The handbook sets forth design requirements for construction and renovation of buildings owned, leased, or funded by the Veterans Administration (VA), to permit physically handicapped persons ready access. The book is intended mainly for use by the VA staff and contracted architect/engineer firms involved in developing criteria and designing,…

Specifications for making adaptable dwelling units, minimally accessible designs which can later be inexpensively remodeled for the disabled, are presented. Advantages to providing many adaptable units rather than a few accessible ones are outlined, including eliminating the marketing problem, providing a disabled person with a wider choice of…

The brochure provides suggestions for adapting or building approaches and entrances to the home to provide full accessibility to persons with mobility limitations due to disability or age. Briefly described are modifications for ramps, landings at the top and bottom of a ramp, and door openers and locks. This publication lists 13 sources for…

The paper summarizes findings from an applied research programing and design project for children with learning disabilities. Information was collected and analyzed from the literature, interviews, observations, participatory games, consultants, and a building type analysis. Findings are reported along 14 developmental goals (such as perceptual…

Provides guidelines to follow in drawing up a contract with a school architect. Once the architect has been selected, a clear definition of mutual expectations and schedules must be outlined and documented in the contract. (TE)

Two brief fact sheets for people with disabilities provide information on: (1) modifying a trailer to make it accessible for persons with mobility impairments, especially those in wheelchairs, and (2) accessibility considerations for home buyers or home owners with mobility impairments. The first fact sheet identifies inherent problems in…

Discussion of laboratory cabinets and desk systems looks at considerations of cost, flexibility, utility, serviceability, storage capacity, future availability of compatible components, and safety or other legal compliance issues. Four system types (standard floor-mounted, C-frame, end rigger-leg frame suspended, unistrut) are described, and…

Intended as a guide for designing and constructing accessible buildings and park facilities for handicapped persons, the manual details design considerations for the following areas: parks and recreation areas, identification signs, parking, trails, picnic areas, furnishings, camp sites, boating, fishing, play and game areas, swimming areas,…

The brochure provides suggestions for adapting or building living quarters to accommodate persons with physical limitations. Encouraged is barrier-free universal design to allow all persons, disabled or able bodied, to move freely, independently, and safely in their surroundings. Illustrations and text provide guidance for design of ramps, front…

Developed as part of the International Year of Disabled Persons, the guide is intended to help planners, architects, and designers to accommodate the built environment of developing regions for disabled persons. Guidelines focus on public building in urban or village settings and emphasize simple solutions to common problems. Following an…

The manual is intended to help school districts comply with federal mandates for physical accessibility and least restrictive settings for handicapped elementary school children. A general introduction to the accessibility concept in chapter 1 considers the historical background, the role of the physical environment, and existing federal…

The handbook focuses on the accessibility of facilities to handicapped individuals. General information on accessibility requirements mandated by law is provided. Information on state and local legislation on architectural barriers gives suggestions for where to write to find out what laws apply where. Definitions of terms such as accessible,…

With a new round of school construction on the horizon, planners must consider such energy conservation measures as placing energy consumption limitations in design specifications, retaining experienced engineers, using staff expertise, considering boilers offering fuel options, seeking outside assistance, resisting use of existing plans, and…

Adaptive aids which can help individuals with disabilities to get around more easily are described, including ramps, portable ramps, lifts, doors, and doorways. The use of professional assistance in selecting adaptive aids and use of the ABLEDATA database are noted. Appended is a list of companies which manufacture adaptive equipment. (JDD)

This paper outlines housing modification issues for both the housing consumer with visual impairments and the builder/remodeler, with emphasis on single-family housing. Suggested modifications are listed for the exterior, entrance, elevator, doors, floors, lighting and the electrical system, windows, room layout and shape, kitchen, and stairs and…