Every customer-facing business wants to make its premises accessible for as many people as possible. However, when you’re running your own business and aren’t disabled yourself, you might not know what makes your California property accessible to people with disabilities. As such, you might get hit with an ADA lawsuit without intentionally doing anything wrong. As you’re getting your business off the ground, here are some things to watch out for to make sure the premises are ADA compliant.
Entrances and parking lots
Having ADA-compliant entryways means making sure your entryways are wide enough for wheelchairs to go through. If you have stairs, you need to have an alternate entrance with a ramp that is wheelchair-friendly. Some people will install ramps too steep for people with wheelchairs to use without sliding backward.
Parking lots must have a wheelchair-accessible spot with room next to it in case the person is using a van with a ramp. In addition, these signs need to be clearly visible, and the parking lot lines marking off the space for the van ramp to be used must be well-maintained.
Accidental barriers
If walkways become blocked or incredibly narrowed by the way furniture is arranged or other barriers in place, you’re in violation of ADA compliance. It’s up to you and your employees to keep all main walkways clear and wide enough for a person with a wheelchair to get through without hassle.
Restrooms
Having restrooms with no handlebars in at least one stall, or stalls that aren’t big enough for people in wheelchairs or crutches to maneuver in, is a huge violation of ADA law. There are also other things to look out for, like toilet seat height and sink height. Having a handicap stall doesn’t mean anything if a person also can’t wash their hands afterward.
Avoiding ADA lawsuits
If you’re worried about your business being in violation of ADA compliance laws, an ADA defense law firm may be able to help you understand your responsibilities as a business owner. You may want to ask a lawyer about changes that you must implement to avoid being subject to a lawsuit.