Are there any standards for lab accessibility for students with mobility impairments?
A. There are no overall standards for setting up science labs as needs vary considerably depending on the subject, the physical facility, and the physical abilities of each student. Specifications for wheelchair accessibility to the facility, however, do exist. For example, doors need to be 32 inches wide and thresholds should be no higher than 1/2 inch. Ramps and/or elevators need to be provided as an alternative to stairs, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom needs to be close by. There are also general guidelines that can enhance access to the physical space and equipment in the laboratory. The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) or your state access requirements provide specific details about knee space, table top height, horizontal and vertical reach parameter, wheelchair maneuvering space, and related dimensions to help in design of accessible lab stations. Consult with your state architect’s office about specific design requirements in wet or dry labs, super clean labs, etc. Fo
