The Essential ADA Wheelchair Accessibility Checklist

All businesses and public organizations must provide wheelchair access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps. Still, keeping a space fully compliant can be tricky, especially for older buildings. Resources like the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities can help identify where improvements can be made so wheelchair users can move through a space with ease.

To make this even simpler, the team at National Ramp has pulled together the key ADA wheelchair accessibility requirements into one clear, practical checklist.

ADA Compliance Checklist for Wheelchair Accessibility in Public Spaces
Accessible Routes	Is there a clear wheelchair ramp path at least 36 inches wide? Are ramp surfaces stable, firm, and slip-resistant? Are passing spaces available every 200 feet? Are there no obstacles over 4 inches high in the path?
Entrances	Are doorways at least 32 inches wide? Are thresholds ≤ ½ inch high and beveled? Can doors be opened with ≤ 5 pounds of force or are lever handles installed? Are automatic doors provided where possible?
Parking	Are there enough accessible spaces (at least 1 per 25 spaces)? Are van-accessible spaces included (1 per 8 accessible spaces)? Is accessible parking clearly signed?
Ramps	Is the slope ≤ 1:12 (1 inch rise per 12 inches length)? Is the wheelchair ramp at least 36 inches wide? Are landings at least 60 inches long? Are handrails installed on both sides when required?
Restrooms	Is there at least one wheelchair-accessible stall? Are toilets 17–19 inches high? Are grab bars installed correctly? Is there enough knee clearance under sinks? Are mirrors mounted ≤ 40 inches high?
Elevators (if relevant)	Are controls 35–48 inches above the floor? Are doors at least 36 inches wide? Is there enough floor space for a wheelchair and companion to turn and maneuver?
Signage	Are signs mounted at 48–60 inches above the floor?
Seating/Work Access	Is there clear floor space of at least 30 x 48 inches for wheelchairs? Is knee clearance sufficient (27 inches high, 30 inches wide, 19 inches deep)? Are tables 28–34 inches high for comfortable wheelchair use?

Ensuring ADA compliance isn’t just about meeting legal requirements, but about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone can navigate safely and comfortably.

By using this checklist, property owners and facility managers can proactively identify and address wheelchair accessibility gaps before they become costly or inconvenient. Whether you’re upgrading an older building or maintaining a newer facility, consistent review of your wheelchair access points, entrances, wheelchair access ramps, parking, and signage will keep your space ADA compliant and user-friendly.

At National Ramp, we’re committed to making accessibility simple and achievable for every organization. From ADA-compliant ramps to expert guidance, our team is here to help you turn compliance into confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ADA requirements for wheelchair ramps?

ADA wheelchair ramp requirements include a slope of no more than 1:12, a minimum width of 36 inches, landings at the top and bottom, and handrails if the ramp is longer than 6 feet.

How wide should an ADA-accessible entrance be?

ADA standards require doorways to be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate standard wheelchairs.

What is the ADA rule for parking spaces?

For every 25 parking spaces, at least one must be accessible. For every 8 accessible spaces, one must be van-accessible.

Does my business need an ADA compliance audit?

If you serve the public or employ others, an ADA audit can help identify gaps in accessibility and avoid costly violations.

What buildings must comply with ADA guidelines?

Most public-facing buildings, including commercial businesses, schools, hospitals, and government facilities, must comply with ADA standards.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or regulatory advice. Please consult official government documents, local ordinances, and building codes to make sure you meet all applicable requirements.