Property & Address:

US Dept of Education
Federal Building 10
600 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC

Surveyor: J. DiLuigi

UFAS Compliance Officer: Carolyn Martin

Survey Date: October 25, 1995

Category/Description: Offices & Employment Facility

Report Date: Mar 22, 1996

Programs, Services & Activities: Offices; Meetings; Employment Application; Training, & Testing

Other Areas: Cafeteria; Health Unit; Lockers & Showers

A. Overview of UFAS Compliance at Federal Building 10

Although old, the facility has been retrofitted to provide a moderate amount of accessibility including exterior paths of travel; a primary entrance with automated doors; tactile signage; ATM and stamp machines; elevator controls; and toilets.

The more significant recommended accessibility modification priorities include repairing a curb ramp; adding or repairing elevator audible signals; changing some narrow double doors; changing some door handles and closers; modifying features at accessible toilet rooms; modifying some non-accessible toilet rooms; modifying some training work stations; providing assistive listening equipment; re-arranging dining tables in the cafeteria; and re-arranging toilet fixtures and other features in the health unit.

B. Specific UFAS Compliance Issues

1. Parking & Passenger Loading Zones (Photos 10, 17-22)

We recommend two accessible spaces be located across from the security guard with an 8 foot wide portion of the drive aisle painted for use as an access aisle. A 5 foot wide walkway should be painted across the drive connecting to the curb ramp. Three parallel type accessible parking spaces should be provided against each side of the elevator core area and 5 foot wide painted walkways provided that connect to the curb ramp. The pair of 30 inch wide aluminum/glass doors at the curb ramp side entry should be replaced with a 36 inch wide door with a closer having a 5 pound maximum pull force with 3 seconds minimum closing speed. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $3,040.

A loading zone is located at the Maryland Avenue entrance. A curb ramp provides access to the street. Parking and waiting is allowed by permit only but often blocks the curb ramp. (Photo 10)

We recommend that the street area at the base of the curb ramp be painted with stripes and designated as no parking or standing in order to prohibit its being blocked by vehicles. Also, a parking/waiting space adjacent to the curb ramp on the west side should be designated for use as an accessible van vehicle space. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $260.

2. Site Accessible Routes (Photos 1, 3, 4, 7-15, 146)

We recommend that signage with the international wheelchair symbol and directional arrows pointing towards the Maryland Avenue ramp access be placed at both sides of the base of the entrance steps along Independence and Maryland Avenues. (Photos 1,8,9) Although the ramp handrails are not fully in compliance with the technical provisions of UFAS, we do not recommend any modifications. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $760.

Sidewalk curb ramps at the four corners of the site are accessible, although not in full technical compliance with UFAS. However, the curb ramp at the southeast corner of Maryland Avenue and 7th Street leading to the accessible Metro elevator is deteriorated at the base (Photo 146). The sidewalk along Maryland Avenue crosses a wide vehicular driveway to the parking garage (Photo 7). A portion of the sidewalk at 6th Street has been damaged by tree roots (Photo 4).

We recommend that the City be notified regarding the need to repair the curb ramp. Consideration should be given to installing detectable warnings at both sides of the Maryland Avenue entry drive, although detectable warnings have suspended from the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. The sidewalk along 6th Street has a one and one-half inch high vertical offset that should be repaired to maintain a continuous accessible route around the facility. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $1,960.

3. Entrances (Photos 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13-16, 24)

We recommend adding the Maryland Avenue address with the international wheelchair symbol to office letterhead. No cost has been estimated for this recommendation.

We recommend that one exterior and one interior in-line doors at the Independence Avenue entrance be designated with the international wheelchair symbol and that the exterior door closer be changed or adjusted to provide the minimum practical pull force with 3 seconds minimum closing speed and the interior door closer be changed or adjusted to provide 5 pounds maximum pull force with 3 seconds minimum closing speed. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $590.

A security check station with a 43 inch high counter is located inside the Maryland and Independence Avenue entrances. Visitors are required to sign in and employees must display photo IDs. (Photos 24,111)

We recommend that one portion of the check station counter be modified to have a writing shelf at 36 inches maximum height. The estimated cost for this accessibility enhancement is $290.

