Five Steps To Make New Lodging Facilities Comply With The ADA

STEP 1: OBTAIN COPIES OF THE ADA REQUIREMENTS AND GIVE THEM TO YOUR ARCHITECT AND BUILDING CONTRACTOR.

To ensure that persons with disabilities can use lodging facilities like everyone else, all newly constructed lodging facilities must comply with building requirements called the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (the "ADA Standards"). While architects and building contractors generally know the requirements of state building and fire codes, they may be not be familiar with the ADA's civil rights requirements, which are often different. So, the first step owners and franchisors should take to avoid ADA mistakes is to make sure that all parties that participate in the design and construction process -- architects, building contractors, and franchisors' design and construction staff -- have a copy of the ADA Standards and other helpful publications that explain those requirements. To obtain free copies of the ADA Standards and other helpful publications issued by the Justice Department, call the ADA Information Line at(800) 514‒0301 (voice) or (800) 514‒0383(TTY).