Art – Here are Alesha’s answers to your questions.

Suggested width for doors is at least 36″ (34″ clear width so knuckles don’t get scraped with a wheelchair) wide to allow for entry. There is no standard in the residential sector- just a suggested width. As for hallways, the FHA (Federal Housing Authority) says 3′ wide but 4 or 5′ would be better. It is easier for those traveling down the hallway, especially if they need help. Standard height for doorknobs is 36″ above the finished floor. Ideally all important things are in the 24-48″ zone for reaching sake is the best. As to the door swinging in or out, it truly depends on if the area has enough space for maneuverability. It takes a 5′ radius to turn a wheelchair all the way around so it would depend on the circumstances as to how the person works and how the room is arranged. Same with the hinge side, it would depend on where things are in relation to the door frame- an example of this is a door opening into a bathroom and it blocks the sink. It would be better to reverse the swing so that the sink is open in front of it.

Sliding doors would be okay as long as they are wide enough to get through (34″ clear) and as long as it doesn’t take a great amount of effort to slide them. There isn’t a rule that says door knobs have to be 36″ off the floor but it is the standard.

Hi Art! I know what the heights are for ADA, but I don’t know if they are the same for Universal Design. Great questions. I will forward these to Alesha, and post her answers, and email you when I get them. How does that sound?