ADA Violations
5 common ada violations
ADA violations are extremely common and most businesses in the United States are out of compliance. To avoid ADA violations and lawsuits it is crucial to ensure access to all. Even the slightest errors in construction can result in your business being in ADA violation and legally liable. Title III of the Americans with disabilities Act legally obligates businesses and nonprofit service providers to be in ADA compliance. It is important to avoid these common ADA violations to protect you or your business.
1. PARKING / SIGNAGe ada violation
To avoid ADA violations, a certain number of accessible parking spaces based on the total number of spaces available is required. The number of accessible parking spaces required is determined by the size of the lot. Additionally, larger parking lots require a higher ratio of accessible parking spaces.
For example, facilities with 1-25 total parking spaces require at least one accessible parking space. For facilities with 26-50 total parking spaces a minimum of two accessible spaces are required. For facilities with 501-1000 total parking spaces, at least 2% of the total number of parking spots must be ADA accessible.
ADA violations are common when handicap spots are not located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance. This means that parking spaces must be located in a convenient location very close to the entrance clear of barriers, curbs, stairs, or narrow walkways.
2. inaccessible Path of travel/access
ADA violations are common when handicap spots are not located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance. This means that parking spaces must be located in a convenient location very close to the entrance clear of barriers, curbs, stairs, or narrow walkways.
If you want to avoid ADA violations, accessible parking spaces must be present and clearly marked with signage that includes the international symbol of accessibility, which is a white wheelchair symbol on a blue background. The signage must be visible from the parking space and must be located at a height between 60 inches and 80 inches above the ground.
3. restrooms / shower ADA VIOLATIONS
Frequent ADA violations are related to public access bathrooms. People with disabilities require specific conditions in order to propererly use the restroom fixtures available (sink, toilet, urinals, counters, doors). Bathrooms are very complex because they require adherence to ADA law along with use of specific fixtures like grab bars. Common ADA violations in bathrooms include:
- Insufficient space requirements in stall
- Incorrect location of grab bars
- Incorrect location of flush controls
- Height of fixtures too low or high
- And MORE.
addressing ADA violations ensures safety
Use of additional fixtures like grab bars are required for assistance when using the toilet and transferring to a wheelchair or other device. Height of fixtures like sinks and toilets is crucial in ensuring everyone can use your bathroom correctly and safely. Grab bars are an essential part of any bathroom’s accessibility and may be continuous or in multiple pieces. Any protruding object must be 12 inches above the grab bars so that the reach is not impeded.
4. Pools spas and wading areas
If your property includes public or client access to a pool, spa, or wading pool, it is important you provide proper access equipment to patrons. This can involve changes such as handicap pool lifts and proper egress/ingress. According to 2010 ADA standards, new construction pools that are less than 300 linear feet require either a handicap chair lift or a proper sloped ingress. Properties more than 300 linear feet require a second pool lift or second sloped ingress.
In addition to lifts and sloped entrances, properties with pools or spas often require ADA compliant grab rails for the steps to the pool or spa. As a business or property owner with a pool, having a CASp inspection for ADA compliance can ensure your properties compliance.
5. Counter & service area height
Restaurants that are ADA compliant ensure their service counters or bars are accessible to people with disabilities. This means that the counters or bars must be low enough for people in wheelchairs to reach, and there must be clear floor space in front of the counter or bar to allow people with mobility impairments to maneuver.
Ada violations are not uncommon...
However, many ADA ignorant restaurants fail to realize. Some counters or bars may be too high for people in wheelchairs to reach, or they may not have enough clear floor space in front of them. Some restaurants may not have accessible seating options at their counters or bars, making it difficult for people with disabilities to use the same tables as other patrons.
