Understanding ADA Compliance
Before you report a business for not being ADA compliant, it’s crucial to understand what ADA compliance entails. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public accommodations.
Identifying Non-Compliance
Identifying non-compliance with ADA standards is the first step in reporting a business. Here are some common signs of non-compliance:
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Physical barriers, such as steps or narrow doorways, that prevent access to the business.
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Restrooms that are not accessible to individuals with disabilities.
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Signage that is not in Braille or raised characters for individuals with visual impairments.
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Website accessibility issues, such as lack of alt text for images or non-responsive design.
Documenting the Issues
Once you’ve identified non-compliance, it’s important to document the issues. Here’s how to do it:
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Take photographs of the non-compliant areas or items.
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Record the date and time of the visit.
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Write down specific details about the non-compliance, such as the type of barrier or issue.
Reporting the Non-Compliance
There are several ways to report a business for not being ADA compliant:
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Local Government: Contact your local government’s ADA coordinator. They can investigate the non-compliance and take appropriate action.
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ADA National Network: The ADA National Network provides resources and assistance for individuals with disabilities. You can contact them at 1-800-949-4232.
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U.S. Department of Justice: If the business is a public accommodation, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice. Visit their website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/ada.
Understanding the Process
After you report the non-compliance, the appropriate agency will investigate the issue. Here’s what you can expect:
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The agency will notify the business of the complaint and request a response.
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The agency will conduct an on-site inspection to verify the non-compliance.
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If the business is found to be non-compliant, they will be given a deadline to correct the issues.
Legal Considerations
It’s important to understand that reporting a business for not being ADA compliant is a legal process. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Be prepared to provide evidence of the non-compliance.
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Understand that the business may contest the complaint.
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Be aware of any potential retaliation from the business.
