Can I Build a Dock that is Accessible for People with Disabilities?

As you design and build a custom dock for your personal waterfront property, you want to ensure it can be enjoyed and assessed by all. If you have family or friends with disabilities or if you just want to make your dock safe and accessible for as many people as possible, consider including some or all of these features as you build out your dock structure.

Features to Improve the Accessibility of Your Dock

Public recreational facilities including docks and piers are required by law to be ADA-compliant. While your personal property does not need to adhere to ADA regulations, you may still want to make your dock more accessible for people with disabilities.

To do so, here are some dock features to include when installing your custom dock:

• Gangways – Providing an accessible route to the dock is an important feature for those with disabilities. For most docks, this means ensuring that you have a gangway or ramp that comfortably connects the land to the dock. Smooth transitions on and off the gangway, in addition to as low of a slope as possible, make entering and exiting the dock easier for people with disabilities.

• Railings and handrails – Another important safety feature you may choose to include in your dock is a railing or guard. Height recommendations for railings are generally no more than 34 inches above the deck.

• Edge protection – This is used to prevent wheelchairs or other mobility devices from falling off the dock. You can install a curb or barrier just a few inches above the platform to improve dock safety.

Building a dock for people with disabilities simply requires a few additional features. We have the dock hardware to help you get started on your custom dock design and installation. To learn more about building a dock for your shoreline, get in touch with us at RDS Dock Hardware anytime.