The 6th Street entrance to Level A is used by some employees but is intended primarily for truck deliveries and trash removal. The sidewalk area leading to the entry doors is adjacent to the truck drive and slopes down toward the building at 5 percent to 8 percent. This entry is not primary and can at times be hazardous to pedestrians. It is not recommended to be modified for accessibility. (Photos 5,6)

The parking garage entry doors are addressed under Item 1 above.

4. Building Accessible Route (Photos 25-30, 41, 42, 50, 51, 64-68, 75, 92, 99, 113, 116, 117, 128)

We recommend audible signals be provided (or repaired if existing) to indicate the direction of travel when cabs arrive and to indicate the passing of floors when inside the cabs. Also, the rotary dial emergency phones should be replaced with push button phones until the emergency communication system can be brought up to current standards. Although the tactile indicators are not fully compliant with UFAS, they are functionally accessible and no immediate modifications are recommended. The estimate cost of these accessibility enhancements is $2,770.

Directories and room number directional signage are high-contrast low-glare and located at elevator lobbies on levels A through 6 (Photos 27,28). Corridor signage at offices, rooms, toilets, exit stairs, and sub-corridors is high-contrast low-glare and tactile. (Photos 29-31, 41, 42, 60, 61, 64, 68, 80, 99, 100)

We recommend that, if reasonably practical, the directory typeface size be increased from one quarter inch high to one-half inch high. No cost has been estimated for this recommendation.

All doors from the main corridors to sub-corridors, exit stairs and rooms (except toilet rooms) have round knob handles and closers. Toilet room doors have push/pull hardware. Single leaf doors are typically 36 inches wide, double leaf doors are typically 30 inches wide each. (Photos 29, 50, 51, 60, 62, 63, 68)

We recommend that all fire exit stair doors have the knob handles changed to lever handles and the closers changed to provide 5 pounds maximum push/pull force with 3 seconds minimum closing speed. If a designated accessible area of rescue assistance (refuge) were desired on levels 2-6, the landing at the center stair adjacent to the elevators could be so designated and incorporated into the fire/emergency evacuation plan. The estimated cost for these accessibility enhancements is $19,660.

Pairs of 30 inch wide doors into sub-corridors are typically both kept in the hold open position, except in a few cases where only one of the doors is held open. (Photos 65, 99)

We recommend that a policy be established to assure that these pairs of doors (47) are kept held open or that they be changed to provide a 36 inch wide operable leaf with accessible lever hardware and accessible closers. The estimated cost to change all the pairs of 30 inch wide doors and associated hardware is $90,040.

5. Rooms, Assembly Spaces & Special Facilities (Photos 66, 67, 93, 94, 101, 102, 106-110, 113, 114, 117-134, 141, 145)

We recommend that the corridor entry door to the Training Development Center Room 1100 have the knob handle and closer changed. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $490.

We recommend that the four classroom type training rooms located at the south side of the level A east corridor have tactile signage added and the entry door hardware changed from round knobs to lever handles and the door closers changed. Classroom A221 should have the pair of 30 inch wide entry doors changed to a 36 inch wide door. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $3,560.

We recommend that the three computer classrooms at the level A west side sub-corridor have the entry door knobs changed to lever handles and the closers changed. One work station in each room should be changed to a modular type or be adjustable and accessible to persons with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $8,640.

We recommend that assistive listening equipment be available. See "assembly room" below.

A cafeteria is located on level A. Accessibility into and to the food and beverage service areas and cashier stations is very good. However, access from the cashier stations to the table seating areas is severely restricted by table placements. (Photos 128-134)

We recommend that the table seating be reconfigured to provide a 36 inch wide minimum clear accessible path of travel from the cashier stations to the table areas. Also, the napkin placement should be relocated or additional napkins placed in an accessible position. There should be no cost for this accessibility enhancement.

