The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. Business owners need to comply with ADA regulations by making sure their facilities and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a business owner, Title III of the ADA outlines the responsibilities of private businesses to make sure their premises are non-discriminatory and accessible to people with disabilities. These responsibilities include the following.
Communication
Your business premises must accommodate individuals with speech, hearing, vision or other communication impairments by providing effective means of communication. This includes offering sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices and providing written materials in accessible formats such as Braille, large print or electronic text. It’s also important to provide captioning for videos and to make sure that any visual information, such as signs or instructions, is accessible to individuals with vision impairments. Providing these services helps ensure that all customers can access important information and fully participate in your business activities.
Building accessibility
When constructing a building or modifying an existing one for business purposes, you must make sure that the premises are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing accessible entrances with ramps, automatic doors or other features to better ensure people with mobility impairments can enter easily. Restrooms must meet accessibility standards, with properly sized stalls, grab bars and sinks or mirrors at appropriate heights. Doorways and hallways should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and door handles should be operable with one hand and without tight grasping. Elevators must be available for multi-story buildings, and floor surfaces should be smooth and slip-resistant.
Service accessibility
Your business should provide equal access to services by modifying usual ways of delivery. This may include offering curbside pickup, extended hours or alternative formats for services. You might also need to adjust processes, such as providing assistance with forms or offering alternative payment methods, to help ensure individuals with disabilities can fully access your services.
Knowledgeable legal guidance can help your business understand and implement ADA compliance measures, better-ensuring accessibility and avoiding potential litigation.