ADA Guide
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If you’re completely new to accessibility, you’ve come to the right place! We will start at the beginning.
Everyone should be free to go where they want and get the service they need with ease –regardless of any disability. This isn’t just ethical, but it’s also a legal requirement for any business to provide equal access. The civil rights movement of the 1960s did an incredible amount of good helping too pen up our society, making areas outside the home like the workplace, schools, and other public places available to everyone. However, the original gains of that movement still left space for improvement to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. After decades of hard work, a huge milestone was achieved on July 26, 1990, when the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) became law.
Most people are familiar with ADA compliance steps that have been taken in the physical world with wheel chair ramps, accessible parking, and accessibly designed retail locations. However, physical accessibility alone just isn’t enough in this digital-first world. Digital accessibility has become equally important as more businesses now also function on line. All businesses today must ensure that both their physical spaces and digital properties are accessible.
Compliance with the ADA protects your business from costly lawsuits and expands your customer base by welcoming everyone. While most litigation is driven by a real need for equal accessibility, there are, unfortunately, also some entities called “serial litigants,” that every business must be aware of. They are groups that target and drive lawsuits against businesses for not being ADA compliant as a part of their business model. These groups used to target brick and mortar businesses specifically, but now, as commerce has shifted online in droves, they also target websites and other digital properties of businesses, such as mobile apps and online platforms. Many organizations don’t understand that all their public digital assets MUST also be ADA compliant to avoid lawsuits and complaints. It can be a complex problem, but not dealing with it can cost you a great deal of money along with market share.
Private individuals can build a case in court and report the offending company to the Department of Justice. Civil penalties for ADA violations are typically under $75,000 for a first violation or $150,000 for any subsequent violation.
The Rise of Digital Accessibility Lawsuits
Bearing in mind all these facts, digital accessibility has become a critical business consideration. Similar to how the ADA governs physical spaces, there are specific regulations for ensuring that websites and digital tools are accessible.
Criteria for digital accessibility include:
Broader Audience Reach: Over1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. Make your digital assets accessible and open the door to a vast audience.
Legal Compliance: Non-compliance with digital accessibility standards can invite lawsuits similar to physical ADA violations.
Improved User Experience: Accessible websites must be easy to use for disabled users. Is your website compliant with current assistive technologies?
Corporate Social Responsibility: Prioritize accessibility and let your brand values reflect in your actions.
Digital Accessibility Compliance Regulations
Make your digital properties accessible by complying with the following regulations:
WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are international standards created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for creating accessible websites and digital content. Follow these rules to make your digital content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.
Section508: This US regulation requires federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding to ensure their digital tools and content are accessible.
EAA: The European Accessibility Act legislation mandates accessibility for products and services across the European Union.
Adhere to these regulations otherwise yourbusiness may face lawsuits and huge financial penalties. Further there might bethe loss of opportunities to connect with customers who rely on accessibledigital tools.
WhatDoes ADA Law Entail?
The law providesstandards around issues that help facilities be more open to the public. Beingup to code will help you avoid costly lawsuits, as well as allow your companyto expand its customer base. At first, conforming to standards may not seemlike the best prospect, but achieving ADA compliance can get easier than youthink.
Think Digital
The official ADA website quotes a study commissioned by the Sears Department store.Sears made 436 accommodations for ADA compliance between 1978 and 1992. Out ofthose, 69% had no cost at all, 28% cost less than $1,000, and only 3% cost morethan $1,000. There is a general misconception that the job of getting morecompliant is expensive. While remodeling a bathroom to make it handicapaccessible is definitely not free, federal and state governments often give taxincentives and grants to make the compliance process much easier.
Similarly, studies on digital accessibility have shown that addressing common issues is often more affordable than many businesses assume. 83.9% of homepages had issues like missing alternative text for images, which can often be resolved in under 15 minutes at minimal cost. Additionally, research indicates that 85% of accessibility problems can be fixed with simple coding adjustments, costing less than 1% of a website's overall development budget. These figures emphasize that digital accessibility improvements frequently fall within manageable budgets and offer significant long-term benefits.
