CAPS Universal Design Principles & Accessibility Standards 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many core principles does the concept of Universal Design include?
- 5
- 7 (Correct answer)
- 9
- 12
Correct answer: 7
Universal Design is built on 7 principles developed at North Carolina State University in 1997, covering equitable use through size and space for approach.
Question 2: According to ADA guidelines, what is the minimum clear width a doorway must provide (with the door open 90 degrees) to be considered accessible?
- 28 inches
- 32 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
- 42 inches
Correct answer: 32 inches
The ADA Standards require a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches when a door is open 90 degrees, though 36 inches is recommended for aging-in-place applications.
Question 3: What is the maximum slope ratio permitted for an accessible wheelchair ramp per ADA guidelines?
- 1:8
- 1:10
- 1:12 (Correct answer)
- 1:16
Correct answer: 1:12
The ADA requires ramps to have a maximum slope of 1:12 (one inch of rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run), making the gradient manageable for wheelchair users.
Question 4: The Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines (FHAG) require that covered multifamily dwellings provide doorways with a minimum nominal clear width of:
- 28 inches
- 32 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
- 40 inches
Correct answer: 32 inches
The Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines require a minimum nominal clear opening of 32 inches for primary entrance doors and all interior doors in covered units.
Question 5: According to ANSI A117.1, grab bars in accessible bathrooms should be mounted at what height range above the finished floor?
- 24–30 inches
- 33–36 inches (Correct answer)
- 38–42 inches
- 42–48 inches
Correct answer: 33–36 inches
ANSI A117.1 specifies that grab bars should be installed between 33 and 36 inches above the finished floor to be within comfortable reach for seated or standing users.
Question 6: What is the minimum diameter of clear floor space required for a wheelchair to complete a full 180-degree turn?
- 48 inches
- 60 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
- 72 inches
Correct answer: 60 inches
A 60-inch (5-foot) diameter clear floor space is required per ADA and ANSI A117.1 to allow a wheelchair user to complete a 180-degree turning movement.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT one of the seven principles of Universal Design?
- Equitable Use
- Flexibility in Use
- Low Physical Effort
- Minimal Aesthetic Design (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Minimal Aesthetic Design
The seven principles are: Equitable Use, Flexibility in Use, Simple and Intuitive Use, Perceptible Information, Tolerance for Error, Low Physical Effort, and Size and Space for Approach and Use — 'Minimal Aesthetic Design' is not among them.
CAPS Universal Design Principles & Accessibility Standards 1
How many core principles does the concept of Universal Design include?