Accessibility Development Associates Make PNC Park ADA Compliant Plus

Facility Issue: ADA
Inside ADA
A closer look at 4 key access issues managers must understand

The foresight of the Pittsburgh Pirates management, and the expertise available through Accessibility Development Associates, Inc. (ADA, Inc.), has made PNC Park an outstanding example of good management, astute business acumen and compliance with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

ADA is a consulting firm specializing in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other accessibility-related laws. The Pirates retained them, when the new ball park was in the planning stages, to be a part of the design team, working with architects HOK Sport from Kansas City and L.D. Astorino & Associates from Pittsburgh.

It was noted, by Michael H. Sampsonin the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that “for a Pirates fan in a wheelchair, coming to (the old) Three Rivers Stadium is only slightly easier than hitting a Randy Johnson fastball.” Pirates management vowed to change that at the new facility.

“Some architects view the Americans with Disabilities Act as a building code. It’s not a building code, it’s a civil rights law,” Joan W. Stein, President and CEO of ADA, explained. Working with Carol Cocuzzi, ADA Vice President of Design Consulting Service, the design team has made PNC Park the most accessible in the country.

ADA participated in all aspects of the Park’s design thinking not only from the viewpoint of the fans, but also from that of the athletes and of PNC Park employees present and future.

“The Pirates went over and above what was required to make the ballpark pleasant experience for people with disabilities as well as those with sensory and learning disabilities,” Ms. Stein said. The Pirates instituted a “Grand Slam Customer Service Program” in which Ms. Stein made their 2500 employees aware of the needs of patrons with disabilities.

Accessibility Development Associates, Inc. was established in 1992. Their offices are located at Three Gateway Center, 401 Liberty Avenue, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Their telephone number is 412-471-4348 and their fax is 412-471-4348. Additional information about ADA and its importance to all aspects of the construction trade is available on ADA Inc.’s website www.adaconsults.com

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