Swapping out apartment knobs for levers to meet ADA requirements

Why it is necessary to swap out your knobs for levers when you renovate your hallways

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, and it is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all areas of public life, including employment, transportation, and access to public buildings. The law requires that all public buildings, including commercial and government buildings, be designed and constructed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

One of the key requirements of the ADA is that all doors in public buildings must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This means that doors must be easy to open and close, and the hardware must be operable with a minimum amount of force. In many cases, this means that traditional doorknobs must be replaced with lever handles to meet ADA requirements.

Swapping out traditional knobs for levers during a hallway renovation can make a big difference in accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Doorknobs require a twisting motion that can be difficult or impossible for people with certain disabilities to use, such as those with arthritis or limited hand strength. In contrast, lever handles require only a pushing or pulling motion, which is much easier for people with limited hand strength or mobility to use.

Moreover, levers are also easier to operate for people who may have limited reach or require the use of mobility aids such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Levers require less force and can be operated with just a flick of a wrist or a gentle push with an elbow. This makes it easier for individuals with disabilities to navigate public buildings and access important services, such as government offices or medical clinics.

In addition to meeting ADA requirements, swapping out doorknobs for lever handles is also a cost-effective way to improve accessibility in public buildings. It is a relatively simple modification that can be made quickly and easily, and it can make a big difference in the accessibility of a building. In fact, many building codes have now been updated to require levers instead of knobs in all new construction.

Overall, swapping out knobs for levers to meet ADA requirements is an important step towards creating more accessible public spaces for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. It is a simple modification that can make a big difference in the lives of people with disabilities, and it is an important part of creating a more inclusive society.