ADA Curb Ramps

ADA curb ramps were initially designed for easier travels amongst those in wheelchairs and walkers. The move towards greater mobility began in the United States in 1970, when disability rights leader and quadriplegic Ed Roberts pioneered the installation of curb cuts in Berkeley, California.

The ADA curb ramps gained widespread acceptance even before being mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 (hence the name ADA curb ramps.)

However, the ADA curb ramps posed a problem for blind and visually impaired individuals. Previously, the sharp drop of the curb was an indication they were entering into a potentially dangerous traffic area. However, with the flush curb ramps, this tactile clue was missing.

Thus, when the ADA was passed, regulations were included requiring municipalities to include a tactile warning system at the edge of curbs as a warning for the visually impaired. The tactile warning selected for use on ADA curb ramps was truncated domes, which are easily detected under foot as well as with a cane. The requirement of truncated domes for ADA curb ramps was mandated in 1992, suspended in 1994 for further study, and has been back in effect since 2001.

Since the passing of the ADA, several standards have been adopted by municipalities. An inline pattern for the truncated domes is usually preferred over an alternating design to allow easier access for wheelchairs. The preferred space between the domes has also changed, with a wider pattern of 2.35 inches becoming the most popular choice amongst municipalities.

ADA curb ramps built with tiles made from molded thermoset composite technology have proven to provide the best combination of performance and value. Other options, such as concrete and rubber mats, simply do not last as long as products such as Access Tile.

When you’re building ADA curb ramps, Access Tile is a smart choice for long-lasting tactile warnings.