A Health Unit is located on level A. The entry door is aluminum/glass store front. Doors within the unit have round knob handles and some have closers. Although some modifications have been made, the toilets are not reasonably accessible. (Photos 117-125)

We recommend that the corridor entry door closer be changed and doors within the unit have round knobs changed to lever handles and closers changed. The toilet in the exam room should be reconfigured to be accessible by removing the existing lavatory, eliminating the existing shower and putting an accessible lavatory counter in its place, and modifying the placement of accessories. The common area toilet room should have the toilet seat raised, the lavatory faucet handles changed, and the lavatory pipes protected. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $7,440. Room A135 Quality Workplace Group has a pair of 30 inch wide doors with knob handles. Room 133 Quality Workplace Group Customer Service Center has a 36 inch wide entry door with knob hardware. These doors are typically closed due to corridor noise.

We recommend that the pair of doors be changed to a 36 inch wide single leaf, that the knobs be changed to lever handles and the closers changed or adjusted. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $2,410.

The General Counsel Library on the 5th floor has a 36 inch wide corridor door kept in the hold open position. The room is small and stack aisles are as narrow as 32 inches. A work table/desk is in a non-accessible position. (Photos 93, 94)

We recommend that the work table/desk be relocated to the entry area. There should be no cost for this accessibility enhancement.

The Cashiers Office on the 3rd floor has a glass window with a 36 inch high pass-through counter. (Photos 101, 102)

We recommend that an assistive listening system be installed at the cashier window and that the corridor entry door knob and closer be changed. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $3,840.

The Human Resources Employment Information Office on the first floor is entered through a pair of 30 inch doors. The reception desk counter in the application area is 44 inches high and the application table has 24 inch high knee clearance. (Photos 113-115)

We recommend that the entry doors be changed to a 36 inch wide single leaf with lever handles, the closer changed, the reception counter lowered to 36 inches maximum height or a shelf added, and the table changed to provide 27 inches high minimum knee clearance. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $1,620.

A moderate sized assembly room is located at the 2nd floor west of the elevators on the north side of the corridor. (Photos 106-109)

We recommend that the entry door round knob hardware be changed to lever handles and furniture relocated away from the pull side. The ramp to the podium should be modified to have the bottom edge smooth instead of a one inch bump and the sides should have 2 inch high edge guards and handrails. An assistive listening system should also be available. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $5,070.

A Secretary's Conference Room is located on the 6th floor east of the elevators on the south side of the corridor. (Photos 65,66)

We recommend that the pair of 30 inch wide entry doors to the pre-assembly lobby be changed to a 36 inch wide door and the round knobs and the closer changed. The conference room pair of 27 inch wide doors should also be changed to a 36 inch wide leaf and the closer changed. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $4,120.

Room 2145 is a large conference room with a pair of 30 inch wide entry doors. Room 2321 is a smaller conference room with similar doors.

We recommend changing the entry doors to a 36 inch wide single leaf and changing the door knobs and closer. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $3,830.

Approximately 15 small conference/meeting rooms typically have tactile signage, round handle door knobs, and no closers.

We recommend that the conference room doors (17) have the knob handles changed to levers. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $3,320.

We recommend that the table in conference room 4234 be changed to provide 27 inches high minimum knee clearance. There should be no cost for this accessibility enhancement.

Vending rooms vary as to entrances, machine placements and machine accessibility. (Photos 67,92)

We recommend removing entry doors, reconfiguring the machines to be against the back wall, and changing the drink machines to have all operable controls at 54 inches high (48 inches high preferred) maximum. There should be no cost for this accessibility enhancement.

Mechanical rooms, electrical closets and telephone closets, and janitors closets have round door knobs with no warning texture. All are typically locked except some janitors closets.

We recommend that the janitors closet doors be kept locked. There should be no cost for this accessibility enhancement.

Mail box at the 1st floor is 64 inches high to the drop slot. (Photo 111)

We recommend lowering the mail box to 48 inches high to the drop slot. The estimated cost of this accessibility enhancement is $190.

6. Toilets, Drinking Fountains & Telephones (Photos 33-35, 37-49, 51-59, 65, 68-91, 96-98, 103-105, 135, 142-144)

We recommend that on level A, because of number of training rooms and the cafeteria, both sets of toilets be made fully accessible. Modifications to make non-accessible toilets accessible include widening some entry doors and adding button operated automated openers; combining 2 water closet stalls to create one accessible stall; lowering a urinal; raising a lavatory, changing the faucet, and protecting the piping; lowering accessories; and providing a full length mirror. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $18,450.

