A Comprehensive Guide to ADA Compliance in Homes
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, took effect in 1990 to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. In recent years, it has become more popular as more and more people are becoming aware of it. This article will provide an overview of what it entails and explain how homeowners, as well as business owners, can build homes and buildings that are ADA-compliant.
What’s the Idea Behind ADA Compliance?
The idea of accessibility is meant to allow those who have trouble accessing a public place to be able to do so. Creating a building or home that is compliant with ADA guidelines makes sure that even the elderly and differently-abled members of the family can participate fully in life, without being limited by their disabilities or health issues.
What Does ADA Entail?
The Americans with Disabilities Act has gone through many revisions since 1990; however, one thing remains constant—it protects individuals against discrimination on the basis of their disability. The original act dealt mainly with questions of civil rights involving public accommodations. Now, the ADA made it illegal for homeowners, organizations, and businesses to discriminate against those who need special accommodations or facilities due to their disability.
It is required by law that the buildings and homes be made easily accessible for everyone: this includes making stairways and hallways wide enough and providing ramps for those with disabilities that legroom is needed, as well as ensuring all doors open easily onto an accessible route.
It is also now required by law that all facilities be made fully accessible to those with disabilities, including elevators in buildings that are more than three stories high. Moreover, it is also necessary to ensure that home builders, organizations, and businesses provide necessary aids to help those with disabilities access buildings, such as wheelchair lifts.
Who is Responsible for ADA Compliance?
It’s important to understand that the act of making facilities accessible does not fall solely on property owners or organizations, but it is up to each individual with a disability to take the initiative and request the proper accommodations needed. For homeowners, it is their responsibility to work with an ADA-compliant construction company to make their homes more safe and accessible for people with special needs. If you have a disability and you are having trouble accessing a public space, it is your responsibility to let the owner of the building know that their facilities are inaccessible to you so they can take remedial measures.
The landlords and business owners are free to choose how they wish to implement ADA guidelines in their properties. An ADA-compliant construction company can help you decide how to build a house or building that can meet every person's unique needs.
Are you looking for ADA compliance contractors in Miami? At Access Built, we offer handicap remodeling and home modifications for the elderly and disabled to make your home safer and more accessible for people with special needs. First, we will visit your house and then recommend the best possible solutions within your budget. Reach out to us today for a home accessibility design overhaul.
