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Studio Pacifica
@studiopacifica.bsky.social
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accessibility consulting + education for inclusion
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studiopacifica.bsky.social
Earlier this year, we joined SeattleFWC26’s AAC members at a Seattle Reign game. As a bonus, the OneCourt team demoed their tactile broadcasting device. Through haptic feedback, the user can track the action on the field through their fingertips.
Thanks again to SeatleFWC26 and to OneCourt!
A photograph of festivities ahead of the Reign game. Three people hold three vertical flags with the Reign’s team insignia. Behind them, a large group of people pull taut a flag the size of the soccer field’s center circle. The large flag reads, “Let It Reign.”
December 5, 2025 at 7:18 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
You sports fans may have heard that the FIFA World Cup is coming to Seattle in 2026— and today is the draw! We’re proud to share that one of our team members has joined the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 local organizing committee.
A photograph of a user testing OneCourt’s tactile broadcasting device. The accompanying visual feed of a basketball game plays on a laptop nearby.
December 5, 2025 at 7:18 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
In memory of beloved disability rights activist and writer Alice Wong, we’ve selected her memoir “Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life” for this month’s #StudioPacificaBookClub selection. Featured in this carousel are some quotes that most stood out to our team.
White text on an orange background reads, “When something can’t be fixed, then the question is what can we build instead?” Words by Alice Wong, Disability Rights Advocate and Writer. White text on an teal background reads, “The many identities you hold and your lived experiences are not in conflict with each other; they make you sharp, whole, and extraordinary.” Words by Alice Wong, Disability Rights Advocate and Writer. White text on an orange background reads, “Good shit takes time. Extend time, bend time, crip time.” Words by Alice Wong, Disability Rights Advocate and Writer. White text on an orange background reads, “Adaptation is care work. Adaptation is survival. Adaptation is a negotiation between the past and the present. Adaptation is a science and art. Adaptation pushes boundaries and creates new futures.” Words by Alice Wong, Disability Rights Advocate and Writer.
December 2, 2025 at 11:28 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
If you’d like to schedule a training, please DM us or email [email protected] to find out more.
Grey text on a white background reads, “Interested in scheduling a training? To learn more, DM us or email hi@studiopacificaseattle.com. Remember— This series broadly highlights significant changes and should not serve as a complete interpretation of the code nor as a substitute for code consultation. Always refer to the applicable code and contact us with specific project questions. We would love to help!”
November 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
Though we do not advocate for less accessible conditions, we love to share the “why." This 9 square foot maximum is informed by the reach range from a wheelchair. When designing spaces with counters, having an understanding of these ergonomics can strengthen the design and overall usability.
Grey text on a white background reads, “Change Significance. Though we do not advocate for less accessible conditions, this new exception clarifies the acceptable maximum square footage of corner counter space that can be without an accessible outlet.” Grey text on a white background reads, “Change Significance. This maximum is informed by the reach range from a wheelchair. When designing spaces with counters, having an understanding of these ergonomics can strengthen the design and overall usability.”
November 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
An update unto itself, exceptions that previously were found in other locations of the standard have been added to Section 309. In addition to the existing exceptions, there are two new ones. Here, we’re focusing on the exception which addresses outlets located in corners at spaces with countertops.
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017, 309.1 Operable Parts. Operable parts shall comply with Section 309. Exceptions previously found in other locations of the standard have been added to Section 309. There are two new exceptions, one of which addresses outlets located in corners. The other provides an exemption for emergency features that are not intended for use by the occupants.” Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017, 309.1 Operable Parts. Exception 3. In a kitchen, where a clear floor space for a parallel approach cannot be located at a counter top in a corner between appliances, receptacle outlets over the counter top shall not be required to comply with this section provided that the counter top area does not exceed 9 square feet maximum.” Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017, 309.1 Operable Parts, Exception 3. If counter top area exceeds 9 square feet, an accessible outlet is required.” A diagram illustrates the corner condition. Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017, 309.1 Operable Parts, Exception 3 Supporting Diagram.” A diagram illustrates reach range from a wheelchair.
November 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
In the penultimate edition of “Top 10 Significant Changes to the ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard,” we’re looking at a new exception for operable parts.
