Access for Everyone

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ADAAG and ADASAD?

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 ADASAD) include the same requirements that were approved by the Access Board in 2004. Between 2004 and 2010 the standards were known as the 2004 ADAAG. The 2004 standards were finally adopted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2010 when they were expanded with additional requirements (including those for playgrounds, recreational facilities and swimming pool access) and renamed as the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 ADASAD). Therefore all references to 2010 ADAAG in Access for Everyone have been changed to 2010 ADASAD.

Is the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) still a viable document?

The adoption of the 2010 ADASAD by the DOJ coincides with the elimination of UFAS as an alternative to ADAAG for buildings and sites covered under ADA Title II. However, UFAS may still apply to buildings that are owned or leased by the federal government where the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) applies. The few references to the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) that were in previous printings of Access for Everyone have been eliminated.

How can Access for Everyone be useful to me?

You can use Access for Everyone in a number of ways. First, it makes a handy reference during the planning and design process. Get your design right from the start by looking up accessibility requirements and dimensions. It can also be used to evaluate building and site plans and drawings. Finally, it can be used as a guide for field inspections of existing buildings and new construction.

How is Access for Everyone different from ADASAD?

ADASAD is the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, which contains federal regulations for accessibility. Access for Everyone contains information about ADASAD, as well as incorporating recommendations based on Universal Design principles. Access for Everyone puts the ADASAD requirements into easy-to-understand language, differentiates between the requirements of the 1998 ADAAG and the 2010 ADASAD, and adds suggestions about preferred design practices that go above and beyond ADASAD.

I have the 2005 Revised Edition of Access for Everyone; do I need to purchase the Third Edition?

If you have the 2005 Revised Edition of Access for Everyone (with the blue and white cover), the 2010 ADASAD requirements are listed as ADAAG:2004 requirements (because they were approved by the Access Board in 2004). Therefore you may decide to keep the 2005 Edition and use it as a reference document with this in mind.

However, the new, expanded Third Edition of Access for Everyone lists all of the new requirements as ADASAD:2010 requirements. It also includes additional text, new and revised recommendations, and new and revised illustrations. So even if you choose to keep the 2005 Revised Edition of Access for Everyone as a reference, you will find the new expanded Third Edition to be complete, accurate, and easy to follow.

Designing with the latest standards is not only a good idea, but it may also help avoid costly fines, lawsuits, and renovations later.

What are the differences between the 1994 ADAAG, the 1998 ADAAG, and the 2010 ADASAD?

The 1998 ADAAG is almost identical to the 1994 ADAAG (which was the only ADAAG officially adopted by the Department of Justice [DOJ] until the 2010 ADASAD was adopted by DOJ on September 15, 2010). The only difference between the 1994 ADAAG and the 1998 ADAAG is that the 1998 ADAAG added section 11 (Judicial, Legislative, and Regulatory Facilities), section 12 (Detention and Correctional Facilities), and Building Elements Designed for Children’s Use. In the Third Edition of Access for Everyone, we reference the 1998 ADAAG and the 2010 ADASAD.

The 2004 ADAAG (approved by the Access Board in 2004) is identical to the 2010 ADASAD that has now been officially adopted by the DOJ.

When in doubt about a particular requirement, check with your local building official or call the Access Board at 1-800-872-2253 (TTY 1-800-993-2822). In general, it is advisable to follow anything that increases the level of accessibility, including the new ADASAD. You'll save yourself and/or your client from costly renovations later on, and possibly avoid lawsuits due to inaccessibility. To design above and beyond minimum requirements is always preferred, and referring to Access for Everyone will help you do just that.

What is Universal Design?

The idea behind Universal Design is to serve as much of the population as possible, no matter their age, height, mobility range, sensory perception range, or learning ability. It goes beyond just designing for wheelchair users. Universal Design can also accommodate a person of short stature, a person who is temporarily on crutches due to an injury, or someone who has limited reach or grasp due to advanced age. By accommodating the needs of a diverse population, better design for all is achieved.

How do I order my own copy and what is the cost?

Order your own copy by clicking on "How to Order" in the menu at the left-hand side of your screen. The cost is $50.00 for each book, plus shipping and handling. We now offer the ability to order online, where you can purchase a hard copy, or download a PDF version for only $35.00. If you are in Ames, IA, you may also purchase the book in person at Copyworks.

I own a bookstore, and I would like to carry Access for Everyone. Is there a wholesale rate?

Bulk rates can be arranged. Please call 515-294-1722 for more information.