Blog
What are the California ADA Requirements for Businesses?
01.22.2023
Whether you're a business owner or manager, you need to understand the California ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements that apply to your premises and operations. This guide will provide an overview of key ADA regulations and help ensure your organization follows the law.
All California businesses must conform to the ADA's accessibility requirements. These include providing access routes and aids for people with disabilities and installing additional features such as visual warnings and elevators. The “Accessible Design Guidelines” of California's Building Code also provide helpful details on specific design requirements like door widths, turning radii, curb ramp slope, and other components that need to meet ADA standards.
Businesses should take steps to make their physical space accessible to all individuals. This means removing any physical and communication barriers that may prevent an individual from receiving the same quality of service and access as an able-bodied person. Examples of potential barriers include not providing handrails, curbs, entryways that are too narrow for wheelchairs, or other obstacles in the way of service areas. Taking measures to audit the premises, adjust furniture, and rearrange the layout can go a long way to help a business effectively meet ADA requirements.
One of the most important parts of ensuring access for disabled customers is to ensure that communication between staff and customers can take place without barriers. This includes providing information in several different formats depending on the customer's needs, including large print, Braille, audio tracks, subtitles, or sign language interpretation services. Be sure to review all materials your business puts out to make sure they are accessible to people with disabilities.
