This past July 26th was the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law prohibits discrimination against individuals in every area of life, including in the workplace and in public. It also decrees that all public spaces must be accessible and that businesses ensure equal access for all. In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments (ADAAA) were signed and became law in 2009. This law introduced more changes to increase accessibility.
Many small business owners may not be aware of the ADA and ADAA acts. As a business owner, you’re required by law to have accessibility features and access in place. 1 in 4 Americans is disabled. Businesses that fail to comply with ADA guidelines or make changes to be more accessible could face potential lawsuits and legal action.
A New York Times article highlighted the struggle between disability advocates and small business owners. The article highlights a small restaurant that became the subject of a lawsuit after a disabled man was denied accessible treatment. He has filed more than 180 lawsuits over time against businesses that were not complying with ADA requirements.
This article highlights the growing divide between business owners and the disabled community. Many owners want to comply, but they either don’t know how or do the bare minimum, which denies disabled persons the right to accessibility. Disabled people are then faced with accepting this treatment or filing lawsuits to make businesses follow the law. It’s unfair to disabled people when they have to fight for accessibility and equal rights, even when it’s required by law.
If you are concerned that your business is not fully compliant with ADA requirements, it’s time to make it right. Reach out to the disabled community or hire a consultant who can advise you on fulfilling your specific requirements. Disabled persons should not have to fight for accessibility. Instead, if you are willing to make the changes, you will be better able to serve your customers and your community, which benefits us all.
Once you’ve identified the changes or upgrades you need to make, let us help. We offer facility management services. So instead of finding your own local, reliable service providers, you can call us, and we can arrange for local providers to help you make the changes.
Every business should be accessible to every person. That’s the law, but it’s more than that. It’s an equal right that we all deserve as human beings. If you are unsure if you are doing your part to decrease barriers and increase accessibility for the disabled community, contact your local ADA regional center.
