Accessibility standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities in new construction, alterations, and additions. The ADA Standards are based on minimum guidelines set by the Access Board. Too often, they are looked at as utilitarian functions that provide accessibility, but frequently do not consider the aesthetics of ADA facilities and how they intergrade with architecture and the building site. This session looks the requirements of ADA and how to design and implement solutions that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically desirable. 

• Identify the basic components for ADA Accessibility and how they address health and well-being challenges.
• Research different ADA approaches and techniques that meet accessibility standards creating safe access.
• Review sustainable solutions and case studies that show the ecological, social, and economic benefits of ADA features.
• Identify design and planning similarities and differences that enhance the aesthetics and safety of ADA features.
• Identify the health and welfare benefits of ADA features by documenting measurable results from implemented projects and developments, and illustrated how aesthetics are integrated into these solutions.
• Develop a framework for identifying opportunities and standard characteristics that enhance the aesthetics of ADA features.