Abstract:

This research was initiated for the development of the proposed revisions to a voluntary building standard, ANSI A117.1, making buildings and facilities accessible to and usable by the physically handicapped. Major focus of the study is the use of technical criteria generated from reliable, empirical research. The objectives of the research were to clear up confusion caused by differences in existing information, fill gaps where little and no research has been done, and determine the differences in optimal conditions for people with different disabilities and degrees of disability. Consumer preference is not a major consideration in this work. It is limited for the most part to outwardly observable behaviour. Environments for young children has been excluded. includes diagrams and floor plans.