The best defense against ADA lawsuits
is to begin the process of removing accessi-
bility barriers (see sidebar, "4 Ways to Pre-
pare for the Silver Tsunami"). Barriers are
aspects of the built environment which less-
en a disabled person's access. The removal
process starts by assessing what needs to be
done and then putting in place plans, proce-
dures and policies to guide implementation.
"Knowledge is the key to starting
your path to compliance," Gaskins says.
"Begin by educating yourself on the basic
requirements of the ADA. Consult with an
expert who can give you specific details
related to your business and perform ac-
cessibility audits of your facilities. Then,
create a plan of action."
" Knowledge is the
key to starting
your path to meet
the Silver Tsunami
head on. Begin by
educating yourself
on the basic
requirements
of the ADA."
– Brad Gaskins, Principal & COO,
The McIntosh Group
No. 3 Execute against the plan
The ADA standards require businesses to remove barriers to the
extent that they are readily achievable. Continuing barrier removal
obligations should be incorporated into both short-term and long-
term business planning. Keeping a record of this process should be
part of your accessibility plan.
No. 4 Let the law be your guide
ADA compliance is the law, but it's also good business. Americans
with disabilities represent a profitable consumer market. When your
business is inclusive for individuals with disabilities, everybody wins.
For information, try the United States Access Board website (www.
access-board.gov) and the U.S. DOJ ADA website (www.ada.gov).
The DOJ also offers a toll-free ADA information line for assistance.
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MCINTOSHTRANSFORMS.COM JULY/AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 3 COMMERCIAL TRANSFORMATIONS