Truncated Domes and Curb Ramps

One of the hottest topics around when it comes to ADA compliance is truncated domes and curb ramps. You’ll see truncated dome tactile detectable warning surfaces going down faster than most manufacturers in the industry can manufacture them. People are under the impression that detectable warnings are only supposed to go down on City property or when federal funds are involved in a project, however, the reality is truncated domes and curb ramps are also required in private and commercial facilities as well.

The ADA is broken down into multiple Titles. The only titles addressing truncated doems and curb ramps are the Title II and Title III entities. Title II entities deal directly with City properties and any road, construction, or maintenance projects that are Federally funded. Title III entities describe public accommodation, private and commercial facilities such as; zoos, museums, galleries, big box retail outfits, restaurants, doctor’s offices, and so on.

So why aren’t they everywhere?

Actually, if you take a good look you will find most of our big outfits are laying them down at all there outlets; Best Buy, Wal*Mart, Home Depot, etc. Most of these stores have an elite team of attorneys, architects and engineers who cover all angles when it comes to compliance and safety. The reason most other places don’t have them down is because the legislation, “The Americans with Disabilities Act” is still a fairly young legislation, having to require full compliance as of 2001 there for making the entity only 5 years old.

In a call with the US Access Board I was once told that more than 80% of their calls come from architects inquiring if these truncated domes and curb ramps need to go down; the answer is yes!

As you can see, once the word and education of this legislation spreads throughout, you will begin to see them almost everywhere. In the mean time those who choose not to put them down are running a serious risk with the Department of Justice. For peace and mind, the solution is simple; Armor-Tile.

Jeffrey Mendez

 

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