The Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA) guarantees blind and disabled users equal access to public facilities and amenities. Failure to conform with ADA guidelines is bad for business and leaves you open to discrimination lawsuits. Here are a few ideas to ensure your business is ADA accessible.

Handicapped Accessible Bathrooms

When nature calls, access to a restroom is critical for employees and patrons of any business. This is no less true for the handicapped. Conventional facilities can be impossible to navigate for physically disabled individuals. Additionally, certain conditions can affect bodily functions, making the need for relief especially urgent when it arises.

Whatever your business, your bathroom should have a stall able to accommodate wheelchairs and other devices used by the physically challenged. Call one of your local plumbing companies geneva il to set up a restroom in compliance with ADA regulations.

Handling Animals

The ADA sets out specific regulations concerning service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind or therapy animals for folks with anxiety disorders. After confirming the presence of a service animal, businesses can’t deny access to the animal or its owner until and unless the animal is out of control or actively threatening the health and safety of others. Even restaurant health codes make exceptions for legitimate service animals. While businesses cannot charge any fees for the animal or otherwise treat the owner differently, they’re not obliged to provide any services for the animal itself, and the owner is responsible for any damages caused by their animal.

Proactive Policies

While the ADA exempts small businesses from many of its requirements, all businesses can still work within reason to advance a receptive atmosphere. There are numerous general resources available to train staff on how to deal with blind or disabled patrons. Most clients will warmly welcome a good faith effort to accommodate their needs.

Honoring the ADA isn’t just the law, it’s a way to be inclusive to all potential clients and the right thing to do. Any costs should be outweighed by their benefits.