What is the ADA?
The ADA, short for the Americans with Disability Act, is a law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. Put simply, the act states places of public accommodation must be designed for accessibility, ensuring those with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
The ADA was first signed into law in 1990, spurring the creation of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design in 1991. Since then, there have been some updates and expansions to the act.
In 2008, for example, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) became effective, changing the definition of “disability” to cover a much broader range of individuals.
The ADA was last revised in 2010, setting forth new standards for accessibility. In other words, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design arrived.
Why is it important to follow ADA guidelines when designing?
1. Legal Compliance
The ADA is a federal law in the U.S. that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Not following ADA guidelines can result in lawsuits, fines, and legal penalties for businesses, architects, developers, and service providers.
2. Accessibility and Inclusion
ADA-compliant design ensures that people with disabilities (mobility, visual, hearing, cognitive, etc.) can access and use spaces, products, and services.
Inclusive design enables equal participation in public life, education, employment, and more.
3. Improved User Experience for Everyone
Features like ramps, wide doors, clear signage, and captioned media benefit a broader audience (e.g., parents with strollers, elderly individuals, people with temporary injuries).
ADA principles often align with universal design, which improves usability for all.
4. Social Responsibility
Following ADA guidelines reflects a commitment to diversity, equity, and respect for all individuals.
It fosters a more empathetic and socially aware environment, especially in public spaces and workplaces.
5. Economic Advantage
Accessible businesses attract a larger customer base, including people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
Accessibility can enhance reputation, customer loyalty, and employee retention.
When is ADA compliance required?
ADA compliance is required in a variety of situations under U.S. federal law to ensure access and non-discrimination for individuals with disabilities. Here’s when ADA compliance is legally mandated:
1. Public Accommodations (Title III)
Required when: A business or organization is open to the public—such as:
Restaurants
Retail stores
Hotels
Theaters
Medical offices
Gyms
Museums
Schools (private)
What’s required: These facilities must be accessible to people with disabilities and remove architectural and communication barriers when it is "readily achievable."
2. Government Programs and Facilities (Title II)
Required when: A state or local government entity is providing services or operating public spaces, such as:
Courthouses
Public parks
City halls
Public transportation
Public schools
What’s required: These services and buildings must be fully accessible. This includes both physical spaces and communication methods (e.g., interpreters, captioning).
3. Employment (Title I)
Required when: A private employer has 15 or more employees.
What’s required: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities and ensure non-discriminatory hiring and workplace practices.
4. New Construction and Alterations
Required when:
A new building is constructed that is a place of public accommodation or a commercial facility.
Renovations or alterations are made to existing structures.
What’s required:
ADA Standards for Accessible Design must be followed (e.g., ramps, accessible restrooms, door widths, signage).
5. Digital Accessibility (Interpreted)
While the original ADA law does not explicitly mention websites or mobile apps, courts increasingly interpret Title III to apply to digital spaces—especially when they are tied to a physical place (e.g., a store or university).
ADA BOOKS & DESIGN DOCUMENT COLLECTION’S.
