Disability Pride Month is here. Is your building accessible?

New York, NY July marks Disability Pride Month, a time to reflect on the progress made — and the work still to be done — in making our communities more inclusive. As we acknowledge the experiences and achievements of people with disabilities, it’s also a timely reminder for all building stakeholders, be they owners, facility managers, architects, contractors, or the public, to assess the accessibility of public spaces.

The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) encourages building managers to see Disability Pride Month as an opportunity for an honest assessment of their facility’s accessibility. If it needs upgrades, don’t delay. Enhancements like automatic doors are investments that literally open doors to thousands of potential customers, clients, and visitors.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in July 1990, laid the groundwork for accessibility rights. That same year, Boston hosted the first Disability Pride Day. In 2015, the first Disability Pride Month was celebrated to commemorate the ADA’s 25th anniversary, and it has since become a yearly observance.

Despite the ADA’s impact, it notably does not mandate automatic doors at public entrances. However, the International Building Code (IBC) 1105.1.1, championed by accessibility advocates and AAADM, requires automatic doors at certain public entrances based on occupant load thresholds. Still, many public spaces remain difficult or even impossible for individuals with mobility challenges to access.

Simple upgrades like ramps, widened entrances, and automatic doors can significantly enhance independence and inclusion. AAADM remains a committed advocate for accessible public spaces. Learn more about its mission at aaadm.com.

The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) is a trade association of manufacturers of automatic pedestrian door systems. AAADM was founded in 1994 with the following mission: to increase awareness of automatic doors and accessibility needs; to increase education, training and professionalism among installers and service providers; and to generally promote the safe use of automatic doors. Each year on March 19, AAADM celebrates National Automatic Door Day to raise awareness about the many benefits of automatic doors, including providing access to those with physical challenges and helping to prevent germs by eliminating the need to touch door handles. www.aaadm.com.