What Restaurants Need To Do To Be ADA Compliant

Required Steps to Meet Restaurant ADA Compliance

​The American with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, and this legislation ensures that all businesses are accessible to every American, even if they have some type of disability. To avoid litigation and steep penalties, owners need to make sure they meet restaurant ADA compliance. This means making certain accommodations to the interior and exterior of the building to meet the needs of every potential guest. 

Types of Disabilities

​Almost 60 million people in the United States have some type of disability. Around half of these have limitations when it comes to mobility, and some of them use wheelchairs, walkers or other assistive devices. Other types of disabilities include:
 

• Vision impairments
• Hearing difficulties
• Difficulty lifting or grasping common items

 
To accommodate all individuals with disabilities, restaurant owners must make sure they remove all barriers that may impede someone with a disability from entering the facility or moving around inside easily. 

Restaurant ADA Compliance for Restrooms

Public restrooms must be outfitted to accommodate those with disabilities. The doorways and hallway must be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, and there must be enough space so the chair can turn in a complete circle or perform a three-point turn. There also must be at least one stall that is big enough for a wheelchair.
 
Some other restroom requirements are:
 

• Proper signage
• Proper positioning of sinks, mirrors and hand dryers
• Door handles that accommodate those with difficulty turning or grasping
• Faucets that can be activated with closed fist or wrist
• Grab bars in accessible stall
• Flushing handle on open side in accessible stall

Accessible Dining Area

In California restaurants, it is extremely important the dining areas are accessible for those with disabilities. A bar must have a serving area that meets the level of a wheelchair. In regard to tables, there must be a minimum of one wheelchair-friendly table for every 20 seats. An accessible table needs to be 34 inches or lower, with  legs at all four corners and an open area underneath the table to accommodate a wheelchair.
 
To make room for wheelchairs and walkers, the aisles in the dining area must be at least 36 inches wide, although 42 inches is ideal. Tray slides can be located no higher than 34 inches above the floor. 

Accommodations for Service Animals

A service animal is typically a dog, although miniature horses may also be used. In order for an animal to be allowed, it must meet only two requirements: that a disability requires its presence and that the animal has the proper training. A horse may be restricted if the restaurant cannot accommodate its weight and size. The owner of the animal must restrain and control the animal the entire time.

Other Considerations for Restaurant ADA Compliance

Most people who have a disability are able to take care of themselves as long as proper accommodations are offered. However, there may be some steps that employees can take to assist guests and enhance their experience. These include:

• Offering the use of paper and writing devices for those hard of hearing
• Large-print menus or reading the menu out loud
• Assist with walking or carrying purse, etc.
• Treating each individual as a person

 
It is important that restaurant owners maintain all restaurant equipment, especially those that assist with accommodation. For more information on how to get quick repairs, contact us here.



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