BUILDING SURVEY: Evaluator(s) name(s): Facility name: Date:
Universal Design Building Survey: Incorporating the ADA and Beyond in Public Facilities © 2004 B. Wayfinding and Orientation
Field Test version: September
30, 2004

14


Yes
In
Part No NA
Notes/Observations
B. Wayfinding and Orientation
1. Inclusiveness
Is the accessible route to the lobby and throughout the
building the same for all users?




Are accessible features integral to the overall circulation
throughout the building?





Other?





2. Choice
Do interior routes provide choice in method of vertical
circulation and use (e.g. ramp, elevator, lift, escalator, or
stairs)?





Is there a network of accessible routes that maximizes
flexibility in travel?





Other?





3. Clarity
Is the location of vertical circulation options obvious from the
entrance (e.g. elevators, escalators, stairs)?





Are routes of travel to public spaces and rooms easily found?





Are key areas visible or the route to them clearly marked?





Universal Design Building Survey: Incorporating the ADA and Beyond in Public Facilities © 2004 B. Wayfinding and Orientation
Field Test version: September
30, 2004

15

Yes
In
Part No NA
Notes/Observations
Are all areas of the building laid out in a consistent and logical
way?





Do all the paths of travel have legible signage that is readable
under both day and night lighting conditions?





Does signage accommodate a wide range of literacy and
language skills?





Does the building information system use symbols, print,
audible, and/or tactile methods for redundant presentation of
essential information?





Does the acoustical environment in hallways, lobbies,
stairwells and elevators permit effective communication
among users?





Other?





4. Safety
* Is the air quality in hallways, lobbies, stairwells, and
elevators healthy for most users (comfortable temperature,
humidity and air circulation, well ventilated, free of chemicals,
allergens, scented products and unpleasant odors)?





Are paths of travel free of tripping hazards (e.g., abrupt level
changes, area rugs)?





Are exit routes visually obvious?





Is sound transmitted information (e.g. loudspeaker,
microphone, fire alarm etc.) static and feedback free, at the
correct volume, and understandable for most users?





Universal Design Building Survey: Incorporating the ADA and Beyond in Public Facilities © 2004 B. Wayfinding and Orientation
Field Test version: September
30, 2004

16

Yes
In
Part No NA
Notes/Observations
Is there sufficient lighting in stairs, corridors, at emergency
exits and along routes of travel?





Are emergency alarms designed for use by people with either
vision or hearing limitations, under varied conditions (in the
dark, or when there is smoke or when audible alarms are
operating
)?





Other?





5. Comfort
Are paths of travel throughout the building efficient, minimizing
wasted effort?





Are places provided to sit and rest in long corridors?





Are there railings in long corridors?





Do paths of travel permit a clear line of sight to signage and
destinations for any seated or standing user?





Is there adequate space for people using equipment (strollers,
luggage carts, walkers, wheelchairs, gurneys, etc.) to move
throughout the building easily?





Other?













Universal Design Building Survey: Incorporating the ADA and Beyond in Public Facilities © 2004 B. Wayfinding and Orientation
Field Test version: September
30, 2004

17

Yes
In
Part No NA
Notes/Observations
6. ADA
Accessibility
Paths
Are paths of travel firm and slip resistant?






Do stair treads have a non-slip surface?





Are all public spaces on an accessible path of travel?





Is the accessible route to all public spaces at least 36 inches
wide?





Is there a 5-foot circle or a T-shaped space for a person using
a wheelchair to reverse direction?





Are hazardous elements in paths of travel eliminated, isolated,
or shielded?

+ Staircases (especially the undersides)?

+ Hanging signs or structural elements?

+ Access to dangerous areas?






Are emergency alarms designed for use by people with vision
and hearing limitations (both flashing lights and audible
signals)?













Universal Design Building Survey: Incorporating the ADA and Beyond in Public Facilities © 2004 B. Wayfinding and Orientation
Field Test version: September
30, 2004

18

Yes
In
Part No NA
Notes/Observations
Vertical Circulation
Are there ramps or elevators to all levels?






Can all controls in elevators and hallways be reached and
used by people of different heights and with varied visual and
hearing abilities?

+ Are the elevator call buttons in the hallway no higher
than 42 inches?

+ Do the elevator controls inside the cab have raised and
braille lettering?

+ Is there a sign on both elevator door jambs at every floor
identifying the floor in raised and braille letters?

+ If an emergency intercom is provided in the elevator, is it
usable without voice communication (e.g. telephone
device for deaf people) and identified by braille and raised
letters?






If there is a lift, is there at least 30 by 48 inches of clear space
for a person in a wheelchair to approach it, and to reach and
use the controls (between 15 and 48 inches high for a forward
approach and up to 54 inches high if a side approach is
possible)?





If there is a lift that cannot be used without assistance, is a call
button provided?





On each level, if there are stairs between the entrance and/or
elevator and essential public areas, is there an accessible
alternate route?





Universal Design Building Survey: Incorporating the ADA and Beyond in Public Facilities © 2004 B. Wayfinding and Orientation
Field Test version: September
30, 2004

19

Yes
In
Part No NA
Notes/Observations
Do stairs have continuous rails on both sides, with 12-inch
extensions beyond the top and bottom stairs?





Signage
Do signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (e.g.
restroom signs, and room numbers) provide raised, brailled,
and high contrast letters, and are they mounted at a height
that can easily be found by standing users (60 inches from the
floor)?






Do directional and informational signs that are mounted above
80 inches have letters at least 3 inches high, with high
contrast, and non-glare finish?





Other?