Placing a ramp leading to the entrance of your building does NOT make your facility disabled accessible. Especially if you still have to step up into the building (whether it's 2" or 6" it is still a step-up).
Because I have little control over privately designed facilities, here are a few pointers to make your building disabled accessible (otherwise, you'll be making small gestures without following through...aaaand if you don't follow through, then it defeats the purpose):
1. Disabled ramps require specified slope gradients as outlined in building standards, codes, and international disabled accessible design manuals. Just making a random slope leading to the entrance of your building does not mean that your ramp is up to code. You can design and construct a very pretty ramp, then find out that it's in breach of the code. Consult a qualified Architect for more information.
2. There should essentially be NO impediments between the entrance, and all areas that a wheelchair user will need to access (in other words, no other step-ups/downs without a reasonable method for the person to gain access to it via alternative means (lifts, elevators, ramps, etc.).
3. Doors for wheelchair access should also have specific widths. Placing a standard sized door at thresholds where wheelchair users will be required to pass through automatically means that your facility is NOT disabled accessible. Consult a qualified Architect for more information.
4. Bathrooms and other smaller accessible spaces require a specific turning radius for wheelchair users (meaning, there's a reason why disabled bathrooms are the size they are). If the bathroom in your facility is the typical size for a non-disabled bathroom, then your facility is NOT disabled accessible. Again, consult a qualified Architect for more information.
5. Disabled showers have specifications for the minimum acceptable dimensions and require no impediments leading to the shower space. Consult a qualified Architect for more information.
6. Grab bars of specific sizes and numbers are required to be placed at specific distances and at specific angles within the shower and at the toilet area. Consult a qualified Architect for more information.
7. Face basins, toilets, toilet roll dispensers, outlets, switches, soap dispensers, hand dryers, clothing hooks, and even door knob positions require specific heights and dimensions for placement. You know the drill: consult a qualified Architect for more information.
8. Specific flooring types are also required for disabled accessible bathrooms.
9. Specific lighting is also required for disabled accessible bathrooms.
10. The direction of the door swing for disabled accessible facilities is also specified.
11. A parking space(s) dedicated for disabled persons (the number should be proportional to the expected occupancy numbers of the facility) should also be included. The size of the space also has specific dimensions, and the location should be close to the building. It should also be appropriately labelled.
These are just some elements to be aware of when you're attempting to make your facility disabled accessible. Basically, just consult a qualified Architect. If your designer doesn't account for these specific requirements then kindly alert them of these points to consider.
Many structures have slight gestures being made towards disabled accessibility, but many are very far from being completely called a disabled accessible facility.
It is also useful to note that international human rights standards and international building codes now require private facilities that are accessible to the public, be disabled accessible (translation: if a tourist who's physically disabled comes down and finds that they can't access your facility, it is not improbably that a lawsuit may be on the horizon).
Just a few points to note for any new private buildings being designed in the future.
Image taken from:
https://www.twincitiesradio.net/ada-bathroom-dimensions-for-handicap/ada-bathroom-requirements/
