About ADA Compliance

The ADA Compliance Act sets forth minimum guidelines for the construction and design of accessible rooms, altering rooms, and other spaces in commercial buildings and on commercial property that contain buildings. These guidelines are intended to eliminate unnecessary obstacles to the enjoyment of outdoor and indoor living spaces for all people. Part of the intent of the Act is to define a "qualified individual with a disability" as someone who has a physical impairment which substantially limits one or more of life's major activities, a major physical disturbance or condition, or a combination of these impairments. An individual with a disability is also considered a person with a disability if they require assistance to perform the basic activities of daily life. Some of the activities required to meet this standard include climbing stairs; walking; using toilet facilities; and operating mobility equipment like wheelchairs

In order to meet the requirements of the ADA, most public accommodations must provide access onto the property to all entrances, whether through a ramp, a straight staircase, an elevator, or a new entry. This includes all new construction, renovation, and alterations to existing buildings, if such changes are necessary to make the building accessible to and usable by handicapped individuals. As well, many public accommodations must provide access to all exits, including all stairways. Additionally, many of the areas that must be fully accessible include: emergency exits, seating areas for people with hearing and vision disabilities, and restroom facilities for elderly and disabled individuals. ADA compliance for alterations to existing buildings is essential in ensuring that every person has easy access to all areas of a business or other facility.

Individuals with a disability need to be aware of the regulations regarding alterations to existing buildings, or the construction of new facilities. Although new construction is allowed to provide access for all individuals, alterations to an existing structure may not be. Therefore, it is important for people who would like to add a room, bathroom, or other additions to ensure that they are ADA compliant when making these modifications. Doing so can help ensure that you have easy access throughout your facility, ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone who visits.



There are several things to consider when making alterations to a structure. One of the main things to consider is the space available for wheelchair accessibility. You should not only take into account the number of wheelchair traffic but also the needs of those who use wheelchairs to enter and leave the facility. If you are making structural modifications to a room, you should still consider the needs of those who will frequent the area and the modification of that room to make it more wheelchair friendly. You should also consider what types of equipment are commonly used in the area so that you can provide access to them as well.

ADA compliance should extend to food service within the public accommodation as well. People using mobility aids should be able to access food services and restrooms on a regular basis. In addition, those using scooters or walkers should be provided access into all areas of the facility so that they can move about freely. Ensuring that you provide an environment that allows people with different needs the same access to the facilities as those who are able to walk or use a wheelchair, will ensure that everyone has equal opportunities in the establishment.

Making all of these adjustments to your facility can be difficult to do on your own. It can be difficult for a business owner to know what changes will benefit their customers the most without trying to do the work themselves first. In order to ensure success, hiring a professional company that can perform these tasks for you can help you ensure that your facility is ADA compliant. These professionals will ensure that all of the necessary changes are made to ensure maximum access for everyone who is eligible.