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By Diana Sullivan, Disability Rights/Access Specialist

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26th, 1990. There are five titles that were designed to ensure that people with disabilities living in America would not be discriminated against.

The ADA regulations described for physical access are fairly consistent with local commercial access codes (ICC/ANSI A117.1). The ADA also includes a provision called Readily Achievable Barrier Removal. This means that businesses housed in buildings built prior to 1992 that are not accessible (stairs, restrooms, path of travel) to people who have disabilities have an on-going responsibility to remove barriers of access as they can. The removal of barriers can often be achieved by making simple changes to the physical environment. However, the regulations do not define exactly how much effort and expense are required for a facility to meet its obligation.

Businesses that have realized that people with disabilities (and older adults) have the same spending power as everyone else are enjoying the income from their good decisions to remove barriers. ADA also specifies that businesses still have a responsibility to provide their goods and services to anyone who requests them whether or not they have physical barriers.

In other words there is NO GRANDFATHER CLAUSE that allows a business to say, “We are grandfathered in so we do not have to change anything or serve you.”

There is a shopping area in Boulder, Colorado, called Pearl Street. Many of the businesses have zero step entries and, therefore, everyone can shop. The businesses that have steps and cannot install a ramp or lift because of the location of the entry have bells and signage that reads something like: “Sorry that we are not accessible to our customers who cannot use steps, or people who use mobility devices. We want to serve you. Please ring our bell and our sales staff will help you.” I like knowing that this type of business culture exists. It makes me feel like my business is as important as anyone else’s. I wish more business communities got this message.

The process of determining what changes are readily achievable is not a one-time effort, as access should be re-evaluated annually. There is a lot of information available on the web on how businesses can expand their markets by removing access barriers. There are tax incentives available to absorb costs. People with disabilities have the right to file complaints with the Department of Justice if they feel a business is not taking its responsibilities seriously.

It just makes a whole lot of sense for businesses to be truly “open for business” – for everyone, everywhere, all the time. Next time you cannot access goods or services because of physical barriers, let the business hear you say, “Let me into your store and I’ll let you into my wallet.” You just might improve their business culture.