We recommend that one toilet room of each sex on floors 1 through 6 be made fully accessible and that informational signage be provided at the elevator lobby and at the entrances to the inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location and distance to the accessible toilet rooms on that floor. Modifications at existing accessible toilets typically could include adding an automated door opener at some locations; changing the accessible water closet stall door to be hinged on the opposite side and swing in at the Women's toilets; modifying or changing the water closet or door location, the door pulls and latches, toilet seats, flush valves, grab bars, and coat hooks at accessible water closet stalls; shortening urinal screens; changing the faucet, relocating soap dispensers, protecting the piping and raising a lavatory; lowering a paper towel dispenser; and relocating a paper tower dispenser to be adjacent to an accessible lavatory. In two of the toilets it will also be required to increase a 30 inch wide tile wall passageway to 36 inches wide (32 inches wide minimum). The estimated cost for these accessibility enhancements is $40,270.

Fire alarm signals are not provided in the toilet rooms.

We recommend that audible/visual fire alarm signals be installed in each toilet room. The estimated cost of this accessibility enhancement is $7,710.

Private use toilets in the Secretary and Assistant Secretary offices are not fully accessible but have 36 inch wide entry doors and are of sufficient size and configuration to be adaptable. (Photos 33-35, 37-40)

We recommend that these toilet rooms be modified for accessibility only on an as-needed basis. No costs have been estimated for these modifications.

Drinking fountains at Levels A through 6 are semi-recessed non-accessible types. There are 3 per floor, one located at the east and west ends of the corridors across from the toilet rooms and one at the center of the corridor to the east of the elevator core. One is also located at the level B parking garage security guard entry vestibule. Three wheelchair accessible type wall mounted drinking fountains have been installed adjacent to a semi-recessed fountains at floors 2, 3 and 5 but are mounted too low to be accessible. (Photos 58, 59, 86, 116)

We recommend installing a paper cup dispenser and trash receptacle adjacent to the non-accessible drinking fountain locations and raising the accessible type drinking fountains to provide 27 inch high knee clearance. The estimated cost of these accessibility enhancements is $2,890.

A public telephone kiosk is located along the Independence Avenue sidewalk at the corner of 7th Street. Its placement and mounting height is accessible.

We recommend that the phone company be requested to change the handset to a volume control type. No cost has been assigned to this recommendation.

Cost Estimate Information for UFAS Compliance

UFAS Accessibility Compliance Cost Summary

• CATEGORY A: Barrier removal actions costing less than $5,000 each.

• CATEGORY B: Barrier removal actions costing between $5,000 and $50,000 each.

• CATEGORY C: Barrier removal actions costing more than $50,000 each.

Cost Worksheeets for UFAS Barrier Removal

1. Parking and Passenger Loading Zones: $3,449
2. Site Accessible Routes: $3,083
3. Entrances: $1,220
4. Building Accessible Route: $144,511
5. Rooms, Assembly Spaces and Special Facilities: $47,192
6. Toilets, Drinking Fountains and Telephones: $200,162

   SUBTOTAL: $399,617

   Multiplied by Regional Multiplier: 0.956

   CATEGORY A SUBTOTAL: $382,034

1. Parking and Passenger Loading Zones: $0
2. Site Accessible Routes: $0
3. Entrances: $0
4. Building Accessible Route: $30,985
5. Rooms, Assembly Spaces and Special Facilities: $0
6. Toilets, Drinking Fountains and Telephones: $0

   SUBTOTAL: $30,985

   Multiplied by Regional Multiplier: 0.956

   CATEGORY B SUBTOTAL: $29,622

1. Parking and Passenger Loading Zones: $0
2. Site Accessible Routes: $0
3. Entrances: $0
4. Building Accessible Route: $0
5. Rooms, Assembly Spaces and Special Facilities: $0
6. Toilets, Drinking Fountains and Telephones: $0

   SUBTOTAL: $0

   Multiplied by Regional Multiplier: 0.956

   CATEGORY C SUBTOTAL: $0

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PRIORITY COST: $233,220

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