Handicap signs covered for lack of compliance
To the dismay of some, bathroom handicapped signs are covered up in the Union. PHOTO CREDIT: James Singer
Recently, the University of Rhode Island Memorial Union covered some handicapped symbols on bathroom signage.
Carl Stiles, the director of the Memorial Union, said the symbols were covered up because the bathrooms are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“We are working to comply with ADA standards of today; all the bathroom facilities previously identified as accessible were fully compliant at the time of the prior renovation,” Stiles said. “We will be redesigning and renovating two restrooms in the near future to be fully compliant with today’s ADA requirements as we move into the design phase of the full renovation of the Memorial Union.”
While two of the restrooms in the building were previously compliant with ADA’s rules and regulations, Stiles said they no longer meet all of the ADA’s requirements. Stiles did not specify which requirements were not being met.
He said that the disappearance of the handicapped symbol is only temporary and is a short-term solution until the restrooms are able to properly accommodate ADA requirements.
Preparations are currently underway for a full renovation of the Memorial Union. However, the two restrooms on the main floor will be renovated prior to the renovation of the whole building. According to Stiles, the renovation of these restrooms will begin the design phase of the full building renovation process.
Once restroom renovations are completed, proper signage will be reposted to show they are fully compliant ADA facilities. After full renovation of the Memorial Union, both proper signage and instructions to the facilities will be implemented.
Even with signage disappearance, stalls and sinks previously compliant with the ADA still remain in place. However, it is not yet entirely clear which facilities handicapped community members can use.
According to the details provided by the Campus Planning Office, efforts are underway to make appropriate signage so that people with disabilities are aware of which facilities they can use.
According to Stiles, there are no other reported handicapped signage issues throughout campus.
Until the bathrooms are up to the updated ADA standards, Stiles said that students, visitors and faculty should be aware that the bathrooms are not fully compliant.
According to Stilles, there will be further information once renovation and instructions are installed.