Complying with ADA

What is ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.

Where can I learn more about automatic doors?

The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) is a trade association of power-operated automatic door manufacturers established in 1994 to raise public awareness about automatic doors and administer a program to certify automatic door inspectors. There is a section on aaadm.com for door owners like you so you can learn more about how your doors are designed to not only offer security and convivence but how they also help your building operate efficiently.

Why does this matter to you?

The ADA has required that most businesses, institutions, and government buildings to become ADA compliant and a requirement of that is to install automatic doors. This allows people with disabilities, regardless of their physical limitations, to access or exit a building with little effort. The elderly also benefit from automatic openings because many find it difficult to open a manual door.

According to AAADM, 98.9% of consumers prefer automatic doors over manual doors

What are my options?

There are different types of automatic doors, but ADA compliant openings must meet specific criteria.

"Knowing Act" activation
Slow opening and closing speeds
Low operating force
Floor space requirements (for wheelchair accessibility)
Clear opening width

What is the best solution for me?

The 8300 Series ADA Compliant Low Energy Operator from Hager Companies is a cost-effective solution that will keep you ADA compliant. With different finish options and quiet and easy operation, it will do what you need it to – blend in and provide automatic door openings for the disabled and elderly while still allowing able bodied pedestrians to easily open the door manually. Let us help you provide convenience, security and dependability with minimal investment.

What else will the project require?

In addition to the Low Energy Operator, you will most likely need ADA actuators, potentially bollards to mount actuators away from the opening and possibly even relays or sensors. Hager Companies also has a full line of Operator accessories that can assist in any type of installation.