5.1.1.4: Accessibility of Facility

The facility should be accessible for children and adults with disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accessibility includes access to buildings, toilets, sinks, drinking fountains, outdoor play areas, meal and snack areas, and all classroom and therapy areas.

RATIONALE

Accessibility has been detailed in full, in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is also a key component of the ADA, barring discrimination against anyone with a disability.

COMMENTS

Any facility accepting children with motor disabilities must be accessible to all children served. Small family home caregivers/teachers may be limited in their ability to serve such children, but are not precluded from doing so if there is a reasonable degree of compliance with this standard. Accommodation of adaptive equipment for all children should be made to ensure access to all activities of the care setting. Access to public and most private facilities is a key to the implementation of the ADA. If toilet learning/training is a relevant activity, the facility may be required to provide adapted toilet equipment.

For more information on requirements regarding accessibility, consult the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG), available at http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm, and the U.S. Access Board’s play area accessibility guidelines at http://www.access-board.gov/play/guide/intro.htm.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

5.4.1.7 Toilet Learning and Training Equipment
5.4.6.2 Space for Therapy Services
6.2.1.2 Play Equipment and Surfaces Meet ADA Requirements