3/27/2023 0 Comments Window shade control![]() The best way to provide accessible window treatment controls is to install motorized shades. Unobstructed Reach: Controls must be fully mounted 15 inches to 48 inches AFF. If controls are within an alcove or maneuvering is necessary between the bed and the window shade controls, a 36×48 inch or 30×60 inch space is required, depending on how the space is configured. ![]() Accessible RouteĪccessible Route: A 36 inch minimum wide route must be provided to the clear floor space adjacent to the window shade controls.Ĭlear Floor Space: A 30×48 inch space must be provided adjacent to the window shade control. The size and layout of the room, planned furnishings, and PTAC or baseboard configurations can impact which hardware design solution is implemented. ![]() To ensure that access is provided to operable window shade controls, considerations must be made early in the design process. What is altered must be brought up to compliance. It is also important to note that as shades and blinds are replaced over time as part of alterations to existing healthcare facilities, the new operable hardware must be accessible. For example, in waiting rooms or exam rooms where only staff are permitted to operate the roller shades, the controls are exempt from compliance with operable part criteria under the 2010 ADA Standards.Ĭontrols in staff lounges or break areas, which are considered common use areas and do not fall under the employee work area exemption, are also required to be accessible. The ADA does not require controls within employee work areas or portions of areas used only by employees and only for work to be accessible (2010 ADA Standards Section 203.9). Compliant controls must be provided in patient lounges and sleeping rooms as they are intended for patients and family members to operate. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, shade and blind controls intended to be operated by patients or visitors must be accessible in common use areas and rooms. Which shades or blinds need to be accessible? ![]() Below, we expand on each of these aspects. Whether installing blind and shade controls as part of a new construction project or alteration, or looking to increase accessibility in an existing facility, it is important to consider the products being selected, the installation method, and the design of the space as a whole. Providing accessible window treatment controls gives patients and family members an active role in recovery. Shades and blinds are provided for several reasons-to allow daylight in to help set circadian rhythm, to reduce sun glare, to darken rooms to improve rest or sleep, and to provide comfort for patients who cannot tolerate light following optical surgeries or procedures that leave eyes sensitive to light. The most common window treatments used in hospitals are roller shades, blackout shades, and horizontal and vertical blinds. Access to natural light through windows in hospital lounges and sleeping rooms has also been linked to improved patient outcomes, including reduced anxiety, shorter length of stay, improved sleep, and lessened pain. Therefore, it is vital that window treatments available for use by patients and visitors are easily operable and accessible to people with disabilities.Īs discussed in our last Trends in Healthcare post, visual access to nature is known to promote healing and improve mental and physical wellbeing. We build on the wealth of knowledge we gain from working with healthcare design teams, construction crews, and practitioners to provide practical solutions for achieving accessible healthcare environments.Īccess to exterior views and natural light can influence outcomes in healthcare settings. ![]() “ Trends in Healthcare” is a recurring series that focuses on exciting new designs and technologies we’re seeing in healthcare projects and provides best practices on how to ensure that these latest trends are accessible to persons with disabilities. ![]()
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