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McMaster Facility Accessible Design Standard

MacFADS, or the McMaster Facility Accessibility Design Standard, is a comprehensive technical manual that sets new accessibility standards for building and renovating on campus. It surpasses the accessibility requirements outlined in the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). 

Photo of new construction on campus with construction worker sitting on beam and waving

MacFADS was developed in consultation with the Barrier-Free Design Committee with significant engagement with the McMaster community.

By creating spaces that are accessible to everyone, MacFADS embodies McMaster University’s commitment to inclusivity, teaching, learning, and operational excellence.

This standard aims to develop active and flexible learning environments that empower students and enhance the overall functionality of university facilities. 

This standard will apply to all major construction and renovation projects, with exceptions for certain designated historical buildings, high hazard industrial occupancy buildings, and situations where compliance would be impractical due to existing conditions. 

To access the latest version of MacFADS, please contact Facility Services

Examples of the new MacFADS standards: 

 

  • More accessible entrances, exits, wider doors and doorways complimented by enhanced signage and wayfinding features  
  • Added requirements for Automated Door Operators to include an accessible path of travel, doors entering student and staff meeting rooms, classrooms, lecture theatres, etc  
  • Wider and less steep ramps and larger clear turning radius in universal washrooms to accommodate different sizes of mobility devices 
  • Enhanced illumination and lighting requirements to assist people perceive and navigate the built environment  
  • Enhanced requirements for intereior areas such as classrooms, conference rooms, lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, cafeterias, etc