Design with Dignity for Independence at the Entrance
Contributed by BSM Staff

CLEVELAND -- In recognition of Disability Pride Month in July, the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers is encouraging architects, specifiers, and building owners to prioritize “independence at the entrance,” which can help to ensure that every person is able to enter public buildings safely, independently, and with dignity.

Automatic doors play an essential role in creating accessible, inclusive environments for millions of Americans, including people who use mobility aids, older adults, veterans, individuals with temporary injuries, parents with strollers, and individuals carrying packages or medical equipment.

The entrance to a building sets the tone for the entire public experience. When people can enter independently, without struggling with a heavy manual door or needing assistance, it reinforces dignity, inclusion, and equal participation in public life.

The principle of universal access gained significant momentum with the adoption of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), which introduced new mandates for automatic doors at entrances to public buildings that meet certain occupancy thresholds.

AAADM worked closely with other accessibility advocates throughout the development process to help advance the new provisions.

The 2021 IBC provisions represent a significant advancement by recognizing automatic doors as an important component of accessible public entrances. As state and local jurisdictions continue adopting new building codes, AAADM encourages stakeholders to stay informed about implementation timelines and requirements.

To help contractors, facility owners and architects monitor adoption activity nationwide, AAADM maintains an online IBC Adoption Tracker, showing states that have adopted the 2021 IBC provisions.

The IBC and movement toward ‘independence at the entrance’ align closely with the growing trend to “design for dignity” in public architecture. Increasingly, architects and public agencies are recognizing that accessibility is not simply a matter of technical compliance, but also of human experience.

Features such as automatic doors make public spaces more welcoming and equitable.

For more, go to www.aaadm.com/.