The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all public building and businesses are handicap accessible. This means that all the places that people go for purposes such as work, play, education, business, and services do not have any barriers and are entirely accessible to all users. Buildings that come under the law include restaurants, retail stores, hotels, banks, and most other public buildings. Some of the changes that can be made to enhance accessibility in commercial buildings or public spaces include:
- Ensuring an accessible entrance, interior and exit
- Ensuring that walks and entrances are level
- Building ramps for wheelchair access
- Setting up platform lifts where is no space for ramps
- Widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs
- Installing listening devices and Braille signs
- Providing signs, labels, directions and instructions in accessible format
- Installing elevators
- Putting in visual fire alarms
- Ensuring that corridors and pathways are not obstructed by goods, machinery or other objects
- Making bathrooms wheelchair accessible and including grab bars
Improving accessibility also means removing barriers such as narrow entry doors and crowded or narrow checkout areas. Airports, stadiums and bus and train stations should be remodeled to include accessibility features and remove barriers wherever possible. LULA elevators are an ideal option for low-rise buildings such as schools, churches, libraries, and multi-family housing.
Building owners must take care to ensure that the accessibility equipment they choose are designed to best practice guidelines. Purchase from a reliable dealer in elevators and lifts would ensure quality products from leading brands. Partnering with the right company will also ensure timely and professional inspection, testing, and maintenance for compliance with mandatory rules and industry standards.