Why do I need to worry about ADA code compliance?

First, there are good business reasons. If you want to grow your business, it’s important to remember that customers can’t buy from you if they can’t get to you.

Second, you will decrease your risk of fines or lawsuits – being proactive about changes can save you money. Because there are variations between State and Federal laws, you can be in compliance locally and still be sued for noncompliance with Federal guidelines.


Doesn’t State law have to meet Federal accessibility guidelines?

Most people think that would be true. However, the range of adoption can vary significantly. Some states will adopt some of the federal guidelines verbatim, may tweak some of the language in the laws (which can change the meaning) and some laws are completely altered. Some states may not fully enforce federal guidelines, which can open the door to lawsuits.

ADA Compliance Consultants knows the state codes and designs a solution that blends both state and federal guidelines to ensure you are completely compliant.


I’ve already paid for an evaluation, and the report I got was useless. How can I move forward without having to pay for another evaluation – I just don’t have it in the budget!


ADA Compliance Consultants will take your current evaluation and expand on it, without an additional evaluation fee. We will not charge a fee for our services until the planning phase, at which time we will design plans that include all required changes. We will also help you select a qualified contractor to implement those plans – someone you won’t have to pay until the work is done to our satisfaction.

We are here to help businesses succeed – charging you for a service you’ve already paid for, even if the prior vendor’s work was sub-par, is not going to help you solve the problem and move your business forward.


I don’t own my building – who is responsible for fixing the ramps and bathrooms in my building?

The owner of the building is responsible for the exterior ADA compliance. The owner of the business is responsible for the interior compliance as long as there aren’t existing or structural issues such as counter heights, accessible dining tables, aisles, or restrooms, that would fall on the owner.

If the building owner is ignoring the need for exterior accessible upgrades, the business owner should make sure he is held harmless against any actions. Another way for business owners to protect themselves is to negotiate paying for upgrades directly in front of the business in return for some kind of reduced rent to compensate for the expenditures.


How do I know if the contractor I’ve chosen will be able to do the work and meet accessibility guidelines?

ADA Compliance Consultants, Inc. develops relationships with qualified contractors who are reviewed annually and meet our stringent requirements. Once the work is completed, we will make a final inspection and let you know that it’s okay to release the final payment to the contractor.


How can I learn more about ADA trends, resources and litigation?

ADA Lawsuits www.adalawsuits.com
ADA Abuse www.adaabuse.com
ADA Crisis www.adacrisis.com
US Department of Justice www.usdoj.gov
US Department of Civil Rights www.ada.gov
Title III Highlights www.ada.gov/t3hilght.html
Van Accessible Parking www.ada.gov/adata1.html
Tax Incentive Packet www.ada.gov/taxpack
CA Division of State Architect www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/default.html
ADA Certification www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Access/adacert.html