Who Does the ADA Apply To?
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Title II of the ADA applies to all state and local governments. It also applies to all cities, small towns, city governments, and city services, regardless of size. Title II also requires all state and local governments that have existing programs to achieve program access for people with disabilities.
ADA standards require all local governments not only to make structural changes and remove barriers to accessibility (for physical access) but also to make necessary basic policy modifications. Another of the ADA's requirements for all government entities is to provide effective communication for all people with disabilities, including auxiliary aids and services.
ADA Compliance for Small Towns
Many small cities and towns may think they do not have to comply, either because they're too small, or that they're covered by a "grandfather clause". However, this is not the case. Here are some examples of things that have ADA requirements for local governments: town facilities, new construction, alterations on existing facilities that ensure accessibility, communications with the public, and policies and procedural changes. These are things that must be addressed so that people with disabilities have equal access to participate in and benefit from town services.
If your city You will need to do a new self-evaluation to stay ADA compliant, and actually this is part of the ADA regulations for all government public entities. After reviewing the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, you will need to appoint an ADA coordinator and come up with a transition plan. Transition plans are very important to providing an equal opportunity for everyone to participate in programs and services. There are a lot of things that go into making a township accessible.
Examples of Important Components
All existing facilities and commercial facilities need to be accessible. To accomplish this, you need to remove physical barriers and improve accessibility, with things like:
- Accessible public sidewalks with proper curb cuts and curb ramps.
- Parking lots will provide accessible parking spaces and provide access to an entrance ramp and accessible door to any public accommodation. There must be an accessible route between parking spaces that leads to the entrance route.
- Primary function areas and public restrooms or toilet facilities must be accessible, as well as drinking fountains.
- Service animals must be permitted, new policies enacted if necessary.
- Any government public entity must have effective ways of communication for those with disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, or speech disabilities.
- All facilities covered by the ADA must also include proper ADA compliant signage, subject to specific ADA requirements.
- Public transportation including bus stops must also be accessible.
- Any municipality with 50 or more employees must have a grievance procedure.
More ADA Information
ADA Title III regulations specifically refer to all public accommodations or businesses that sell to or serve the public in your city or town, as well. All of the examples above apply to any existing facility, even if it existed prior to 2010, and all new construction will automatically follow the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. The Disabilities Act works in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Act to cover all federal, state, and local governments and the Department of Justice works to enforce this federal law through ADA compliance.
ADA Signs
No matter whether you need signs for your primary function area, restrooms, emergency exits, parking lots, and more, we can tell you what type of ADA signage is necessary, where exactly to post it, and provide you with an ADA compliant sign to match. Choose from our huge inventory or place a custom order. Don't trust just any sign company for your ADA signage needs. Trust the established authority on all things ADA, here at ADA Central.
Why ADA Compliance is Important
As a city or town, in particular, setting the example of ADA compliance is crucial for the other businesses in the area. It's a federal law that has consequences for non-compliance that include steep fines, even for first-time violations. Lawsuits and bad publicity can ruin small businesses, as well. The ADA is about accessibility for everyone, which means inclusion without discrimination. We're all in this crazy world together, so including every possible member of our community is vital to our growth and progression as a whole.
Why Inclusion is Important
Are you aware that 1 in 4 American adults have a disability? By opening your doors to those with disabilities, you bring in more revenue. Communities reach their potential only when all of their residents have an equal opportunity to fully participate in all it has to offer. Society as a whole is renewed and refreshed when we all practice inclusion. Disability can happen to anyone. No one asks to be disabled. A little compassion goes a long way, so do your part in creating a brighter future for us all!
ADA Central
ADA Central is the authority on ADA compliant signage, with a huge stock inventory and the ability to do high-quality custom sign work as well. We can answer any questions concerning ADA signs you may have, and we also do expedited orders! Check out our homepage right here on this website. ADA Central understands that the ADA guidelines can be confusing and difficult to follow. When you need ADA-compliant signage for your building, contact us today.