The life cycle of ADA compliance for institutional and commercial facilities consists of three separate and equally important components: design it right, construct it right, and maintain it right. Managers should consider these common-sense steps to ensure their facilities adhere to these components.
First, managers must ensure that an inspector has evaluated barriers in the existing facility. Then, put together a plan to remove any barriers to access. If this step has not been completed, it still is not too late. But do not wait for a complaint or lawsuit to happen.
Second, ensure that all plans for renovations, remodeling projects, alterations and new construction fully comply with the 2010 ADA standards, as well as with the applicable building code requirements. And remember that if a building code provides for a greater degree of accessibility, that will supersede the federal standards.
Third, check and double-check for any potential problems such as these:
These are but a few examples of ways the placement of movable items or objects can create barriers to individuals with disabilities in facilities that probably were designed to be in compliance.
ADA compliance does not have to be expensive, difficult or ugly. Creating and maintaining a user-friendly facility enables visitors and occupants to enter and move about facilities without barriers or potential injuries. Managers need to make the decision to do the right thing, the smart thing and the thing that will get the organization a return on its investment.
Joan W. Stein is president and CEO of Accessibility Development Associates Inc., which she founded in 1992. She is a regular public speaker and has presented programs to more than 200 professional, civic and service organizations about the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency, and Manpower Services Inc.
ADA: Common Sense and Compliance
ADA Standards Differ From Building Codes
Life Cycle of ADA Compliance Issues to Consider
