ADA Basics for Businesses
A plain-English explainer of what the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires, who has to comply, and where most businesses actually fall short.
Does the ADA apply to my business?
Almost certainly yes. Title III of the ADA covers virtually every "place of public accommodation" — from a 10-seat café to a 500-bed hospital. There is no small-business exemption. If customers, clients, patients, or the public can enter your space, the ADA applies.
The 5 titles at a glance
Title I — Employment
Employers with 15+ staff must offer reasonable accommodations to qualified workers with disabilities.
Title II — Public Entities
State and local government services, public schools, transit. Covered regardless of size.
Title III — Public Accommodations
Nearly every private business open to the public: restaurants, shops, offices, gyms, hotels, theaters, private schools, doctor's offices.
Title IV — Telecommunications
Phone and internet services must be accessible. Relay services, closed captioning, etc.
Title V — Miscellaneous
Anti-retaliation, attorney's fees, insurance, and relationships between the ADA and other laws.
What the ADA actually requires of a typical business
- Remove architectural barriers when "readily achievable" — meaning accomplishable without much difficulty or expense.
- Communicate effectively — provide auxiliary aids (e.g., large print, sign-language interpreter) when needed for equal access.
- Modify policies and practices that discriminate, unless doing so would fundamentally alter your service.
- Make websites and mobile apps accessible — under DOJ guidance, WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the de-facto standard for Title III digital compliance.
- Allow service animals regardless of "no pets" policies.
Common places businesses fall short
- Van-accessible parking with a compliant access aisle
- Route-of-travel slope, width, and surface from parking to entrance
- Door pull force and clear width
- Restroom grab bars, turning radius, and mirror height
- Counter height and checkout-line aisle width
- Website keyboard navigation, image alt text, and color contrast