To make vending machines accessible for disabled people who use wheelchairs, the U.S. Department of Justice revised some regulations to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Issued in 2010 and put into effect in 2012, the new rules offer guidelines for vending operators who provide services for any of the following types of locations:
- Public entities such as state or local government facilities
- Private entities that offer public accomodations such as hotels, retail, hospitals, and schools
What changed?
Much of the old regulations still apply. The most significant changes have to do with the length of reach. The old standards state that the controls cannot exceed 54 inches high and 9 inches low. Those have been updatd to 48 inches and 15 inches, respectively.
It is the operator's responsibility (not the manufacturer's or location's) to ensure machines meet these standards, and safe harbor rules may apply. Existing vending machines do not need to be replaced, unless the property is altered or if the equipment is temporarily removed.
For more information on ADA compliance, please visit https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADA Compliant Vending Machines
What are ADA compliant vending machines?
ADA compliant vending machines are vending machines that meet the accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure they are usable by people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.
Who issued the new ADA standards for vending machines?
The U.S. Department of Justice issued the revised regulations for ADA compliance related to vending machines.
What types of locations must follow the ADA vending machine standards?
The standards apply to public entities such as state or local government facilities and private entities that offer public accommodations like hotels, retail stores, hospitals, and schools.
What are the key changes in the ADA vending machine regulations?
The most significant changes involve the allowable reach range for controls on vending machines. The maximum height was lowered from 54 inches to 48 inches, and the minimum height was raised from 9 inches to 15 inches.
Who is responsible for ensuring vending machines meet ADA standards?
The vending machine operator is responsible for ensuring that machines comply with ADA standards, not the manufacturer or the location owner.
Do existing vending machines need to be replaced to meet the new ADA standards?
Existing vending machines do not need to be replaced unless the property is altered or the equipment is temporarily removed. Safe harbor rules may also apply in these cases.
