By Dan Hounsell, Senior Editor

The U.S. Access Board recently released technical bulletins on accessibility to lavatories and sinks, washing machines and clothes dryers, and saunas and steam rooms. The material addresses specifications for clear floor space, knee and toe space, forward and side reach, operable parts, height, turning space, benches, and doors in the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards.

Each bulletin clarifies common sources of confusion, answers frequently asked questions, and offers recommendations for best practice. Examples of compliant lavatories, sinks, washing machines, clothes dryers, saunas, and steam rooms are included to illustrate how various requirements can be met.

• lavatories and sinks (ADA; ABA)
• washing machines and clothes dryers (ADA; ABA)
• saunas and steam rooms (ADA; ABA)

The Guide to the ADA Standards addresses design requirements for places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities subject to the ADA. The Guide to the ABA Standards covers standards that apply to facilities that are designed, constructed, altered, or leased with federal funds. The board’s online guide also features a series of animations on different topics.