The AODA standard for the design of public’s main focus is to ensure that people with disabilities are able to use and enjoy the common areas that we all use. Now as with all things there are exceptions. The most common exception to this standard is that it only applies to new development or during a significant retrofit of an existing space. Spaces whose construction contracts were finalized prior to this standard are not legally required to follow this standard though it is highly encouraged.
This standard is broken up into several sections:
- Beach routes
- External Pathways
- Recreational Trails
- Outdoor Eating Areas
- Outdoor Play Areas
- Obtaining Services
- Parking
Beach access routes/External Pathways/ Recreational Trails:
I am lumping these 3 sections together since there is a lot of overlap between them. These pertain to the paths that are used by the public. They apply to permanent and temporary travel paths. This section does not apply to pathway in the wilderness such as wilderness trails, back country trails and portage routes or routes specifically for cross-country skiing, mountain biking or the use of motorized snow vehicles or off-road vehicles.
Trail that are included in these sections are sidewalks, boardwalks, intercity park trails and other similar pathways. Not to get too into the weeds here put a majority of the rules revolve around creating large stable pathways that allow people with mobility impairments to use easily. They also include requirements for dealing with steep inclines (such as hills, stairs and obstacles), providing rest stop for longer trails and access points to enter and exit the trail.
Outdoor Eating Area:
This is any area that has seating for the use of the public to consume food. Examples are outdoor food courts at amusement parks, campus grounds, picnic tables in parks. The main stipulation around this section is around accessible tables. At least 20% of all tables are to be accessible. This means that the table are designed in a way that allows people with wheelchairs and other mobility aids devices to use the table and that there is enough clearance around the tables to allow people to reach them.
Outdoor Play Areas:
This is any area containing play equipment such as swings or play features like water, rocks or logs that is intended for play opportunities. Prior to construction of the play area two key steps need to be addressed. The first key step is to get input from the public and people with disabilities. If an advisory committee for persons with disabilities has been established within the local area then organization seeking to build the play area must obtain their input.
The second is the design of the play area. The design must include features that provide play opportunities for individuals with disabilities such as sensory and active play components. Another aspect of design is the ensure that individuals with different disabilities are able to move throughout the play area. See link below for more in-depth explanation of accessible play areas.
Parking Access:
This section is broken two into 2 parts, Off Street Parking and On Street Parking. Off street is basically parking lots. There are exceptions such as parking for buses, emergency vehicles (police, ambulance, etc) and loading vehicle parking. On street parking is just what you expect, parking spaces adjacent to streets and roads. Both theses sections focus on the requirements regarding number of parking spots, signage and size & spacing of parking spaces.
Obtaining Services:
This final section revolves around service counters, waiting areas and fixed queuing areas. Organizations must have a certain number of service counters designed for people with disabilities. Waiting area with fixed seating need to have accessible seating. These are areas that allow people with mobility aid devices such as wheelchairs to wait without blocking foot traffic. Fixed queuing areas are places like line ups at the airports. The organization needs to setup the waiting lines to ensure that people with mobility devices are able to comfortably move within the queue.