Digital accessibility ensures that websites, apps, and online services are accessible to all by making provisions for people who have disabilities and those who use assistive technologies. It involves adding some critical features to your digital resources (websites, PDF documents, etc.) such as:
- Alternative text for images for people who use screen readers.
- Keyboard navigability for individuals who cannot use a mouse.
- Captioning for videos to assist individuals with hearing impairments.
- Clear and consistent layouts to help individuals with cognitive impairments navigate sites more easily.
Websites that don’t meet these accessibility standards can suffer lawsuits and limit their own market share. But it’s a complicated problem. Where do you start? How much digital accessibility is enough?
How ADA Compliance Professionals Can Help
It takes experts in digital accessibility to be successful, but you’ve found us already. At ADACP, we specialize in making your physical and digital spaces inclusive and can prevent you from a costly ADA lawsuit.
We provide simple, cost-effective, and impactful services that will start your journey in just a few weeks.
We offer:
1. Digital Accessibility Audits
We can evaluate your website, apps, and other digital assets for accessibility issues. Using tools and manual testing, we identify barriers and recommend actionable solutions.
2. VPAT Certification
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template-VPAT is essential if your business works with government entities. It alsoapplies to companies receiving federal funding. The VPAT certifies that yourdigital properties comply with Section 508 and other regulations. We documentour findings in a VPAT to give you and your clients peace of mind.
3.Compliance Strategy and Implementation
We guide you through WCAG compliance, ensuring your digital tools meet international accessibility standards. From alt-text for images to keyboard navigation, we cover every detail to make your digital assets user-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility is far more important than meeting legal requisites. It’s an ongoing process that must be a part of your business. When you create an inclusive environment for equal participation by adhering to accessibility laws, you open doors to opportunity and significantly reduce risk. From properly designed ramps to making your website WCAG-compliant, the goal is to make your business both legally compliant and welcoming to all.
At ADA Compliance Professionals, we are here to guide you on embracing inclusivity. Contact us today for a complete accessibility plan tailored to your needs.
These numbered sections should include links to these specific areas so the readers can take immediate action.
Expand your reach and show your commitment to inclusivity. Let’s make accessibility a priority for everyone.
ADAConstruction Compliance Guidelines
As we mentioned, digital compliance withADA rules includes the many elements of the digital world that must beconsidered by organizations today. Along with these, there are also real-worldfeatures that must be included in a holistic practice of accessibility.
Thefollowing is a brief list of accessibility considerations contractors take noteof for building projects:
1. ADA Parking
If you offer any parkingfor customers, a certain number of spaces within the shortest possibleaccessible entrance should be reserved. If your company building is largeenough to have multiple entrances, accessible spaces should be dispersed to beclose to each entrance.
Accessible parking spaceshould have at least 60 inches of space. Each space should have 5 feet wideaccess aisles with hatch marks so people will not park in them. The surface ofthe space must be smooth, stable, and mostly level in all directions to ensuresafe use. You must work to ensure that the accessible spaces and routes remainopen and in good condition in all kinds of weather conditions. The spacesshould be kept clear of snow, ice, or fallen leaves as much as possible.Furthermore, at least 1 in 8 of the total of accessible spaces must be vanaccessible. A van accessible space should be 11 feet wide, with access aislesadjacent to the passengers’ side.
Complete accessibleparking space features a sign, at least five feet off the ground, that includesthe International Symbol of Accessibility. Signs for van accessible spacesshould include the additional phrase “Van Accessible.”
Each state’s Departmentof Motor Vehicles is responsible for assessing physical challenges that wouldnecessitate using accessible parking, and issuing permits, consisting ofdistinctive license plates or placards. Local law enforcement is responsiblefor responding to unauthorized vehicles parking in accessible spaces.
1. ADA Ramps and Entrances
Not everyone is able touse stairs, a ramp with a slope of 1:12 must be provided as an alternative anda handrail must be provided if the slope is greater than 5 percent. The minimumwidth of the ramp is 36 inches, and the ramp can be no longer than 30 feetwithout a landing.
