Running head: AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVALUATION 1

Americans with Disabilities Act Evaluation: Jazzercise Studio

Angie Blaser, Sarah Giles, and Tambra Rasmussen

University of Utah
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVALUATION 2

Americans with Disabilities Act Evaluation: Jazzercise Studio

Angie Blaser, Sarah Giles, and Tambra Rasmussen completed an assessment on a local

Jazzercise studio to determine their accessibility features as described by the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) and through the lens of people with physical disabilities, autism, or

eating disorders. The business is located at 1520 West 9000 South, Suite A in West Jordan, Utah.

The owner, Angie Moore was gracious enough to allow us to complete our assignment at her

personally owned Jazzercise franchise. She did not know the year the building was built but

moved her business into this strip mall in 2013 from a smaller previous location. When moving

to the larger space, Moore was responsible for renovating the studio, and attempted to meet ADA

guidelines in the process. Although she employs fewer than 15 people, Moore was excited to get

feedback regarding the accessibility of her dance studio because she wants it to be a safe space

for people of all ability levels.

Areas of Compliance

The assessment found many areas to be ADA compliant in regard to physical disability,

autism, and eating disorders. In terms of physical disabilities and accessibility compliance the

building has an accessible approach and entrance which does not require the use of stairs.

Individuals using mobility devices would be able to approach the building and enter due to a

curb cut and compliant entrance door. Additionally, the parking lot includes an adequate number

of accessible parking spaces. It includes four accessible spaces and one van-accessible space.

Four of the mentioned parking spaces meet sizing requirements with access isles. The van

parking space also includes signage where the other spaces did not. Two of the accessible

parking spaces are next to a curb cut that leads to the main walkway in the small strip mall. This

curb cut is 54 inches wide with a compliant slope.

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The business’ entrance door is 32.5 inches wide with enough open space to the side of the

door to allow for clearance when using a wheelchair. The door also has vertical handles that can

be easily opened with reasonable force and it closes slowly to allow time to enter for those with

physical disabilities. The entrance includes mats inside and outside the door that are within ADA

guidelines, at no more than half an inch high. Additionally, the beveled edge entrance threshold

is short enough to meet requirements. Once inside, the front desk area has enough space to turn a

wheelchair around completely and is equipped with counter space within accessible height. All

public spaces in the studio are accessible and throughout the building all controls are also within

accessible range at 44 inches off the ground. The low-pile industrial carpet and wood flooring is

also easy to move across with a walker or wheelchair.

The facility’s bathroom is located in the back of the studio, through a 34.5-inch-wide

doorway. Interior doors are equipped with appropriate handle heights for wheelchair users and

open and close with reasonable amounts of force. Multiple grab bars, an appropriate toilet height,

and an automatic hand dryer (that is accessible from a seated position with one close fisted hand)

all support the bathrooms accessibility. In addition, the bathroom has an open floor plan with

four feet by five feet of open space providing adequate room to maneuver mobility devices, such

as wheelchairs, to access both the toilet and bathroom sink.

In regard to accessibility for those with autism the business offers ear plugs for those who

feel like it is too loud. At this time, this is the only concession made for people who are sensitive

to sensory input.

The business has also taken purposeful action to avoid triggering body dysmorphic

thoughts and discourage eating disorder behavior. The studio does not have mirrors so that

people do not fixate on their appearance during participation in exercise classes and hopes that it
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVALUATION 4

limits comparison between patrons. Furthermore, the Jazzercise instructors are taught specific

language to use when discussing exercise and diet to avoid perceived promotion of excessive

exercise or caloric restriction. They also make an effort to focus on function and embodiment

rather than alteration of body aesthetics.

Barriers to Accessibility

While many areas were found to be compliant with ADA recommendations there are

multiple areas that may be improved through modifications. Below is a list of specific barriers

that may impact an individual with a physical disability, autism, or eating disorders, to fully

participate in the Jazzercise Studio’s classes. Each item includes a description of a possible

solution to the barrier and approximate cost.

Physical Disability

Accessible parking. While the business has an accessible entrance and an adequate

number of parking spaces, there are multiple barriers impacting ease of access. One area of

concern is that the paint on the accessible spaces is extremely light, making it difficult for drivers

to see what spaces are reserved for those with disabilities. Additionally, there is only one sign in

front of the van accessible spot, with the remainder of the accessible parking spaces lacking

signage. It is recommended to communicate with the property manager of the strip mall about

future accessibility improvements, through repainting parking lines and adding appropriate

signage.

