Since the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, access to stores and offices has greatly improved, thanks to implemented solutions like ramps and handicapped-accessible doors with openers and handles designed to accommodate those who need them. If you're searching for handles to make your building accessible, here is a look at some hardware choices and the best uses for each.

What Is the Most Common Accessible Door Hardware?

1. Sensor Automatic Door Opener

These ADA-approved hands-free door openers are common in stores and offices. They typically use sensors that detect the infrared energy emitted by humans. They automatically open when they detect a person in front of the door and close when the energy is no longer present. 

2. Button Door Opener

This opener uses a button to trigger the handicapped-accessible door to open and close. Similarly, automatic touch technology utilizes a wall-mounted switch or panel that, when pressed, opens a door. The door closes automatically, or pushing a wireless button can close it.

3. Remote Door Opener System

This hands-free door opener is ideal for handicapped-accessible doors in homes and smaller buildings that aren't visited much by the public. The openers employ the same technology used for garage doors. 

A transmitter that sends a signal to a receiver triggers the door to open and close. The transmitter can be handheld, put on a key chain, or attached to a wheelchair for convenience.

4. Lever Handle

When an automatic door is impractical, door handles are available that make manual doors accessible and easy to open for everyone. Found in lever form, these don't require excessive pinching or twisting and don't require a lot of effort to use. They are stocked at most hardware stores, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install. 

At Southern Ohio Door Controls, you'll find the automatic doors you need to make your establishment easily accessible. Serving the Cincinnati, OH, area and all of Kentucky, the company offers a variety of solutions to meet your building's needs. They'll provide and install automatic door openers, hardware, frames, and accessories in addition to accessible, automatic, revolving, and manual doors. They also offer repairs and ongoing maintenance. Visit the website to learn more about their automatic models. Call (502) 376-8260 to speak with a team member in Kentucky, and dial (513) 353-4793 or (877) 304-0251 to reach the Cleves, OH, office.