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Owning a business comes with many responsibilities that go beyond building a team, increasing sales, and improving your company’s image. For example, one of the most significant responsibilities business owners often overlook is the need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In other words, your business needs to be ADA compliant.
The ADA is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against people with health conditions or impairments. It requires businesses and organizations to make their services and facilities more accessible. It also aims to ensure that people with health conditions or impairments have the same rights and opportunities as everyone in all areas of public life.
In this article, we explore why your business should be ADA compliant.
Adhering to Legal Obligations by Being ADA Compliant
Your business must be ADA compliant. The law requires it. The ADA applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, retail stores, hotels, and other establishments.
Failing to comply with the ADA can result in fines, lawsuits, and other legal consequences. This could significantly cost your company in terms of money and stress. Additionally, you may be required to pay the cost of hiring an attorney and dealing with the costs for the plaintiffs. As a result, the costs can add up, depending on the length of the case and the number of plaintiffs.
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Improving Customer Experience with ADA Compliance
As a business owner, your goal is likely to reach a wide range of customers. Being ADA compliant will help you become familiar with areas requiring accessibility that you may have overlooked. Following a guideline will allow you to pinpoint areas that need improvement. This will eventually result in improved customer experience.
Moreover, by providing accessible facilities, accommodations, and services, your business can create a welcoming environment for all customers. This will increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business.
One of the most important factors influencing customer experience involves accessibility to washrooms in a public setting. Therefore, consult a reputable company like Freedom Showers to transform your workplace with the best accessible products. They will help your company to have ADA compliant restrooms and showers.
Reach out to their knowledgeable team of AccessibilityProfessionals to determine which products can improve customer experience in your facility. For one thing, Freedom Showers are backed by a 30-year warranty. This will ensure that you are comfortable with your purchase. Moreover, AccessibilityProfessionals will assist you with every step of your buying journey.
Avoiding Discrimination
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to one in four adults in the United States live with a disability. So you want to ensure you comply with all legal requirements in your state to avoid discriminating against anyone.
For example, some people may have limitations, including physical barriers that prevent access to facilities, inadequate communication systems, or lack of accommodations. ADA compliance can help ensure that your business provides equal access to all individuals, regardless of their health condition.
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Demonstrating Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) should be an active part of your business plan, as it can create better relationships with your employees and customers. ADA compliance can demonstrate your business’s commitment to CSR. By providing equal access and accommodations for individuals with health conditions or impairments, your business can show that it values diversity and inclusivity. This can help improve your brand reputation and attract socially conscious customers.
ADA compliance can also future proof your business by ensuring it is prepared for future changes in legislation and regulations. As society becomes more inclusive and aware of the needs of individuals living with disabilities, the requirements for ADA compliance will likely continue to evolve. Your business can avoid costly retrofits and remain competitive in the marketplace by staying ahead of the curve.
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