How to Make a Reception Counter Handicap Accessible

Reception counters serve a variety of purposes. Some are simply the area from which staff greet and direct visitors, while others serve as a place for filling out paperwork and performing other administrative tasks. It is important for reception counters to be handicap accessible. If getting to the counter and interacting with the receptionist is difficult for wheelchair-bound or otherwise disabled individuals, they may think twice about returning to an establishment.

Things You'll Need

• Counter no greater than 860mm high and 765mm wide
• Standard and braille signage
• Hearing awareness card
• Easy grip pens

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Instructions

• 1

  Use a counter whose height does need exceed 860mm and whose width is not greater than 765mm. A counter of these dimensions, which the Washington State Medical Home recommends, will not obstruct handicapped visitors. The counter must also have ample knee space so that wheelchair-bound visitors can face the counter as opposed to approaching the counter from the side; ideal dimensions for this space are approximately 685mm high and 485mm deep.

• 2

  Make sure that the lower level is wheelchair accessible if using counters that have two different levels. Regardless of the level from which visitors approach the counter, the receptionist must be able to see and hear them equally well.

• 3

  Verify that visitors do not need to reach more than half an arm’s length when handing documents to the receptionist or using electronic terminals at the counter. The buzzer should also be easy to reach for disabled visitors.

• 4

  Display signs and notices on the counter at a level from which wheel-chair bound visitors can easily see them. Display information relayed through audible announcements on signs so that hearing impaired visitors can access the information. Provide a hearing awareness card to which hearing impaired visitors can point to notify the receptionist of their disability. Braille signage is necessary for vision impaired visitors. Supply each counter with easy grip pens.

• 5

  Place seating in front of the counter.