ADA Push Buttons: The Best Intercom to Meet ADA Compliance

When operating a business or public building, it’s crucial that anyone can easily access the property regardless of their physical capabilities. For that reason, ADA push buttons serve as an essential feature for people with disabilities.

However, how do multifamily and commercial properties maintain physical security while meeting ADA compliance? Well, it’s vital to find an ADA-compliant video intercom that empowers tenants and guests of all capabilities to simply access the property.

So, in this blog, you’ll discover what the best ADA-compliant video intercom is, how ADA push buttons work, and the types of ADA buttons. Most importantly, you’ll learn why they’re important for buildings.

This post covers:

• Best video intercom with ADA push button
• What is an ADA push button?
• Types of ADA buttons
• How does an ADA push button work?
• Why are ADA buttons necessary?

Best video intercom with ADA push button

The best video intercom with an ADA button is ButterflyMX.

ButterflyMX is a cloud-based access control company that’s been installed in more than 10,000 buildings. Since 2014, ButterflyMX’s flagship product, the video intercom, has been used by more than one million daily active users thanks to its intuitive interface and ease of use.

The most recent model of the ButterflyMX video intercom features an ADA button at the bottm of the device. It’s designed for users with visual impairments to use the intercom without needing to navigate the touchscreen. Upon pressing the button, the video intercom calls the building’s representative. From the representative’s phone, they can speak with the individual before letting them inside.

In addition to being ADA-compliant, the ButterflyMX video intercom features:

• Multiple credentials. Enable your residents to use any credential they like because the ButterflyMX video intercom supports a mobile app, PIN code, key cards, and fobs. Your residents will enjoy the convenience of entering the property while feeling safe.
• Audit log. Record anyone who enters the property using ButterflyMX with a detailed audit log. The video intercom takes time- and date-stamped wide-angle photos of all entry events. That way, you can act on potential security breaches more effectively.
• Delivery management. Grant independent access to major couriers with delivery PINs. In turn, delivery drivers can access the property without issues, eliminating residents’ fears of missed or delayed packages.
• Integrations. Manage all of your property’s hardware and software in one place by integrating the ButterflyMX video intercom with security cameras, smart locks, management software, and more. Then, property staff spend less time managing access and more time taking care of tenants.
• ButterflyMX ecosystem. Use the video intercom alongside ButterflyMX’s extensive suite of access control products to unify access property-wide. You’ll not only improve the overall security and safety of your property but also add convenience for your staff and tenants with a simple platform that’s accessible via a mobile app or online dashboard.

Learn how ButterflyMX works:

What is an ADA push button?

Generally, ADA buttons are devices located next to an entryway designed to help a disabled individual access an area. In many cases, ADA buttons automatically open doors for users.

However, ADA-compliant buttons could perform other functions. For example, a user with visual impairments may use an ADA button to speak with a representative because they’re unable to navigate a user interface that would grant them access.

ADA door buttons are commonly in the form of large faceplates that read “PUSH TO OPEN.” Older buttons featured a wheelchair icon, but it has since been removed for inclusivity purposes.

Types of ADA buttons

While ADA push button door openers are most commonly metal faceplates, there are many different types available for buildings and their occupants.

The most common types of ADA buttons you’ll find are:

• Touchless buttons. Also known as “wave to open” buttons, these switches aren’t technically buttons. Nonetheless, they are simple to use, requiring a user to swipe their hand in front of it to activate the door.
• Push buttons. As mentioned above, push buttons appear as square or circular metal faceplates with “PUSH TO OPEN” stenciled on them. These faceplates come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, but all perform the same function of opening a door when pressed.
• Push-to-exit buttons. ADA push-to-exit buttons are designed for people with disabilities to ensure the door they’re exiting unlocks and opens automatically for them.
• Column push plates. Similar to push buttons, column push plates are essentially bollard columns with a stainless steel or aluminum faceplate on the entirety of one side. With these ADA-compliant buttons, a user doesn’t have to worry about reaching up or down to press a button. Instead, their hand can rest where it is and easily open the door.
• Remote control. Lastly, remote control ADA devices are ideal for those who have limited mobility, meaning pressing a faceplate or waving their hand is not ideal. The remote control is usually a fob the user presses, sending a signal to the door to open.

How does an ADA push button work?

When a user would like to enter, they press the button or wave their hand in front of a sensor. Then, a signal is sent to a mechanical arm installed at the top of the door. Upon receiving the signal, the door automatically opens for a short period of time before closing.

Why are ADA buttons necessary?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes ADA buttons a necessity for all business and public spaces.

The act became a law in 1990, and its purpose is to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. The ruling asserted that people with disabilities should have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. As a result, ADA compliance permeates throughout real estate, from the design process to long after construction is over.

Above all, ADA-compliant buttons and other compliance measures are important because they create welcoming and inclusive environments for people with disabilities. Without such devices, disabled individuals would either have a difficult time accessing a facility or be outright unable to enter. So, ADA push buttons enable these individuals to access the facilities, services, and products they require.