The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), in partnership with the Board, organized a competition for the design of a transfer device that can be used to facilitate access to amusement rides. Guidelines the Board issued under the ADA for amusement rides permit use of a transfer device but do not include design specifications. The goal of the design competition was to inspire creative solutions for such a device, specifically one that could serve rides that have seats lower than load platforms which pose particular transfer challenges.
Entries from engineering and accessibility design professionals and college students were received. A panel organized by IAAPA and the Board reviewed the designs and selected the top three designs. The three winning design teams, each from the University of Kansas School of Mechanical Engineering, will receive monetary awards.
“While we do not endorse or approve these proposals as the only solution to disabled access to amusement park rides, we hope this exercise has stimulated a train of thought on a design to enable individuals with limitations to more amusement park rides,” said J. Clark Robinson, IAAPA President and CEO. “Each of these teams shows great ingenuity and we could see the value in these students exploring realistic options for having their ideas implemented.”
The first place design consists of a moveable base that has a rotating post containing an arm-like beam attached to it. The beam, with a seat at its end, slides up and down the post, thus placing the individual in the ride. The first place team will receive additional funding to construct a desktop model of its design to be showcased at IAAPA’s annual expo, which will be held November 14–19, 2005 in Atlanta.
“We commend the student design teams for the creativity they demonstrated in designing transfer devices to be used by persons with disabilities in gaining access to amusement rides," noted Jan Tuck, Chair of the Access Board. "We look forward to continued innovation in the development of these important devices that enable individuals with disabilities to more fully enjoy all types of amusement rides.”
Winners (University of Kansas School of Mechanical Engineering Teams)
- 1st Place ($5000): Tyler Docking, Matthew Hess, Carla Hines, Francis Hitschmann
- 2nd place ($500): Chris Anderson, Jesse Burns, Chris Dvorak, Tanner Rinke
- 3rd Place ($200): Adrien Bender, Randy Clover, Paul Rankin, Mark Wolfe
For more information, visit IAAPA’s website at www.iaapa.org.
Related Board Materials: