08/10/2026
Architecture should never become the barrier.
Signed into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal civil-rights law. For facilities and projects covered by the ADA, complying with applicable accessibility requirements is not optional.
But accessibility is far more than selecting compliant toilets and lavatories from a specification sheet. It is a coordinated spatial system that begins with arrival and continues through parking, curb transitions, entrances, accessible routes, circulation, door clearances, restroom layouts, service areas, controls, and interior destinations.
Every one of these decisions shapes a person’s ability to move through and use a space safely, independently, and with dignity.
Accessibility should not be treated as a final checklist item after a project has already been designed. It must be considered during the earliest planning decisions and coordinated throughout the design process.
These responsibilities are not limited to new construction; existing facilities also have ongoing accessibility obligations.
With ACCESS BY DESIGN, JFCR Architects will explore the history of the ADA, essential accessibility concepts, common design oversights, and practical ways to create more inclusive environments.
Because compliance is the minimum. Inclusive design is the goal.
Have an accessibility question, a design idea, or a project you would like to discuss? Call or message JFCR Architects. We are here to help you explore thoughtful, practical solutions at every stage of the design process.
Sources: ADA.gov and the U.S. Access Board.
