The Americans With Disabilities Act
How the law can affect your lightbox purchase.

[Federal Register Page 37969, Vol. 61, No. 141, Monday, July 22, 1996]

15.3 Protruding Objects

This section modifies the current technical requirements in ADAAG 4.4 (Protruding Objects). ADAAG 4.4.1 currently specifies that elements mounted on walls, such as phones and light fixtures, shall not project more than 4 inches from the wall surface if the leading edge is above 27 inches from the finish floor. ADAAG 4.4.1 also specifies that free-standing objects on posts or pylons may overhang 12 inches maximum if the leading edge is above 27 inches from the finish floor. The cane sweep of an adult with a vision impairment generally encounters objects at or below 27 inches. However, a child's stride is shorter, and his or her cane sweep is typically narrower and lower. Therefore, a child's cane will not contact such objects at a point that provides effective warning. According to the CAH recommendations, children using canes can detect protruding objects up to 12 inches from the ground or floor surface. This section reduces the 27 inch height specified by ADAAG 4.4.1 to 12 inches.

Under current ADAAG, elements projecting more than 4 inches such as drinking fountains and telephones may be mounted at heights or with side partitions so that the leading edge is at or below 27 inches. Section 15.3 would require that these elements be mounted or have side partitions so that the leading edge is no more than 12 inches from the floor. In order to meet this requirement, drinking fountains and other elements which require knee clearance may have to be located in alcoves or be protected by walls, partitions, or other features.
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