Design for Disability: Buying Accessible Office Furniture

When your team is comfortable, it’s easier for them to perform and stay productive. However, many workstations aren’t optimized for people with disabilities — compromising their comfort and work performance as a result.

To create a fair, diverse workplace, your office layout and design must be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. Likewise, your office’s furniture must be accessible and customizable for people with various needs and disabilities.

Learn more about making your office furniture accessible to meet your hardworking team’s needs below.

Ways to Ensure Your Office Is ADA-Compliant

Always look for ways to maximize comfort and accessibility by regularly examining your office’s lighting, furniture and organization. Ensure office furniture is customizable to suit people with different accessibility needs and disabilities.

For example, all desks, chairs and workspaces should be ergonomic, adjustable and wheelchair accessible. Computers should also be ergonomic and feature speech recognition programs or other modifications for those with visual impairments. Paying attention to these details will make a big difference in your office’s accessibility.

One of the most important and beneficial things you can do for your employees is to ensure they how to request additional workspace modifications.

How to Make Office Furniture Accessible

There are many ways to make your office design and furniture ADA-compliant. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, at least 5% of fixed seating and tables — indoors or out — must be wheelchair accessible. Communal pathways must be 36 inches wide, while doorways must be at least 32 inches wide.

Regarding functional workspaces, ADA-compliant desks and chairs are crucial for your team. Most full-time employees spend 40 hours per week at their desks. It’s their right to feel confident and comfortable while they work long hours.

An ADA-compliant desk — including conference tables — should have a surface height of up to 34 inches. The desktop should sit no more than 28 inches above the floor, meaning there should be 27 inches of knee clearance from the floor to the bottom of the table.

Customize Your Accessible Office Furniture

Do you want to design a custom, ADA-compliant conference room table your team will love? Our local artisans handcraft custom conference room tables from high-quality materials and finishes at Greg Pilotti Furniture Makers.

We’ll design a bespoke ADA-compliant conference room table to suit your office design, personal preferences and your entire team’s needs. Learn about our making process for clients. Call 484-712-5178 to request a free quote today.