Last page revision- March 31st, 1999
TEXAS ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS (TAS)

2. General.                 

2.1 Provisions for Adults and Children. The specifications in ADAAG are based upon adult dimensions and anthropometrics and do not set out adjusted specifications suitable for children. Some of the specifications contained in these standards have been derived from human data relative to children between the ages of four and 15 and are presented in 2.1.1 by age and school grade categories.

2.1.1 Mounting Heights for Adults and Children. In addition to the minimum requirements of 4.1, when children under high school age (typically 14 or 15) are the primary users of a building or facility (such as day care centers, elementary or middle schools, children's museums or children's areas of museums, children's reading rooms in libraries, etc.), mounting heights and reach-ranges of various elements, fixtures, and equipment, shall be adjusted to meet the needs of the appropriate age group. The elements, fixtures and equipment listed in the table below shall comply with the corresponding requirements. When facilities serve children under the age of four, the lower dimensions listed shall be used.

EXCEPTION: In facilities serving children under the age of four, water closet seat heights may be lower than 14" but not higher than 15".

  Ages: 4 thru 10 or 11
Grades: Pre-K thru 5 or 6		 Ages: 11 thru 14 or 15
Grades: 6 thru 8 or 9
Reach Ranges
Frontal Approach
Side Approach

42" max.
48" max.
45" max.
51" max.
Ramps and Stairs
Top of Handrail Gripping Surface

28" - 34"
30" - 34"
Elevators
Car Control Floor Buttons
Frontal Approach
Side Approach
Emergency Communication
Highest Operable Part
  

42" max.
48" max.

42" max.

 

45" max.
51" max.

45" max.
Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts)1
Controls/Operating Mechanisms
28" - 42"
28" - 45"
Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers
Frontal Approach
Spout Height (to outlet)
Knee Clearance
Side Approach
Spout Height (to outlet)
  

32" max.
26" min.

32" max.

  

34" max.
28" min.

34" max.
Water Closets
Top of Seat
Grab Bars
Flush Controls
14" - 15"
28" - 30"
42" max.
15" - 17"
30" - 32"
44" max.
Urinals
Rim of Basin
Flush Controls
14" max.
42" max.
16" max.
44" max.
Lavatories and Sinks
Rim or Counter Surface
Knee Clearance
To Faucets From Front Edge
30" max.
26" min.
18" max.
32" max.
28" min.
20" max.
Mirrors
To Bottom of Reflective Surface
34" max.
37" max.
Bathtubs
Top of Seat
Grab Bars
Hand Shower Head Mounting
14" - 15"
28" - 30"
42" max.
15" - 16"
30" - 32"
45" max.
Shower Stalls
Top of Seat
Grab Bars
Hand Shower Head Mounting
Frontal Approach
Side Approach

14" - 15"
28" - 30"

42" max.
48" max.
15" - 16"
30" - 32"

45" max.
51" max.
Storage
Frontal Approach
Side Approach
Distance from wheelchair
0" - 10"
10" - 21"
42" max.


48" max.
42" max.
45" max.


51" max.
45" max.
Controls and Operating Mechanisms
Highest Operable Part
Frontal Approach
Side Approach
  

42" max.
48" max.

45" max.
51" max.
Telephones
Highest Operable Part
Frontal Approach
Side Approach
  

42" max.
48" max.

  

45" max.
51" max.
Fixed or Built-in Seating and Tables,
Reading and Study Areas, and Work Stations.
Height of Tables or Counters
Knee Clearances

28" - 30"
26"

  


28" - 32"
28"
Dressing and Fitting Rooms
Top of Bench
14" - 15"
15" - 17"
Food Service Lines
Top of Tray Slide
30" max.
32" max.
1 When permitted under Exception 4, section 4.1.3(5).

2.1.2 Mixed Use Buildings and Facilities. When two age groups are primary users (such as in Elementary/Middle Schools and Junior/Senior High Schools), or when facilities are intended for use by various age groups and have no characteristics that reflect a predominant age group (such as community swimming pools and amusement parks) mounting heights shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. Contact the commission for additional information and assistance.

2.2* Equivalent Facilitation. With the approval of the commissioner in accordance with the variance procedures contained in Rule 68.31, departures from particular technical and scoping requirements of this standard by using other designs and technologies may be permitted where the alternative designs and technologies used will provide substantially equivalent or greater access to and usability of the facility.

 

 

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