Carl Brahe
There are several kinds of elevators that a disabled individual may encounter. Full size elevators are the most common. These elevators must be usable by those with physical limitation as well as individuals with hearing and vision limitations. Buttons need to be withing reach of individuals in wheelchairs. Tactile and audible guides are necessary for those with vision limitations and visual cues for those who are hearing impaired.
Call buttons are required to be no higher than 54 inches above the floor.
These must be designated with labels that contrast the background, usually white letters on black backgrounds. The lettering should be raised so that they can be read with a touch. Braille symbols are also required.
The operation buttons inside the elevator can be no less than 15 inches and no more than 48 inches above the floor.
The buttons must be marked with contrasting lettering that is raised and has Braille present.
Each floor must have signs on both sides of the jamb designating the floor with contrasting, raised lettering and Braille to indicate the floor number. Audible signals are required to alert passengers when the car approaches a floor. Doors detect obstructions, like passengers entering or exiting and must automatically open when obstructions are detected.
LULA, limited use lifts and platform lifts are less common and have specific requirements for size, access and use by individuals with disabilities. LULA elevators commonly have room for only one person in a wheelchair. Platform lifts are basically a flat surface that raises to a higher area carrying one or more individuals. These elevators must allow independent use by physical, visual, and hearing limited individuals. All elevators must be on accessible paths.