CARMEL, Indiana – In recognition of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Allegion US recently launched the Accessible & Inclusive Design: Elevating Compliance e-book to help security pros, architects, facility professionals and building owners create spaces that support greater accessibility, independence and belonging.

The e-book examines inclusive opening design from multiple perspectives, including design, code compliance and product solutions. It explores:

• How automatic operators support more inclusive doorway design
• Why ergonomic door hardware matters when designing for everyone
• How low-force door operation supports accessibility and more seamless access
• How tactile and auditory cues improve accessibility in door hardware
• How visual communication can make door hardware more inclusive and intuitive
• Why reducing physical barriers is essential to inclusive opening design

ADA History

“The ADA established essential requirements that have transformed the accessibility of the built environment, but code compliance should be viewed as the foundation rather than the finish line,” shared Lori Greene, DAHC/CDC, FDAI, FDHI, founder of the iDigHardware blog and Allegion codes and resources manager. “Thoughtfully considering inclusivity in totality can help building professionals move beyond checking boxes and make more informed decisions about how openings function for people with a wide range of abilities. We created this guide to clarify key considerations and help project teams design spaces that are not only compliant, but more inclusive and intuitive.”

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA has protected millions of people with disabilities from discrimination and advanced greater access to public spaces. For door and hardware professionals, its impact can be seen in the openings and environments designed to support safer, more seamless movement through a building.

“Inclusive design requires us to consider the full range of people who may interact with a product or space and recognize that each person may experience it differently,” said Ana Sofia Esquivel, Industrial Designer and Usability Specialist at Allegion. “Details such as the shape and placement of hardware, the amount of force required to operate a door, and the visual, tactile or auditory information available can have a meaningful impact on the user experience. By incorporating accessibility into the design process from the beginning, we can create products and openings that work better for everyone.” 

Learn more and download the free e-book here.