For the main entrance,there are a variety of door-types from which to choose. Dimensions for the ramplanding vary based on the type of door used and door openings are expected toprovide a clear width of at least 32 inches, measuring from the open door tothe opposite frame. To ensure a clear motion stepping inside, the door’sthreshold must be less than a half-inch off the ground. There should also be atleast 18 inches of clear space between the side of the door that swings out,and any obstruction or object in the space. Abiding by these ADA standards will enable individuals with disabilitiesfull access to commercial services.
2. ADA Bathrooms
According to ADA law, apublic bathroom needs to be accessible for any handicap. You can choose toinclude either separate accessible bathrooms, or create accessible stallswithin the bathroom, signaled with the International Access Symbol.
Toilets must be 17 to 19inches high, with a seat that can be easily lifted or put down. Automatic flushcontrol is preferred, or you can put a flusher on the wide side of the stall,no more than 40 inches from the floor. The toilet paper dispenser should bewithin reach while sitting on the toilet, and no more than 19 inches off theground.
There must be at leastone separate stall that meets a few other specifications. In this stall, thecenter line of the toilet must be exactly 18 inches from the side of the toiletto the wall, and with clear space more than 32 inches to the wall. If there areat least 6 stalls, at least one must be further outfitted with parallel grabbars on each side, and an outward swinging, self-closing door.
If there are no stalls,at least one toilet should have grab bars on both sides, with adequate clearingspace. Each grab bar should be exactly 33 inches from the floor, and at least54 inches along the side, and 36 inches long along the back.
ADA compliant sinksshould have a clear space of at least 30 by 48 inches, and the counter heightshould be no more than 34 inches. If there are exposed pipes underneath, makesure they are insulated and that all corners are free of sharp edges to avoidinjury. Faucets should be lever or push operated, or sensorycontrolled/automatic, running for at least 10 seconds.
3. ADA Compliant Commercial Spaces
ADA standards require that persons with disabilities be free to move around even outside aresidential area. Persons in wheelchairs should not be restricted from any areaopen to all. This means you must be sensitive to handicapped needs by reducingclutter, rearranging furniture, and making your aisles wide enough so there areno barriers to access. Generally, the minimum width of a clear aisle must be 32inches or more to allow a general wheelchair to pass through.
Also related to issues of access within your facilities, you should be aware of the height of any tables,reception, or sales counter, to ensure they are not so high as to restrict anyone from seeing beyond. Generally, there should be a 36 inches long part ofthe counter that should be between 24 and 34 inches high. Other parts of thecounter can be higher, as long as they remain close to the accessible section.If there is an opportunity for customer self-service, the design of the areashould avoid making a customer reach deeper than 20 inches, or higher than 44inches.
4. Visual and Hearing Impairments
The list of disabilitiesinvolves sensory impairments. Individuals with low vision or hearing are alsoprotected from exclusion by ADA laws, and so you must find a way to accommodatetheir needs for alternative means of communication. This need can be metthrough pictures, written notes, captions, or the presence of a sign languageinterpreter for the hard-of-hearing. Blind and low-vision can be accommodatedthrough braille or tactile signs, as well as messages that are spoken. Bathroomsigns and other building notices need to include braille and standardpictograms.
FREQUENTLYASKED QUESTIONS
Who Must Abide By ADA Standards?
The ADA standards foraccommodations apply to what the law terms public accommodation, defined as aprivately owned area that is also open to the public. The list includesrestaurants, hotels, theaters, banks, retail stores, doctors’ offices, schools,and other recreational and commercial spaces. An employee-only area may nothave the same accommodations, but space in your business that is open to allhas to truly make reasonable provisions so that a disability will not baranyone from access.
Under federal law, private clubs and religiousorganizations are exempt from ADA compliance. However, the ADA is only one partof handicap law. Many states have their own laws to ensure more stringentstandards of accessibility for construction design, such as California’s UnruhCivil Rights Act. For this reason, it may be important to get the help ofprofessionals like contractors who can supervise your property. An ADAcontractor can inform you of ways to deal with potential building constructionviolations.
