Shelves and Maneuvering Space

After ensuring that its entrance is accessible, a business must consider how people with disabilities will get to the items that are sold or provided. When sales items are displayed or stored on shelves for selection by customers, the store must provide an accessible route to fixed shelves and displays, if doing so is readily achievable.

If the maneuvering space adjacent to shelves and displays is too narrow, the space should be widened. In general, a 36 inch wide accessible route is needed with a slightly larger space provided at corners. If a 180 degree turn is needed to exit an area, then a 60 inch diameter turning space or a 36 inch wide "T" is needed. The space for a "T" turn requires at least 36 inches of width for each segment of the T and it must fit within a 60 inch by 60 inch area.

Some businesses will have difficulty providing enough maneuvering space between all displays and shelving without a significant reduction in selling space that may substantially affect the profitability of the business. This fact can be considered in determining if it is readily achievable to provide access to all sales areas. If access is not provided to all sales areas, then alternative services such as having staff available to retrieve items, must be provided, if doing so is readily achievable. This also applies when merchandise is located in areas served only by stairs.

It is not necessary to locate all merchandise within reach of people who use wheelchairs. Items can be placed at any height but staff should be available to assist customers who may have difficulty reaching or viewing items.

Provide a 36" minimum width route between displays and shelves if readily achievable

Notes on photo:

• Sales items may be located at any height but sales staff should be available, on request, to reach items for customers
• Provide at least a 3' by 3' turning space at a corner for a 90 degree turn.
• Sales merchandise, displays and other items can block access and should not be placed in narrow aisles. These books block the 3'-0" accessible route.
• 3'-0" minimum width to move between shelves, displays and merchandise

Sales staff retrieving items for customer

Notes on photo:

• Staff assist customers by retrieving merchandise from shelves and displays.
• Staff should provide information about an item by reading labels for people with a vision impairment.