ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters

G. Sleeping Areas

Each accessible sleeping area needs to be on an accessible route connecting it to other activity areas in the shelter, including toilet rooms and bathing areas. An accessible route with adequate circulation and maneuvering space provides access in the sleeping areas for people who use wheelchairs or scooters and this route serves each accessible bed or cot.

Accessible cots have a sleeping surface at approximately the same height above the floor as the seat of a wheelchair (17 to 19 inches above the floor). When placed in several sections of the sleeping area, individuals who use a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility device will be able to sleep near their family or other companions. An accessible route is needed to provide access to each accessible cot and a clear space at least 36 inches wide is needed along the side of the cot to make it possible to transfer between the mobility device and the cot. A preferred location for accessible cots is to have one side against a wall. This helps to stabilize the cot and the wall can act as a backrest when the person sits up on the cot.

G1. Is there an accessible route, at least 36 inches wide, that connects each sleeping area with other shelter activity areas?

   Yes

    No

Note: it may narrow to 32 inches wide for up to 2 feet in length. [ADA Standards § 4.3.2(3)]

G2. Is the accessible route free of steps and abrupt level changes over 1/2 inch?

   Yes

    No

Note: level changes between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch should be beveled). [ADA Standards §§ 4.1.3(1), 4.3.8]

Note: Although the facility survey cannot check the accessibility of the cots because they will not be installed until the shelter is in use, planning for setting up the sleeping area and for arranging the cots and mats should include providing space for an accessible route and clear floor space at each accessible cot. Cots used by people who are blind or who have low vision should be in an easily locatable area.