Vehicular Approaches to the Building locate vehicle drop off points near main student entrance multiple driveways for dropping students off(bus, private car) locate handicapped parking near building's common circulation path covered loading/unloading area pedestrian routes not intersect with vehicular routes Entrances & Exits all entrances wheelchair accessible wide doorways doors that open automatically(push button, sensor card, swipe card (with switch that can be operated by security guard or receptionist stationed inside)) lightweight manually opening doors lever handles on doors doors that swing in same direction locks, lathes, switches consistent and easy to operate low, even door saddles covered (portico) entrances/exits Vertical Circulation ramp any minor changes in level call attention to ramps by changes in flooring/color elevators should be centrally located multiple elevators elevators near stairs stairs should have good (natural, if possible) lighting consistent with hallway lighting railings on stairs at different heights contrasting color for tread and riser non-skid surface on stair visual delineation of edge of tread Resource Rooms resource rooms should blend in with other classrooms resource room interiors should not be visible to passers-by (to avoid both stigma and distractions) resource rooms should be able to be partitioned Bathroom grab bars wheelchair accessible sinks sensors on sinks and toilets multiple height urinals tilted mirrors easy to reach soap and towels/dryers Cafeteria smaller partitioned areas that still permit easy monitoring acoustically designed to dampen noise – acoustic panels, sound absorbing materials more than one cafeteria accessible serving lines good traffic-control systems accessible to wheelchairs wheelchair accessible payment area variety of table sizes with detached seating pedestal-base, adjustable height tables DVD players, projectors – (something to do for students) wide aisles for wheelchair access bathrooms located off of cafeterias Auditoriums Wheelchair seating integrated; choice of seating areas for wheelchairs ramps, not stairs – same routes for all accessible stage good acoustics – permanent PA system headphones for hearing impaired well-placed, well-marked exits Gymnasiums cushioned surfaces on floors and walls to prevent injuries non-slip flooring covered storage for therapeutic as well as traditional recreational equipment control natural light and keep glare to a minimum matte surfaces whenever possible Lobbies large enough for several classes to use simultaneously conducive to monitoring by security guard/receptionist office easily visible from entrance Circulation wide hallways shorter hallways diagonal or rounded corners at turns and intersections no changes in width of corridors (creates bottlenecks) widen hallways when traffic merges indirect lighting non-florescent lighting recessed water fountains, classroom doors, doors in general stagger classroom doors in hallways abut railing ends to walls add hinge covers to doors Wayfinding clear directories and signage simple, consistent plan landmarks (alcoves, showcases, windows, changes in materials, etc.) large, visible room numbers color coded zones redundant cuing (good signage, color-coding, picture cues, etc.) Classrooms spacious to foster an array of teaching methods, to give students room to have own space, to ease monitoring, allow for individual, paired and group work, desks and equipment of two teachers, aides and other paraprofessionals, mobility aids and maneuvering mobility devices, etc. Classroom flooring low-pile carpeting or other easily cleaned surface with some give, and linoleum floor in sink area Classroom plumbing accessible sinks in classroom accessible method of turning on water (side mounted faucets, sensor, etc.) individual bathroom off classroom Classroom furnishing recessed (rather than protruding) toilet paper holders partitions/bookcases to divide space raised monitors non-caster chairs individual, movable desks with detached chairs adjustable height tables Classroom lighting indirect lighting zoned lighting dimmers on lights task lighting non-florescent lighting full-spectrum lighting good natural light with blinds awnings on windows Classroom storage lots of storage shelves, closets, cubbies – low, sturdy, easy to reach more closed shelving, less open shelving extra storage for therapeutic equipment and teaching tools Therapy Rooms provide designated physical, occupational and speech therapy rooms locate therapy rooms in areas without distractions integrate therapy rooms into the layout of the school speech therapy room should have good lighting and good acoustics Fields and Playgrounds provide accessible routes to fields and playgrounds keep diverse activities in close proximity for ease of monitoring locate fields and playgrounds away from parking areas and roadways Inclusive Playgrounds provide playground equipment that helps students develop coordination skills (agility ladders, low balance beams, stepping stones, etc.) provide areas for solitary as well as group play provide shade provide activities for students with mobility impairments provide seating for adults and students who need to rest provide equipment storage area(s) Overview | Excerpts | Download | Checklist | Contact