Jared the architect was designing a shopping mall. To protect the planned handrails on the stairs in front of the mall, he wanted to install skateboarding deterrents. Skateboarding deterrents are usually small pieces of metal attached to objects to stop skateboarders from performing “grinding” tricks on them. Jared hoped that the deterrents would keep the railing in good condition, cutting down on future costs for the owners and tenants. He called his regional ADA Center to check which brands of skateboarding deterrents comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA Specialist informed him that all skateboarding deterrents for handrails violate the ADA. According to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, handrails must be clear and free of objects so that people can maintain a steady grip along the full length of the railing.

Having learned something new about the ADA, Jared removed the deterrents from the design plans. He also added a note to his company’s guidelines so future projects would not include skateboarding deterrents on railings.

Thanks to the ADA, everyone could enter through the mall’s front doors.