If you’re completely new to accessibility, you’ve come to the right place! We will start at the beginning.
Everyone should be free to go where they want and get the service they need with ease –regardless of any disability. This isn’t just ethical, but it’s also a legal requirement for any business to provide equal access. The civil rights movement of the 1960s did an incredible amount of good helping too pen up our society, making areas outside the home like the workplace, schools, and other public places available to everyone. However, the original gains of that movement still left space for improvement to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. After decades of hard work, a huge milestone was achieved on July 26, 1990, when the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) became law.
Most people are familiar with ADA compliance steps that have been taken in the physical world with wheel chair ramps, accessible parking, and accessibly designed retail locations. However, physical accessibility alone just isn’t enough in this digital-first world. Digital accessibility has become equally important as more businesses now also function on line. All businesses today must ensure that both their physical spaces and digital properties are accessible.
Compliance with the ADA protects your business from costly lawsuits and expands your customer base by welcoming everyone. While most litigation is driven by a real need for equal accessibility, there are, unfortunately, also some entities called “serial litigants,” that every business must be aware of. They are groups that target and drive lawsuits against businesses for not being ADA compliant as a part of their business model. These groups used to target brick and mortar businesses specifically, but now, as commerce has shifted online in droves, they also target websites and other digital properties of businesses, such as mobile apps and online platforms. Many organizations don’t understand that all their public digital assets MUST also be ADA compliant to avoid lawsuits and complaints. It can be a complex problem, but not dealing with it can cost you a great deal of money along with market share.
Private individuals can build a case in court and report the offending company to the Department of Justice. Civil penalties for ADA violations are typically under $75,000 for a first violation or $150,000 for any subsequent violation.
The Rise of Digital Accessibility Lawsuits
Bearing in mind all these facts, digital accessibility has become a critical business consideration. Similar to how the ADA governs physical spaces, there are specific regulations for ensuring that websites and digital tools are accessible.
Criteria for digital accessibility include:
Broader Audience Reach: Over1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. Make your digital assets accessible and open the door to a vast audience.
Legal Compliance: Non-compliance with digital accessibility standards can invite lawsuits similar to physical ADA violations.
Improved User Experience: Accessible websites must be easy to use for disabled users. Is your website compliant with current assistive technologies?
Corporate Social Responsibility: Prioritize accessibility and let your brand values reflect in your actions.
Digital Accessibility Compliance Regulations
Make your digital properties accessible by complying with the following regulations:
WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are international standards created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for creating accessible websites and digital content. Follow these rules to make your digital content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.
Section508: This US regulation requires federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding to ensure their digital tools and content are accessible.
EAA: The European Accessibility Act legislation mandates accessibility for products and services across the European Union.
Adhere to these regulations otherwise yourbusiness may face lawsuits and huge financial penalties. Further there might bethe loss of opportunities to connect with customers who rely on accessibledigital tools.
WhatDoes ADA Law Entail?
The law providesstandards around issues that help facilities be more open to the public. Beingup to code will help you avoid costly lawsuits, as well as allow your companyto expand its customer base. At first, conforming to standards may not seemlike the best prospect, but achieving ADA compliance can get easier than youthink.
Think Digital
The official ADA website quotes a study commissioned by the Sears Department store.Sears made 436 accommodations for ADA compliance between 1978 and 1992. Out ofthose, 69% had no cost at all, 28% cost less than $1,000, and only 3% cost morethan $1,000. There is a general misconception that the job of getting morecompliant is expensive. While remodeling a bathroom to make it handicapaccessible is definitely not free, federal and state governments often give taxincentives and grants to make the compliance process much easier.
Similarly, studies on digital accessibility have shown that addressing common issues is often more affordable than many businesses assume. 83.9% of homepages had issues like missing alternative text for images, which can often be resolved in under 15 minutes at minimal cost. Additionally, research indicates that 85% of accessibility problems can be fixed with simple coding adjustments, costing less than 1% of a website's overall development budget. These figures emphasize that digital accessibility improvements frequently fall within manageable budgets and offer significant long-term benefits.
