CPACC Built Environment Accessibility 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under ADA Standards, what is the maximum slope allowed for an accessible route in an exterior setting?
- 1:10 (10%)
- 1:20 (5%) (Correct answer)
- 1:12 (8.33%)
- 1:16 (6.25%)
Correct answer: 1:20 (5%)
Accessible routes must have a maximum slope of 1:20 (5%) unless they are ramps, which may be steeper but require handrails and landings.
Question 2: Which surface texture is MOST problematic for wheelchair users and people using mobility aids?
- Smooth concrete
- Brick pavers with wide joints (Correct answer)
- Asphalt
- Polished terrazzo
Correct answer: Brick pavers with wide joints
Brick pavers with wide joints create an uneven, unstable surface that makes wheelchair propulsion difficult and can trap cane tips.
Question 3: A hotel is installing a new pool. Under ADA, what is the MINIMUM lift requirement for a pool that has only one access point?
- A pool lift with a 300 lb weight capacity
- A sloped entry
- Either a pool lift or a sloped entry (Correct answer)
- Two separate means of pool entry
Correct answer: Either a pool lift or a sloped entry
ADA requires at least one accessible means of pool entry, which can be either a pool lift or a sloped entry when a pool has a single access point.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'turning radius' specification in accessible design?
- To define the speed limit for vehicles in parking lots
- To ensure wheelchair users can complete a 180° or 360° turn without obstruction (Correct answer)
- To set the curve radius for ramp handrails
- To specify the turning arc for automatic door openers
Correct answer: To ensure wheelchair users can complete a 180° or 360° turn without obstruction
A turning radius ensures enough clear floor space for a wheelchair user to maneuver, with a T-turn requiring 60″×60″ and a 360° turn requiring a 60″ diameter circle.
Question 5: According to WCAG principles adapted to the built environment, which concept is represented by ensuring that signage can be perceived by people with visual impairments?
- Operable
- Robust
- Perceivable (Correct answer)
- Understandable
Correct answer: Perceivable
Perceivable means information must be available to the senses; tactile and high-contrast signage makes environmental information perceivable for people with visual impairments.
Question 6: Under ADA Title III, what obligation do places of public accommodation have regarding existing barriers in facilities built before 1993?
- No obligation unless they undergo renovation
- They must remove barriers where readily achievable (Correct answer)
- They are permanently exempt from removal
- They must comply only if a complaint is filed
Correct answer: They must remove barriers where readily achievable
Title III requires places of public accommodation to remove architectural barriers in existing facilities when doing so is 'readily achievable' — easily accomplished without much difficulty or expense.
Question 7: A tactile paving strip (detectable warning surface) placed at a curb cut must meet which color requirement under ADA guidelines?
- Always yellow
- High contrast with the surrounding surface (Correct answer)
- Red or orange only
- Matching the sidewalk color
Correct answer: High contrast with the surrounding surface
ADA requires detectable warning surfaces to provide visual contrast with adjacent surfaces; while yellow is common, the standard specifies high visual contrast rather than a mandatory color.
CPACC Built Environment Accessibility 4
Under ADA Standards, what is the maximum slope allowed for an accessible route in an exterior setting?