California and Texas Disability Access attorney
Have you encountered public establishments that are not ADA compliant?
Physical barriers, whether natural or man made, can obstruct or hinder the mobility of persons
with disabilities. This includes obstructing or hindering their access, or ability to move around in
the environment.
Physical Barriers May Include:
- Steps and curbs that impair the person’s ability to enter a building or use a sidewalk.
- Door knobs that can’t be turned by someone with a disability.
- Hall ways or entrances too narrow for wheelchair access.
- Paving; parking areas; public entrances; public exits (including escape routes).
- Restroom facilities.
- Public counters and service desks.
Is a Business Required to Remove Barriers?
“If [a] business provides goods and services to the public, [it] is required to remove barriers if
doing so is “readily achievable.” Such a business is called a public accommodation because it
serves the public.” . . . “. . . the ADA requires that a place of public accommodation remove
barriers that are readily achievable even when no alterations or renovations are planned.”
(excerpted from “ADA TA Technical Assistance Updates from the U.S. Department of Justice,
Volume 1 Readily Achievable Barrier Removal and Van-Accessible Parking Spaces”
www.ada.gov/adata1.htm