Digital accessibility ensures that websites, apps, and online services are accessible to all by making provisions for people who have disabilities and those who use assistive technologies. It involves adding some critical features to your digital resources (websites, PDF documents, etc.) such as:
- Alternative text for images for people who use screen readers.
- Keyboard navigability for individuals who cannot use a mouse.
- Captioning for videos to assist individuals with hearing impairments.
- Clear and consistent layouts to help individuals with cognitive impairments navigate sites more easily.
Websites that don’t meet these accessibility standards can suffer lawsuits and limit their own market share. But it’s a complicated problem. Where do you start? How much digital accessibility is enough?
How ADA Compliance Professionals Can Help
It takes experts in digital accessibility to be successful, but you’ve found us already. At ADACP, we specialize in making your physical and digital spaces inclusive and can prevent you from a costly ADA lawsuit.
We provide simple, cost-effective, and impactful services that will start your journey in just a few weeks.
We offer:
1. Digital Accessibility Audits
We can evaluate your website, apps, and other digital assets for accessibility issues. Using tools and manual testing, we identify barriers and recommend actionable solutions.
2. VPAT Certification
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template-VPAT is essential if your business works with government entities. It alsoapplies to companies receiving federal funding. The VPAT certifies that yourdigital properties comply with Section 508 and other regulations. We documentour findings in a VPAT to give you and your clients peace of mind.
3.Compliance Strategy and Implementation
We guide you through WCAG compliance, ensuring your digital tools meet international accessibility standards. From alt-text for images to keyboard navigation, we cover every detail to make your digital assets user-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility is far more important than meeting legal requisites. It’s an ongoing process that must be a part of your business. When you create an inclusive environment for equal participation by adhering to accessibility laws, you open doors to opportunity and significantly reduce risk. From properly designed ramps to making your website WCAG-compliant, the goal is to make your business both legally compliant and welcoming to all.
At ADA Compliance Professionals, we are here to guide you on embracing inclusivity. Contact us today for a complete accessibility plan tailored to your needs.
These numbered sections should include links to these specific areas so the readers can take immediate action.
Expand your reach and show your commitment to inclusivity. Let’s make accessibility a priority for everyone.
ADAConstruction Compliance Guidelines
As we mentioned, digital compliance withADA rules includes the many elements of the digital world that must beconsidered by organizations today. Along with these, there are also real-worldfeatures that must be included in a holistic practice of accessibility.
Thefollowing is a brief list of accessibility considerations contractors take noteof for building projects:
1. ADA Parking
If you offer any parkingfor customers, a certain number of spaces within the shortest possibleaccessible entrance should be reserved. If your company building is largeenough to have multiple entrances, accessible spaces should be dispersed to beclose to each entrance.
Accessible parking spaceshould have at least 60 inches of space. Each space should have 5 feet wideaccess aisles with hatch marks so people will not park in them. The surface ofthe space must be smooth, stable, and mostly level in all directions to ensuresafe use. You must work to ensure that the accessible spaces and routes remainopen and in good condition in all kinds of weather conditions. The spacesshould be kept clear of snow, ice, or fallen leaves as much as possible.Furthermore, at least 1 in 8 of the total of accessible spaces must be vanaccessible. A van accessible space should be 11 feet wide, with access aislesadjacent to the passengers’ side.
Complete accessibleparking space features a sign, at least five feet off the ground, that includesthe International Symbol of Accessibility. Signs for van accessible spacesshould include the additional phrase “Van Accessible.”
Each state’s Departmentof Motor Vehicles is responsible for assessing physical challenges that wouldnecessitate using accessible parking, and issuing permits, consisting ofdistinctive license plates or placards. Local law enforcement is responsiblefor responding to unauthorized vehicles parking in accessible spaces.
1. ADA Ramps and Entrances
Not everyone is able touse stairs, a ramp with a slope of 1:12 must be provided as an alternative anda handrail must be provided if the slope is greater than 5 percent. The minimumwidth of the ramp is 36 inches, and the ramp can be no longer than 30 feetwithout a landing.
