Hi, I’m Paola with how-accessible.com. The blog with tons of resources and guides to make your life more accessible.

 

For this series on home accessibility, we are going to show you different ways to make your entrance safer and easier to navigate. The second thing we will tackle in the Accessible Entrance Series is adding door pulls to both sides of the front door. The plan is to put handles vertically in the center so I can open and shut the door while on the ramp.

ADA Doors

 

The guidelines for accessible doors are as follows:

 

Closing Speed

 Closes 5 second minimum from 90 degrees to 12 degrees. If the door has spring hinges closes 1.5 seconds minimum from 70 degrees to 0 degrees

 

Opening Force

 The 5 lbf maximum applies to the continuous application of force necessary to fully open a door, not the initial force needed to overcome the door’s seal resulting from unequal pressure or to operate latches or other hardware. (that is measured separately) The lbf for exterior doors is not specified in the ADA Guidelines

 

Vision and Sidelights

 Accessible view height 43” max unless not intended for viewing

 

Smooth Surface

 Required at the bottom of the push side.

 

Threshold

 ½” max high (beveled if above ¼”)

 

Maneuvering Clearance

 The clear width is measured from the stop to the face of doors or gates open 90⁰ (or to the leading edge of sliding or folding doors. No projection into the clear width is permitted below 34.”

 

ADA Door Handle Recommendations

 

Door and gate hardware must:

 

• Allow one-hand operation
• Not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist
• Operate with 5 lbf maximum
• Be located 34” to 48” above the floor or ground.
• Bars, pulls, and similar hardware should provide sufficient knuckle clearance (1½” minimum) to facilitate gripping
  Avoid hardware that requires hand or finger dexterity, fine motor movement, or simultaneous actions.

 

Handle Examples

 

Schlage F10CS V ELA 626 Elan Light Commercial Passage Lever, Satin Chrome

 

 

 

Legend 809070 Grade 2 Commercial Duty Front Door Entry Leverset Lockset, ADA, US26D Satin Chrome Finish

 

 

 

 

SUMBIN Modern Square Passage Door Lever/Door Handle 

 

 

 

 

 

Handle Hacks

 

Door Knob Extender

 https://www.4mdmedical.com/rubber-doorknob-extension.html

 

Great Grips with Glow Inserts

 https://www.accessibleconstruction.com/services/beds/Great-Grips-with-Glow-Inserts-for-Door-Handles

 

E-Z Pull Door Closer

 https://www.sportaid.com/e-z-pull-door.html

 

 

Adding a Smart Lock for Accessibility

 

For our accessible entrance, we also choose to install a Bluetooth smart home lock called the August Smart Lock 3rd Gen. This will help to eliminate problems associated with griping, inserting and turning keys. You won’t have to worry about dropping keys  and you’ll get the added functionality to auto lock and check on the doors state remotely. It’s installed on the interior of the door and you can still use traditional keys if you want to.

 

 

August Smart Lock, 3rd Gen technology – Dark Gray, Works with Alexa

 

Pull Handles

In my case I chose to use a grab bar to create an additional handle for when I want to pull the door open and closed.

 

How To Video

If you enjoyed Part Two of the Accessible Entrance Series make sure you allow notifications and check back often for the next step – Accessible Entrance Series Pt 3: Create a Drop Zone

 

ADA Links

https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/guide-to-the-ada-standards/chapter-4-entrances,-doors,-and-gates

FTC Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video. All opinions are genuinely my own. This post also contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. It doesn’t cost you any extra.