The Americans with Disabilities Act was a law that was passed to ensure those with disabilities will not experience discrimination in public places, such as restaurants. This made establishments become compliant with the law or face dire consequences.

While highly effective, there are still lapses in enforcing the law because some buildings unintentionally don’t take the law into account. Not only that, but some businesses often fail to comply. It has gotten to a point where there are already various reoccurring issues, which we’ll discuss in this article. Read on below to get started.

#1 – No Accessible Parking

Parking isn’t just a convenience. It’s also a requirement when it comes to accessibility. For people with disabilities, you’ll have access to the building to have a better time in a given establishment.

You can’t do that if it’s hard for you to get to the parking lot in the first place. It’s a deterrent, no matter how close the parking lot is. If you can’t arrive at a parking lot, then it’s likely you won’t want to go to the establishment anymore.

#2 – Lacking the Appropriate Parking Signage

The parking lot may be accessible to those with disabilities, but that doesn’t mean the place is. Think of the parking lot as a stepping stone to the actual structure, the building.

Be sure the parking lot has the proper signage to park there before going in. One way to make it easier is by having specific parking spaces for those with disabilities. It’s like reserving tables or seats at a restaurant, but it’s for those with disabilities this time.

You’re also going to want to ensure the signage is clear, so others can’t park there by mistake. If a business can do this, then the chances of welcoming people with disabilities will increase.

#3 – No Appropriate Restrooms

You have to consider the type of restrooms accessible to those with disabilities. Remember, some people with disabilities may need assistance when going to the bathroom.

As such, you’ll want to ensure appropriate accessible restrooms in the business. Both men and women should also use the bathroom. The door should also be able to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

#4 – Banning Service Animals

Under the ADA, you can bring your service animal with you to an establishment. Most people with disabilities rely on service animals due to their abilities. Even if you don’t need a service animal, it’s still a good idea to bring along one to provide your service animal company.

Service animals may be treated like any other pet, but make no mistake: they’re there for disabled people. Service animals can be used in public, so it should be the same for an establishment. If a person’s service animal is banned from a business, the company isn’t ADA compliant.

#5 – No Wheelchair Ramps

Wheelchair ramps are highly-essential when it comes to those with disabilities. They can help wheelchair-users access buildings that are otherwise difficult to get to.

Being wheelchair-accessible is one of the main requirements for ADA regulations. If you’re going to have a business, you need to accommodate the needs of those with disabilities.

#6 – Not Putting up ADA-Compliant Signs

It’s not just the parking space that should have a sign, but also the establishment itself. Having an ADA-compliant sign is necessary, so people with disabilities can easily identify that the place is ADA compliant and accessible.

The ADA-compliant sign should be posted in the front of the establishment. This way, everyone can know that everyone with disabilities can access and enter the place.

The Consequences

Fines are the most common consequence for an establishment that doesn’t comply with ADA law. The fines range between $75,000 and $150,000, which are by no means easy money.

Additionally, you could also face a lawsuit. All it takes is for someone to file a complaint against you, then the government investigates the complaint. If they can prove the complaint to be accurate, they can fine you.

Conclusion

Ensuring ADA law compliance is the best thing any business can do to welcome people with disabilities. If you aren’t compliant, you aren’t giving everyone the same fair treatment. It’s about giving everyone an equal chance to go wherever they like, regardless of their disabilities.

If you’re looking to make your building ADA compliant a good place to start is with ADA lavatory clearance in the restroom. If you are looking for inspection tools for public establishments, All Things Inspector has what you need! We have various specialty tools to ensure that establishments follow safety and ADA standards, all for affordable prices. Simply go to our website and take your pick!