Readily Achievable ADA Modifications

What Types of Building and Site Modifications are considered to be readily achievable by the ADA?

 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Places of Public Accommodation  to remove architectural barriers when it is readily achievable to do so. Readily achievable means easily accomplished and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.

To determine what is readily achievable, one must consider factors such as:

• The nature and cost of the action;
• The overall financial resources of the site involved;
• Safety concerns;
• Impact upon the operation of the site;
• The relationship of the site to a parent corporation.

Examples of Readily Achievable Repairs

Examples of readily achievable steps to remove barriers include, but are not limited to, the following actions:

• Installing ramps;
• Installing curb cuts;
• Eliminating excessive slope or cross-slope on sidewalks;
• Eliminating excessive changes in level along accessible routes;
• Removing obstacles in accessible routes;
• Rearranging tables, chairs, display racks, and other furniture;
• Widening doors or installing offset hinges;
•  Installing accessible door hardware;
• Installing grab bars in toilet stalls;
• Installing accessible faucets;
• Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space;
• Insulating pipes under sinks to prevent burns;
• Installing a full-length bathroom mirror;
• Re-positioning bathroom accessories such as toilet paper and paper towel dispensers;
• Creating designated accessible parking spaces;
• Installing proper ADA signage.

The information provided in this article is based upon my review of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The 2010 Accessibility Guidelines, the Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations.  And the Title III Technical Assistance Manual. It describes what I have found to be the most common issues encountered during my ADA investigations. For a more complete review of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) please refer to the law, regulations and standards referenced, herein.

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