In June 2024, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 will go into effect invoking some of the most protective, child safety standards the industry has seen to-date. The standards will require window covering products to be cordless, have inaccessible or short cords, or installed using a compliant tension device that prohibits the formation of a hazardous loop.
The industry changes are not retroactive and many facilities, like Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut (RMHCT), were not included and had older window technology. However, new shorter cords would leave a large portion of their residents unable to adjust their window coverings which include children and people with disabilities.
A Pilot Project
Local facility, RMHCT, was one of those sites. The local facility provides a home away from home for up-to 18 families visiting four area hospitals. In late 2023, House Manager, Melissa Kenniston, received a call from Rollease Acmeda’s team to replace their beaded chain roller shades, one of many included in the new ANSI/WCMA standards update.
“When they called,” says Kenniston, “My first thought was, ‘Is this real? You really want to donate all of this?’ I couldn’t believe it. Our facility was designed to feel homey and cheerful. There are a ton of windows. It sounded expensive.”
The team explained the new regulations. They also emphasized the increased accessibility the motors and attached wands would provide to their families and staff.
The wands are especially easy for children to use,” says Rollease Acmeda Hardware Product Manager and project lead, Matthew Weitz. “They don’t have to pull or tug on something and the wand itself is hooked to a motor, making it less likely to fall out or hurt anyone.”
Following two scouting visits, Weitz’s team started a pilot project in the facility’s living room and lobby. The pilot gave RMHCT an opportunity to test out the wands and assess their functionality.
Following two scouting visits, Weitz’s team started a pilot project in the facility’s living room and lobby. The pilot gave RMHCT an opportunity to test out the wands and assess their functionality.
The attached wands were important to RMHCT who feared other types of products might go missing or their young guests might take them down to play with.
A Quick and Simple Motorized Retrofit
Rollease was given the green light, to install motors on 80+ windows on three floors. The company would be donating an excess of motorized units to RMHCT to retrofit all reachable windows in every room and covering the installation.
On installation day, RMHCT was nearly 100% occupied. The team of eight technicians made a plan to get in and out of each room as quickly as possible to respect the privacy of each family.
“We were so impressed,” shared Kenniston. “So much of what our families are going through is difficult and we try to ease that in any way we can. The team from Rollease Acmeda came in with a great attitude and carried out their tasks with compassion and respect." The team completed the entire retrofit project in a day.
A Valuable Resource And A Luxury Product
During the install, Rollease also consulted on an area at the front of the building designed to let in an abundance of natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows. The organization expressed concern about safety and privacy issues in the early morning and evening hours. They were constantly on display. Rollease Acmeda connected RMHCT with a local fabric company to donate additional window coverings for the area, giving staff and families added peace-of-mind.
The final result was met with glowing reviews from staff and families. “It feels hi-tech, being able to use the shades at the touch of a button.”
Installation Snap Shot
- 80+ motorized retrofits
- 18+ rooms
- Quick and simple switch from manual to motorized