The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that protects the rights of people with disabilities.
All US businesses are required to be ADA compliant, and if they’re not, they can face huge penalties for noncompliance. If you want to avoid hefty penalty fees when regulators inspect your office, here’s the brief guide that will help make your office ADA compliant!
Have A Visible Sign On All Doors
Your ADA compliance signs should be visible from within the building and outside of it. If someone with limited eyesight is looking for your business, they need to know where you’re located as soon as possible.
Make sure that each door has large lettering with contrasting colors that are easy to read. You may also want to place directional signage inside the building.
Click here to learn more about ADA compliant signs.
Put Up ADA Compliant Ramps
If your office is located on a higher level than the sidewalk or street, you’ll need to install ramps for ADA access. These ramps need to be at least 36 inches wide and have a gradual incline.
Your ramp should also have a non-skid surface and handrails on both sides. Be sure to test out your ramp before regulators come by to inspect.
Make Sure All Doors Are Wide Enough
Not all doors will be compliant with ADA requirements, so you’ll need to do a little measuring before renovations.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, door openings must have at least 32 inches of width from jamb to jamb. This means that if your doorway is smaller than this measurement, it won’t meet accessibility standards.
Office Essentials: Install A Telephone With Audio Volume Control
If someone in your office has difficulty hearing, they’ll need access to a telephone with audio volume control.
This means that the caller’s voice will be at a level that is comfortable for them and not too loud or too quiet. You can find these types of telephones at most office supply stores.
Label All Controls And Equipment
If someone in your office has a visual impairment, they’ll need all the controls and equipment labeled.
This includes light switches, thermostats, and even the coffee pot. You can find labeling stickers or tapes at most office supply stores.
Have At Least One Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
According to the ADA, your office needs a wheelchair-accessible restroom that meets certain specifications.
This includes having a 36-inch wide doorway, an adjustable height toilet and sink, and grab bars for safety purposes. You can order customized equipment from most medical supply stores if you’re using renovation funds to upgrade restrooms in your building.
Make Your Office ADA Compliant
As a small business owner, making your office ADA compliant can seem like a daunting task, but following these simple steps will help make it a little bit easier. And don’t forget to test out your new accommodations before regulators come by for an inspection!
We hope this guide was helpful. For more tips and tricks, be sure to check out our blog.