Grey text on a white background reads, “Top 10 Significant Changes to the ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard, 309.1 Operable Parts, 9.”
November 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
Thank you to our project partners Runberg Architecture Group for inviting us to Mercy Housing Northwest ’s Power of Home event last week! #MHNWPOH25 #PowerOfHome
A photograph of Studio Pacifica team members smiling at the event. A purple table tent reads, “Power of Home Fundraiser 2025. Join the Conversation. #MHNWPOH25”
October 9, 2025 at 7:42 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
In honor of “Week Without Driving,” we’re highlighting the book “When Driving Is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency,” authored by our friend, colleague, and disability rights advocate, Anna Zivarts.
Karen’s hand holds up the book “When Driving Is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency” by Anna Zivarts against a colorful quilt backdrop.
October 3, 2025 at 8:00 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
As Disability Pride month comes to a close, we're sharing our updated letter board which honors the mantra of the Gang of 19, whose protests for accessible public transit played a role in igniting the disability rights movement.
A black letter board with white letters reads, "We Will Ride" A photo by Glen Martin shows several protestors lying in front of a transit bus. Photo credit: Glen Martin/The Denver Post via Getty Images
July 31, 2025 at 11:05 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
If you’d like to schedule a training, please DM us or email [email protected] to find out more.
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard 403.5.4 Passing Space, Existing Construction.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions. Grey text on a white background reads, “Change Significance. The standard has been modified to reflect the options available for T-turns. Once again, this change is intended to accommodate the diversity of current wheeled mobility devices in new construction.” Grey text on a white background reads, “Interested in scheduling a training? To learn more, DM us or email hi@studiopacificaseattle.com. Remember— This series broadly highlights significant changes and should not serve as a complete interpretation of the code nor as a substitute for code consultation. Always refer to the applicable code and contact us with specific project questions. We would love to help!”
July 31, 2025 at 9:25 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
It remains that in both new and existing buildings and facilities, it remains that an accessible route with a clear width less than 60 inches shall provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet maximum. In this case, updates to the standard are driven by modifications to the T-turn options.
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard 403.5.4 Passing Space. In both new and existing buildings and facilities, it remains that an accessible route with a clear width less than 60 inches shall provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet maximum.” Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard 403.5.4 Passing Space. In new construction, passing spaces shall be either a 60-inch minimum square space or an intersection of two walking surfaces that provide a T-shape turning space, provided the base and arms extend 52 inches minimum beyond the intersection.” Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard 403.5.4 Passing Space, New + Existing Construction.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions. Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard 403.5.4 Passing Space, New Construction.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions.
July 31, 2025 at 9:25 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
In this week’s edition of “Top 10 Significant Changes to the ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard,” we’re taking a closer look at updates to passing space.
Grey text on a white background reads, “Top 10 Significant Changes to the ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard, 403.5.4 Passing Space, 8.”
July 31, 2025 at 9:25 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
If you’d like to schedule a training, please DM us or email [email protected] to find out more.
Grey text on a white background reads, “Interested in scheduling a training? To learn more, DM us or email hi@studiopacificaseattle.com. Remember— This series broadly highlights significant changes and should not serve as a complete interpretation of the code nor as a substitute for code consultation. Always refer to the applicable code and contact us with specific project questions. We would love to help!”
July 26, 2025 at 5:55 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
The provisions for existing and facilities in Section 403.5.2.2 are requirements that were included in the 2009 edition of the standard and will not result in any changes for existing buildings.
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.3 Clear Width at 90° Turn. In existing buildings and facilities, where an accessible route makes a 90-degree turn, the clear widths approaching and leaving the turn shall remain 36 inches minimum.” Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017, 403.5.3 Clear Width at 90° Turn, Existing.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions. Grey text on a white background reads, “Change Significance. The standard has been modified to accommodate the diversity of current wheeled mobility devices in new construction. Research indicates Option 1 serves the greatest percentage of the population, but all are deemed acceptable.”
July 26, 2025 at 5:55 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
Research indicates Option 1 serves the greatest percentage of the population, but all are deemed acceptable. (Please refer to the code for exceptions.)