Unsecured mats. Inside and outside the main entrance door rubber mats are not secured

down. While the mats are rubber which decreases amount of sliding, they were still twisted and a

potential hazard for those using wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers because they may catch the

edge and increases fall risk. One possible solution is to purchase non-slip grippers to improve
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVALUATION 5

security and avoid falls. One highly recommended option is the NeverCurl Grippers for $12.95

on Amazon (“NeverCurl,” n.d.).

Door handles. While the doors within the facility can be opened with reasonable force

and have appropriate handle height, they cannot be opened with a closed fist. Replacing the

door-knobs with door-lever handles would provide a simple solution. Home depot has indoor

lever-style hardware that costs as low as $17.98 per door and are simple enough to install

without needing to hire a professional (“Hall/Closet Door Lever,” n.d.). The child-lock device

that was on the doorknob could also be replaced with options that temporarily limit children’s

accessibility when activated for childcare purposes. Since the area between the studio and

bathroom is sometimes utilized as a space for daycare, the following $12.98 childproofing device

could be compatible with the lever handle and can be disengaged while remaining in-place when

the door does not need to be childproof, without limiting ADA accessibility (“Safety 1st,” n.d.).

Lavatory sink apron. The bathroom sink’s apron is 28 inches above the ground, just

one-inch shy of ADA’s regulatory 29-inch height for adequate clearance for wheelchair users. If

the studio is interested in providing more clearance beneath the sink, there are other wall

mounted bathroom sinks that could provide more space for wheelchair users, through the

variability in mount placements, apron depth, and curved/bowl shaped designs.

Home depot provides a variety of sinks, the most cost-effective range between $80-100

(“Shop 25 Results for Bathroom Sink,” n.d.). Careful attention would need to be given when

choosing the appropriate sink to ensure the desired additional clearance space without having to

mount the sink so high that it results in exposing holes in the tile from the previous mount. While

such installments don’t require a professional, they may be useful, with companies like Home

Depot and Lowes providing the services and quotes specific to the job. Sources, such as
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homewyse.com estimate the average cost for a bathroom sink professional installation around

$275-333 (“Cost to Install,” 2018).

Lavatory mirror. The mirror is mounted directly into the drywall, flush with the border

of tile that encircles the bathroom. The bottom of the mirror is 49” from the floor, 9 inches

higher than ADA regulation, limiting effective access for patrons seated in mobility devices.

Mounting the mirror at an ADA compliant height would require the installation of a built-up

surface on the drywall to provide a flush mounting surface with the tile. A local finish carpenter,

C. Blaser of Driftwood Carpentry LLC, reported an estimate of approximately $300 for labor and

material for this job (Personal communication, November 13, 2018).

Lavatory faucet and soap dispenser. The faucet has two knobs, requiring the

appropriate grip and ability to twist the knobs in both directions for effective use. In addition to

the faucet’s inaccessibility with a single closed-fist, the soap is provided in a freestanding pump

which is difficult to manipulate with a closed-fist. An automatic soap dispenser and an

ergonomic faucet would provide easy access for individuals with physical limitations. Home

Depot has multiple options, including a $15.98 wall-mounted automatic soap dispenser and a

$22.50 freestanding option (“Otto Sensor Pump,” n.d.). Home Depot also has center-set faucets

ranging between $20-30 that can be functionally controlled with a single fisted hand (“Bathroom

Faucet,” n.d.).

Autism

Environmental distractions. Customers on the autism spectrum may be overwhelmed

by the music in the studio. It is often very loud, however this varies from instructor to instructor

with some preferring louder music than others. Additionally, when classes are full, there is a lot

of movement that can be distracting and overwhelming. Moore does have earplugs available for
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customers to use if they do not like the music volume. Certain times of the day may also pose

environmental distractions. In the morning, it can be very bright because the windows face east,

and this often makes the room hot as well. People who are sensory sensitive may have difficulty

attending classes at this time of day.

Possible solutions include offering specific classes with fewer sensory distractions such

as quieter music, less intense lighting, and a restricted number of people. Adding blinds or roller

shades could help modify the environment so that it is less bright, and more less hot as far as

temperature goes. Home Depot has blinds available at $372.75 for five panels 59 by 84 inches

(“Faux Wood Blind,” n.d.). Home Depot also has roller shades that would cost $125.85 for five

panels that are 59 by 72 inches (“White Cordless Light Filtering,” n.d.). Neither blind option

would cover the full window but could cover the bottom portions.

Some customers choose to wear sunglasses when they attend classes when the studio is

bright. Inexpensive sunglasses can be purchased at discountmugs.com for $.50 a pair with a logo

attached (“Two Tone Plastic Sunglasses,” n.d.). The business could have these available for free

use, and sanitize them after use, give them to customers who are sensitive to the light, or sell

them at a low cost.

Eating Disorders

Imagery and body diversity. While the owner communicated efforts made to provide a

safe space for individuals with or at risk for eating disorders, additional efforts could benefit their

clientele. The imagery around the studio could be used to support a health at every size/ability

approach, but the photos utilized demonstrate a limited aesthetic of health. This is likely done in

an effort to provide motivation and encouragement, but the limited representation of body

diversity can perpetuate harmful stigmas and has the potential to alienate and trigger vulnerable
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVALUATION 8

patrons during classes. While the company’s brochure and website have a few examples of

women with moderately sized bodies, that is not represented in the large prints along the studio

walls. In addition to the support that this studio already provides by negating the use of mirrors

in their gym, they could strengthen the safety of this environment by diversifying the imagery

around the studio. This also relates to physical disabilities as the imagery represented in house

and in publications does not represent the accessibility provided at the studio.

Although there is an increasing awareness of the importance of diverse representation in

stock imagery, there is still a limited amount of quality photos representing diversity in size and

ability when depicting health and exercise. While that is a viable option for increasing the body

diversity represented in the studios imagery, it may be useful to consider diversifying inhouse

photography. This would provide the chance to match the current aesthetic and provide

cohesiveness in the diverse representation of health. Prices for high quality stock images vary

depending on the vendor, from free access to packages or monthly memberships that range from

$49 per month (“Plans for Individuals,” n.d.), $33-$60 per image depending on size and

resolution (“Save with Flexible,” n.d.), to $450 for large HD image downloads (“Spectacular

Images,” n.d.).

Expanding through inhouse photoshoots is an option with multiple factors that would

influence the cost. According to smallbusiness.costhelper.com commercial photographers costs

typically range from $65-$300 per hour. In addition to the cost of acquiring the image, large

prints like the ones displayed in the studio range in price. Some local options for large canvas

prints include Staples and Costco, with sizes and costs ranging from $124.99 for a 24 by 36-inch

print, to $279.99 for a 40 by 60-inch print. While the studio may have specific vendors and
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVALUATION 9

companies that they utilize for such jobs, these examples provide a possible range for the costs

associated with expanding the body diversity represented in the studio’s prints.

Website Accessibility Evaluation

Areas of Compliance

The studio is a franchise of Jazzercise Inc. with information on the website

https://www.jazzercise.com/ that is developed and maintained through the corporate office. The

website provides skip navigation links to enable optimal access for screen readers. Contact

information is easily accessible for corporate address, email, phone, and fax. Links provide text

descriptions and the website is viewable with visitor web-browsers and operating systems. The

website appears to be easily navigated by people with a variety of physical disabilities. It is easy

to read, and intuitive to use.

Barriers to Accessibility

Though there do not appear to be barriers on the website to the populations specifically

addressed in this assessment, it is not ideal for other populations. Currently the Jazzercise

website does not offer captioning on videos and pictures that describe what is being depicted.

This is problematic for clients who have low vision who depend on software to read website

content to them. Additionally, online forms do not provide HTML tags for easy

navigation. Descriptive captions that identify what is occurring in a picture or video could be

added in order to improve website accessibility compliance. These captions would be beneficial

to clients with low vision or low literacy rates because software that reads text would be able to

give them a full description of what is being depicted. Captions would also be beneficial for

people who are hard of hearing to provide content information that they are unable to hear in a

video. HTML tags could be added to online forms to improve ease of navigation. It would also
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be highly beneficial to have groups representing people with disabilities give feedback on the

website to improve accessibility for diverse groups.

Site Response

Moore, the owner of the Jazzercise studio expressed her gratitude regarding our

evaluation of her site. She is constantly striving to make her studio feel like a safe space for

people of all ability levels, and appreciated the feedback regarding ADA accessibility, ways to

make the studio feel welcoming to people with autism, and suggestions to promote a healthy

body image. She has customers with known physical disabilities and wants to accommodate

them to the best of her ability, additionally, her niece has Down syndrome, and Moore wants to

make sure that the studio is a place she can feel welcome and included. Moore would like to get

the word out that she works with clients of all ability levels and welcomes those with disabilities

to participate as she can modify workouts to be effective for all ability levels. She noted that the

suggestions provided will help her better serve a more diverse clientele. She did not give

specific examples of changes she is going to make but did express that she will take them into

consideration and implement them if practical (A. Moore, personal communication, November

14, 2018).
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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVALUATION 12

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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVALUATION 13

187237482501&i=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9NbdBRCwARIsAPLsnFZ_9AaVefbPhcbLg0nh

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