Pea gravel, along with sand and regular wood chips (non-EWF), is not considered an accessible surface material. These loose materials are difficult for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility device to navigate. Accessible surfaces must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant, as defined by performance tests in ASTM F1951.
Question 6: What is the maximum allowable running slope for a ramp providing access to an elevated play structure?
- 1:8 (12.5%)
- 1:10 (10%)
- 1:12 (8.33%)
- 1:16 (6.25%) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1:16 (6.25%)
The ADA guidelines specify a maximum slope of 1:16 (6.25%) for ramps within a play area. This is a gentler slope than the 1:12 (8.33%) required for ramps in general architecture, acknowledging that children may be propelling themselves up the ramp. The maximum rise for any single ramp run is 12 inches.
Free CPSI ADA Accessibility Guidelines Questions and Answers
According to the 2010 ADA Standards, what is the minimum clear width required for an accessible route located *within* the boundary of a play area?