How to Make Classroom More Accessible for Wheelchair Users

Does the term “Classroom” include a university classroom, an elementary classroom, or a pre-school classroom? Regardless of the class, it must have elements such as a blackboard to aid students in their learning. Every student should have equal opportunities with the others while in class. 

To ensure every learner has equal access to a classroom and all its installations and elements, the US government enacted the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

When installing elements in a classroom, there are requirements outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that you must comply with. From doors to shelves on the walls, every installed element must be in accordance with the outlined requirements for the purposes of ensuring classroom accessibility. 

Guidelines on Standard Classroom Installations and Alterations

In accordance with the 2010 ADA guidelines on classroom accessibility, you should ensure that every student, regardless of the type of disability, has equal opportunity while in the classroom. Any act or omission that would lead to discrimination is unlawful and may result in prosecution or cancellation of government funding.

Accessibility in this context applies to physical access to the classroom, physical and communication accessibility to programs and activities in classrooms. 

The classrooms falling under this accessibility test by ADA include pre-school, elementary, middle, high School, college, university, and trade School classrooms.

When planning for any installation and refurbishment in a classroom, think of their access to the:

i) Physically disabled,

ii) Persons with sensory impairment, 

iii) Students with cognitive impairment,

iv) Emotionally impaired students. 

Here are the guidelines to adhere to when doing classroom installations and alterations:

i) Door

a) A classroom door must be on an accessible route, not only from the public transportation stops but also from other accessible facilities. 

The door's opening width should be at least 32 inches when open at 90 degrees to allow classroom accessibility to students in wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

b) When installing a door, whether manual or automatic, you must leave a level and clear space of at least 18 inches on the door pull side and 12 inches on the push side to allow a wheelchair user to approach, reach, and then operate the door without any challenge.

c) Classroom door hardware, such as locks, handles, latches, and pulls, must not require tight twisting or grasping and thus should be operable with one hand. ADA demands that the force one should apply to open a classroom door must not exceed 2.27 kgs (5 pounds)

ii) Classroom Fixtures

a) Accessible entrances must have signage of the international symbol of accessibility.

b) Under ADA Title II, in case there are deaf individuals, communication systems must be installed to ensure effective communication with all individuals. When choosing auxiliary aids or services, the requests of the individual with disability should be given priority consideration. 

c) Door thresholds height must not be above ½ inch, and if it's ¼ inch higher, it has to be cut at an angle that gives a slope to allow smooth mobility aids transition into the classroom.

Tips to Make a Classroom Wheelchair Accessible 

The ADA Act protects the rights and privileges of students with mobility challenges. Wheelchairs need ample space for maneuverability. Since most wheelchairs used in pre-schools and elementary schools have no adjustable seat heights, installations and movable elements in classrooms should be designed and implemented in a manner that a wheelchair user has equal access to them. 

These tips will help make classrooms wheelchair accessible and compliant with ADA regulations.

i.Desk Height: Ensure desk height with accessible knee space is between 28 and 34 inches, and the knee clearance from the desk is at 24 inches underneath to allow students in wheelchairs to use the desk without struggles. Ensure at least 5% of the classroom tables are wheelchair accessible.

ii. Floor Space Design: classrooms in a manner that there’s a clear floor space, with a 36-inch wide accessible route and 60-inch turning spaces in diameter to allow students in wheelchairs to maneuver easily to every part of the classroom.

iii. Accessible Routes: When designing classrooms, give priority to accessible routes within the classroom row spaces, work surfaces, learning aid instruments, and operable parts. 

iv. Seat Arrangement: When planning seating arrangements, ensure the arrangement allows every wheelchair user in the class to have access to the instructor, assistive technology, and other elements in the classroom. The arrangement should also allow inclusivity within the class groups.

XSTO Wheelchairs for Easy Outdoor and Indoor Use

Whether it’s going to a classroom upstairs, moving in the school park, accessing elements in a classroom, XSTO Mobility has the best wheelchairs. Without assistance, you can access nearly all sections, both outdoors and indoors, provided they're compliant. XSTO wheelchairs are designed with all types of terrains in mind, thus ensuring users have access to everywhere independently.

XSTO’s M4 Self-Balancing Power Wheelchair is manufactured to offer the best college and university experiences. This wheelchair guarantees independence and access to nearly every facility, entrance path, exit route, lecture hall elements, and comfort. It’s designed to match ADA classroom door and fixture dimensions.

The seat inclination feature allows a change in seating position, thus relieving stress on your body. The wheelchairs’ seat height is easily adjustable to suit the desk, tables, working benches, and any other classroom element height. 

To keep pace with fellow students, the M4 wheelchair has normal and sport modes that are quick to select to adjust your speed.

Slopes are common in institutions. XSTO wheelchairs have the power needed to effortlessly traverse sloppy and ragged terrains in the institution's compound. And enable XSTO wheelchair users to navigate obstacles and maneuver to every part of a facility, the wheelchairs can give a 360-degree rotation.

Conclusion

Many factors are considered when implementing classroom installations and refurbishments. Due to wheelchair mobility challenges, due diligence must be exercised to ensure no act or omission would be deemed discriminatory to persons with disabilities. Ensure distances between classroom installations and alterations comply with the ADA Act and other related regulations and laws on classrooms.