ADA: Know Your Rights - Returning Service Members with Disabilities

Barrier Removal

In addition, businesses have a continuing obligation to remove architectural barriers when it is "readily achievable" to do so. For example, if inaccessible features in an older facility can be corrected easily and inexpensively, they must be corrected. If there are several inaccessible features and it is not easy and inexpensive to correct them all at once, they should be corrected over time.

When an inaccessible feature cannot be corrected, if there is another easy and inexpensive way to provide service to a customer who cannot access the business, the business must offer that alternative for the customer.

Additional information about the rules for "barrier removal" can be found at www.ada.gov/reachingout/lesson41.htm or by calling the ADA Information Line. See Contact Information.

Inexpensive steps businesses might take to improve access may include:

• Installing a ramp over a step or two at the main entrance.
• Making a curb cut in the business's sidewalk.
• Rearranging tables, chairs, vending machines, display racks, and other furniture to allow for easy passage throughout the business.
• Installing grab bars in a toilet stall.
• Lowering a bathroom's paper towel dispenser.
• Restriping a portion of the parking lot to create accessible parking spaces.
• Installing a paper cup dispenser at an inaccessible water fountain.

Examples of alternative ways to serve a customer when barrier removal is not feasible are:

• At a dry cleaner's, providing curb-side service for a customer dropping off or picking up clothes.
• At a neighborhood restaurant, providing home delivery or carry-out service for a customer who cannot enter the restaurant.

For more information about these provisions or how to file a complaint, see Contact Information for the U.S. Department of Justice.