6/16/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECOMMENDATION: The architects have taken the only safe position in this matter. However the judges' proposal is legally defensible under the ADA and meets the ADA goals of full integration without undue hardship in facilities operations. I recommend the Chairman be authorized to give the architect written direction to modify the design documents in accord with the judges' proposal. Commissioner Scurlock was concerned that the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will not be lessening, and he felt that we should comply fully with the requirements of the ADA to avoid having to retrofit the facility '`at some future time. Commissioner Wheeler explained that there was a great deal of discussion regarding this detail of the courthouse design. The resulting decision was to design two courtrooms with the clerk's work station designed at floor level so that a wheelchair - handicapped clerk could easily use it, and if there is a need in the future for more clerk work stations for wheelchair -handicapped clerks, it would be a simple matter of adding a portable or movable ramp. Chairman Eggert cautioned that adding a ramp would involve more space for the distance that is required for a wheelchair to move upward. Administrator Chandler reported that judges and clerks must be able to exchange documents as well as see each other for verbal communication, and that is the reason the judges requested that the clerk's work station be raised seven (7) inches above floor level. Chairman Eggert argued that if two courtrooms were being designed to accommodate the handicapped and still have the ability to exchange documents and see each other, it seemed logical that the rest of the courtrooms could be built the same way. Commissioner Bird suggested portable platforms or a false floor which could be moved to any courtroom. Administrator Chandler explained that the problem would be that the electronics which are to be placed in the clerk's work station must be permanently installed. In two of the courtrooms the electronics would be placed in floor -level work stations'and the rest of the courtrooms would have the electronics installed to accommodate the work stations 7 inches above floor level. Commissioner Bird asked, and Deputy County Attorney Collins advised that the proposed plan would be legally defensible because in referring to built-in equipment and work stations, the federal regulations indicate that if you have a series of identical work stations not every one of them must be handicapped -accessible. There is a whole range of disabilities, making it difficult to 27 JUN L 16 1992