•American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: The U.S. Department of Justice enforces ADA regulations governing state and local government services (Title II) and public accommodations (Title III). This RORO must satisfy ADA requirements regarding handicap accessible to the RORO facilities, and especially to the “one-of-a-kind” Springsonian DOB telescope that has been designed for wheel-chair bound individuals.

• The goal of “handicap accessible” means being able to gain access into the RORO building in a wheel-chair without any steps in the ingress or egress areas, or the walkway to the building. Being able to enter the building, seeing the piers, OTAs & other equipment, and seeing that equipment in use by other folks, will be educationally and personally rewarding. There are no specific RORO design requirements within this document for “eyeballs to glass” viewing by wheel-chair bound visitors thru eye pieces on OTAs & permanent piers. Repeating - “eyeballs to glass” via astronomical eye pieces should be encouraged for the Springsonian which was designed for that purpose. However, under unique conditions, wheel-chair viewing could work when the SCT or refractor happens to be in just the right position and would be a bonus. A scope or two should be equipped with a rotating diagonal, like we have on the 6" AP and the 14” SCT. A 120 mm Orion refractor in the yard has been used with people in wheel-chairs, with fair results. Another scope that would work well for ADA compliance is the ZWO Seestar S50. It could be in the middle of the RORO, protected from the wind.  Using personal cell phones and/or tablets, multiple patrons could connect to it.  Perhaps, a rubber mat under it would be useful.

• Building codes: it is expected that Delta Engineering Corporation will work with the Town of Vestal, NY to obtain all permits, conduct all required inspections, and satisfy all local building codes.


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