For the main entrance,there are a variety of door-types from which to choose. Dimensions for the ramplanding vary based on the type of door used and door openings are expected toprovide a clear width of at least 32 inches, measuring from the open door tothe opposite frame. To ensure a clear motion stepping inside, the door’sthreshold must be less than a half-inch off the ground. There should also be atleast 18 inches of clear space between the side of the door that swings out,and any obstruction or object in the space. Abiding by these ADA standards will enable individuals with disabilitiesfull access to commercial services.
2. ADA Bathrooms
According to ADA law, apublic bathroom needs to be accessible for any handicap. You can choose toinclude either separate accessible bathrooms, or create accessible stallswithin the bathroom, signaled with the International Access Symbol.
Toilets must be 17 to 19inches high, with a seat that can be easily lifted or put down. Automatic flushcontrol is preferred, or you can put a flusher on the wide side of the stall,no more than 40 inches from the floor. The toilet paper dispenser should bewithin reach while sitting on the toilet, and no more than 19 inches off theground.
There must be at leastone separate stall that meets a few other specifications. In this stall, thecenter line of the toilet must be exactly 18 inches from the side of the toiletto the wall, and with clear space more than 32 inches to the wall. If there areat least 6 stalls, at least one must be further outfitted with parallel grabbars on each side, and an outward swinging, self-closing door.
If there are no stalls,at least one toilet should have grab bars on both sides, with adequate clearingspace. Each grab bar should be exactly 33 inches from the floor, and at least54 inches along the side, and 36 inches long along the back.
ADA compliant sinksshould have a clear space of at least 30 by 48 inches, and the counter heightshould be no more than 34 inches. If there are exposed pipes underneath, makesure they are insulated and that all corners are free of sharp edges to avoidinjury. Faucets should be lever or push operated, or sensorycontrolled/automatic, running for at least 10 seconds.
3. ADA Compliant Commercial Spaces
ADA standards require that persons with disabilities be free to move around even outside aresidential area. Persons in wheelchairs should not be restricted from any areaopen to all. This means you must be sensitive to handicapped needs by reducingclutter, rearranging furniture, and making your aisles wide enough so there areno barriers to access. Generally, the minimum width of a clear aisle must be 32inches or more to allow a general wheelchair to pass through.
Also related to issues of access within your facilities, you should be aware of the height of any tables,reception, or sales counter, to ensure they are not so high as to restrict anyone from seeing beyond. Generally, there should be a 36 inches long part ofthe counter that should be between 24 and 34 inches high. Other parts of thecounter can be higher, as long as they remain close to the accessible section.If there is an opportunity for customer self-service, the design of the areashould avoid making a customer reach deeper than 20 inches, or higher than 44inches.
4. Visual and Hearing Impairments
The list of disabilitiesinvolves sensory impairments. Individuals with low vision or hearing are alsoprotected from exclusion by ADA laws, and so you must find a way to accommodatetheir needs for alternative means of communication. This need can be metthrough pictures, written notes, captions, or the presence of a sign languageinterpreter for the hard-of-hearing. Blind and low-vision can be accommodatedthrough braille or tactile signs, as well as messages that are spoken. Bathroomsigns and other building notices need to include braille and standardpictograms.
FREQUENTLYASKED QUESTIONS
Who Must Abide By ADA Standards?
The ADA standards foraccommodations apply to what the law terms public accommodation, defined as aprivately owned area that is also open to the public. The list includesrestaurants, hotels, theaters, banks, retail stores, doctors’ offices, schools,and other recreational and commercial spaces. An employee-only area may nothave the same accommodations, but space in your business that is open to allhas to truly make reasonable provisions so that a disability will not baranyone from access.
Under federal law, private clubs and religiousorganizations are exempt from ADA compliance. However, the ADA is only one partof handicap law. Many states have their own laws to ensure more stringentstandards of accessibility for construction design, such as California’s UnruhCivil Rights Act. For this reason, it may be important to get the help ofprofessionals like contractors who can supervise your property. An ADAcontractor can inform you of ways to deal with potential building constructionviolations.
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