If you own a business that's open to the general public, you know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires you to make your building accessible to those people in wheelchairs. One of the requirements of the act is that doors be wide enough to accommodate a standard wheelchair and that those doors are able to be opened without assistance. There are a number of ways to achieve this and a myriad of products exist today to transform your doors into those that can be opened without a customer or visitor having to leave their chair.

Pros and ons of different ADA door openers

1. Push button door openers. Push button door openers have a large button outside of the door's swinging radius that causes the door to swing open gradually when pushed. The door is then set to automatically close after a certain time, allowing the person in the wheelchair to enter the building. This type of opener is among the most affordable, is easy to install, and works with a variety of door styles. On the minus side, the person has to do a bit of navigating to push the button and then get themselves into position to enter when the door opens.

2. Wireless door openers. Wireless door openers are a relatively new product. Similar to a push button door opener, wireless openers have a button that a person in a wheelchair can push to open the door. Unlike traditional push button doors, wireless openers do not have to be hard-wired into the electrical system and can thus be easily retro-fitted on existing doors.

3. Swing door openers. Swing door openers are operated by a person pushing on the middle of the door with their wheelchair. The door then opens gradually via a hydraulic set of hinges. Unlike push button doors, there is less waiting for the door to open. However, some force is needed to activate the door.

4. Push bars for doors. A push bar door opener is installed horizontally across the middle of the door and activates the door's hydraulic hinge system when pushed. It is somewhat easier to work than swing door openers and requires less force.

While all public entry doors need to be ADA compliant, there is no one type of ADA door that is right for every business. Push button door openers, wireless openers, swing door openers, and push bars all have their merits. It's wise to weigh the pros and cons of each product carefully before deciding which type of opener to install in your building. 

Reach out to a company like DOORS FIXED RIGHT, INC. to learn more.