702 E. Thunderbird Road
Phoenix, AZ 85033
Purpose of Facility: To serve as a financial institution for the surrounding neighborhood.
Why I Choose the Facility: I choose this particular facility because it is where I currently work and I have seen the transformation of the existing building take place. The building use to be a bank years ago; however it was then turned into a radio station. After it was a radio station the current owners transformed the building, yet again, to become accessible as another financial institution and offers services to a variety of clientele. Another main reason I decided to choose this location was because of some of the customers I get to encounter on a day to day basis. Our location is within a retirement community, and a lot of our clients are elderly. We tend to see a lot of people who use canes, wheel chairs, and walkers and feel that the access at this location differs from other financial institution within the neighborhood.
Priority I:
Path of Travel/Ramps:
The alternate path of travel is also considered t be a ramp, however it is at a very low grade and can be more considered as an alternate path of travel.
• There is a path that does not require the use of stairs. It is at a very low grade and wraps around the fountain out in front of the building. I feel that this route is a nice alternative to the stairs for the fact that it has been seen as the “scenic route” and is used by many able bodied customers as well.
• The path of travel is stable firm and slip resistant. It is a textured non slip concrete that is wide enough for multiple people to use as well as wheel chairs. The path is at least 36 inches wide.
• There are no objects that hang over or carry into this path of travel. It is free from overgrown vegetation, gravel, and is able to be detected by someone who is visually impaired.
• The slopes of the ramps are no greater than 1:12 – it is actually less than 1 inch for every foot.
• The ramps are longer than 6 feet (as they wrap around the fountain structure) however with the low grade there is no need for railings.
• The railings for the stairs are very sturdy and are 36 inches high.
Parking and Drop Off Areas:• There are a total of 32 regular parking spaces for the facility with 2 accessible spaces located up front.
• The spaces are 16 feet wide and have at least a 98 inch vertical clearance for van-accessibility.
• The accessible spaces are located right next to the accessible entrance.
• The accessible spaces are clearly marked.
• There is no enforcement currently for the accessible parking, however I addressed the issue with our security guards and they have now made it part of their routine to check when people park in those spaces, when they go out to check the parking lot.
Entrance:
• There is an alternate path/ram to offer accessible access to the front entrance area, along with the few stairs located in the front of the building.
• There is only one entrance to the front of the building
• There are two double doors that are used to access the building and both are 33 inches wide. There is a person stationed at the front of the building who routinely opens the doors for all customers. We are expected to get a handicap accessible door opener button within the next month, due to the weight of the doors.
• The door handle is vertical and stretches for a majority of the length of the door, to be able to be accessed at any height.
• My one concern is the weight of the doors, they have an automatic open feature once the door has been slightly pulled or pushed, however they still are quite heavy.
Emergency Egress:
• All alarms have both flashing lights and audible signals.
• There is sufficient lighting throughout the building, outdoors, and along pathways.
Priority II: Access to Goods and Services
Horizontal Circulation/Rooms and Spaces:
• There is only one floor to the building; therefore the main accessible entrance allows access to the main floor.
• All public spaces are accessible paths of travel due to the open floor plan of the facility. Alternate hallways and pathways are 36 inches wide.
• There is a 5 foot circle or T-shaped space for a person using a wheelchair to reverse. The only concern I have with this is the L-shaped hallway that leads to the bathrooms, I feel that although it meets the 36 inch wide dimensions, the corner is hard to maneuver.
• There is minimal carpeting, the main floor is tile, however in the offices where there is carpeting is low and securely fastened.
• All items located within the lobby area are cane accessible and detectable.
• Proper signage is visible.
Doors:
• Doors into the building are each 33 inches wide. The doors to the offices within the building as 32 inches wide.
• On the ‘pull’ side of the doors, there is at least 18 inches of clear wall space.
• Inside doors can be opened without too much force; however the other doors take more force. There is a mechanism within the door that it will continue to open on its own once the initial force has been made.
• Door handles are at least 48 inches high (they extend vertically for the majority length of the door) and can be accessed with a closed fist.
Controls:
• All public accessible controls are located at a minimum of 48 inches and accessible. They are able to be located, controlled, and opened with a closed fist.
Seats, Tables, Counters:
• Aisles between chairs or tables are at least 36 inches; however in the “living room” of the lobby there is not a 36 inch space between the couch and coffee table. There is plenty of access room on the other perimeters, as well as access that is at least 36 inches to the other chairs.
• Space for wheelchair seating is located throughout the facility.
• The tops of banker desks are within 28 and 34 inches; however the teller line is slightly higher. There is one teller station counter that is 30 inches tall for customers who may be in a wheel chair or need a lower space.
• There is knee space available at each desk and sitting area.
Stairs:
There are four small stairs that are located at the front of the building, there are no stairs or elevated surfaces within the building itself.
• There are threads, carved indentations, to help provide a non slip surface for the outdoor stair access.
• Stairs have continuous rails on both sides with extensions at the top and bottom of the stairs.
**Vertical Circulation, Elevators, and Lifts do not apply to this building.
Priority III: Usability of Rest Rooms
Getting to the Rest Room:
• There is a male and female restroom located within the facility. Each rest room has two stalls total and one is fully accessible. Signs clearly state on the outside of each restroom, as well as the inside, that the one is fully accessible.
Doorways and Passages:
• There is proper signage that clearly marks and identifies the restroom. The signs incorporate symbols, text, and brail.
• The doorway is 33 inches wide.
• The ‘push’ side of the door does not have a handle and the ‘pull’ side of the door does. The handle is located at the proper height, and can be accessed with a closed fist.
• Doors can be opened easily with no extensive force. Handicap accessible buttons are planned to be installed within the next few months as well.
• I do not feel the entry configuration doe not all or adequate maneuvering.
• There is a 36 inch wide path to all fixtures.
Stalls:
• Stall doors, inside and out, are fully operational with a closed fist.
• There is wheelchair access to the stall. The stall is 6 feet by 6 feet with plenty of access to maneuver around the swinging door.
• There are railing located all around the toilet to allow access for those who need assistance.
• The toilet is 17 inches high.
Lavatories:
• The sinks are accessible and are at the proper height for a wheelchair to access. The bottom of the sink is left open for the chair to be able to pull forward and access the automated sinks and soap dispensers (which can be utilized with a closed fist).
• The hand towels are accessible and 48 inches up off of the ground.
• The mirror is at the same height as the sink and counters and extends to the top of the room.
Priority IV: Additional Access
Drinking Fountains:
• There are only two drinking fountains and one is accessible. It has clear floor space and is 36 inches from the ground.
• Controls are mounted at the front of the fountain and allows for easy access and control.
*There are no public service telephones; however there are bank phones that can be used by customers. These are located at banker’s desks and counters, which are fully accessible to all.
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