ADA Strip – What the heck?

ADA strip . . . Ah, yes . . . reminds me of Ada Thompson; back in high school . . . but then again I digress.  The subject at hand has much more to do with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), than it does with strips.  ADA strip is a slang term, sometimes used to describe Detectable Warnings, which are a form of tactile warning device, required under the ADA.  When curb ramps (or curb cuts, or handicap ramps) became a part of the building code, it was a wonderful thing for people in wheelchairs, cane and crutch users, and citizens with gait issues.  Suddenly, they were able to easily traverse roadway intersections, where previously, they had encountered obstacles.  Certainly a huge improvement in the quality of life for many people with mobility issues; but now suddenly, the elimination of the curb drop-off meant the loss of a necessary tactile warning for people with visual impairments.  Recognizing the imminent danger to those pedestrians, legislators put in place the requirement for Detectable Warnings, and thus was born the ADA strip.  They are required on curb ramps, at blended transitions, and at transit boarding platforms. 

For more information on detectable warning tiles, ADA legislation, and much, much more, visit www.armor-tile.com.  Information can also be obtained by telephone at (800) 682-2525.

By Mark Heimlich

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