NEWS

Detectable warnings have been required for the edge of rail platforms in the United States since 1991. Detectable warnings for pedestrian curb cuts were suspended for study in 1994, and became officially required in 2001.

Truncated domes are a unique design and have proven to be the most detectable surface.

Tactile Warning: Americans with Disability Act Harmonizes with Codes

Since the enactment of the regulations imposed on tactile warnings by the Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility requirements have been increasingly incorporated in the model codes. 

Harmonizing the accessibility guidelines for the Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act with the International Building Code and the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard promotes increased compliance, efficiency, and economic growth.  It is difficult and time consuming for business owners, builders, developers, and architects to deal with different accessibility requirements at the Federal, State, and local government levels.  Differing requirements for the placing, size and pattern of tactile tile warning systems by the Americans with Disabilities Act and various codes can contribute to mistakes resulting in litigation and costly retrofitting of facilities after they are constructed. 

Guidelines for tactile warning in the Americans with Disabilities Act authorizes the Department of Justice to certify State or local codes that meet or exceed Federal accessibility requirements.  This is quite important, because in jurisdictions where codes have been certified, business owners, builders, developers, and architects can rely on their local government for construction plan approval.  Inspections can become “check-points” for ensuring that their curb ramps, railway paths and roadways comply with requirements for tactile warning in the Americans with Disability Act, along with Federal accessibility requirements. 

Potential mistakes can be corrected early in the construction process when adjustments can be made easily and inexpensively compared to costly retrofitting after a pathway is constructed.   Society and government has recognized the importance of tactile warning, and the Americans with Disability Act being taken seriously within Federal building codes is a large step in ensuring the equality of life for everyone in the country.

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