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.3 Clear Width at 90° Turn, Option 1.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions. Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.3 Clear Width at 90° Turn, Option 2.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions. Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.3 Clear Width at 90° Turn, Option 3.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions. Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.3 Clear Width at 90° Turn, Option 4.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions.
July 26, 2025 at 5:55 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
Similarly to clear widths at 180-degree turns, the requirements have been split into provisions for both new and existing buildings and facilities— and again, this is due to the standard being modified to accommodate the diversity of current wheeled mobility devices in new construction.
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.3 Clear Width at 90° Turn. In new buildings and facilities, where an accessible route makes a 90-degree turn, the clear widths approaching and leaving the turn shall be one of these four options:”
July 26, 2025 at 5:54 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
In the 7th installment of “Top 10 Significant Changes to the ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard,” we’re highlighting clear widths at 90-degree turns.
Grey text on a white background reads, “Top 10 Significant Changes to the ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard, 403.5.3 Clear Width at 90 Degree Turn, 7.”
July 26, 2025 at 5:54 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
In honor of Disability Pride Month and the 35th Anniversary of the ADA, this month's #StudioPacificaBookClub recommendation comes from our marketing coordinator, K Wheeler: “A Disability History of the United States” by Kim E. Nielsen. (For more recommendations, find us on @TheStoryGraph.com.)
Karen’s hand holds up the book “A Disability History of the United States” by Kim E. Nielsen against a colorful quilt backdrop.
July 23, 2025 at 3:25 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
(1/4) We are just over halfway through Disability Pride Month and today, we’d like to share a little bit about the Disability Pride flag.
Set against a faded black background, a band of five differently colored stripes cross diagonally from the top left to the bottom right. In order from (relative) left to right, the stripes are red, yellow, white, blue, green.
July 18, 2025 at 6:29 PM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
(5/5) The requirements have been split into provisions for both new and existing buildings and facilities— and again, this is because the standard has been modified to accommodate the diversity of current wheeled mobility devices in new construction.
Grey text on a white background reads, “Change Significance. The requirements have been split into provisions for both new and existing buildings and facilities— and again, this is because the standard has been modified to accommodate the diversity of current wheeled mobility devices in new construction.” Grey text on a white background reads, “Interested in scheduling a training? To learn more, DM us or email hi@studiopacificaseattle.com. Remember— This series broadly highlights significant changes and should not serve as a complete interpretation of the code nor as a substitute for code consultation. Always refer to the applicable code and contact us with specific project questions. We would love to help!”
July 1, 2025 at 2:09 AM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
(4/5) In existing buildings and facilities, the size of the object (or obstruction) around which an accessible route makes a 180-degree turn (or U-turn) remains 48 inches minimum.
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn. In existing buildings and facilities, the size of the object (or obstruction)around which an accessible route makes a 180-degree turn (or U-turn) remains 48 inches minimum.” Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn. In existing buildings and facilities, where the size of the object is less than 48 inches, the clear widths approaching and leaving the turn must be 42 inches minimum and during the turn, must be 48 inches minimum.” Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn, Existing.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions for the existing exception. Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn, Existing – Exception.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions for the existing exception.
July 1, 2025 at 2:09 AM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
(3/5) In new buildings and facilities, where the size of the object is less than 52 inches, the clear widths approaching, during, and leaving the turn must comply with one of three options.
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn. In new buildings and facilities, where the size of the object is less than 52 inches, the clear widths approaching, during, and leaving the turn must comply with one of three options: ” Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn, Option 1.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions. Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn, Option 2.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions. Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn, Option 3.” A diagram illustrates the dimensions.
July 1, 2025 at 2:09 AM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
(2/5) In new buildings and facilities, the size of the object (or obstruction) around which an accessible route makes a 180-degree turn (or U-turn) has been increased to 52 inches minimum.
Grey text on a white background reads, “ICC A117.1-2017 403.5.2 Clear Width at 180° Turn. In new buildings and facilities, the size of the object (or obstruction) around which an accessible route makes a 180-degree turn (or U-turn) has been increased to 52 inches minimum.”
July 1, 2025 at 2:09 AM
studiopacifica.bsky.social
(1/5) Aaand we’re back for the second half of our “Top 10 Significant Changes to the ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard!” This week, we’re highlighting clear widths at 180-degree turns.
July 1, 2025 at 2:09 AM