Why Comply With The ADA?
It is the law
Let's face it, it has been many years since the ADA
became law, and courts look dimly on public entities which
have not met the law's basic requirements. The ADA is a federal
mandate that carries heavy fines and penalties for noncompliance,
not to mention the potential for expensive lawsuits. When it comes
to the ADA, businesses cannot afford to be out of compliance. Documented compliance efforts along
with the written evaluations and plans required by the ADA provide
your strongest defense in court.
Compliance is financial protection
Just like driving a car without insurance, it only takes getting
caught once to realize it is much less expensive to comply on your
own now than to pay fines and penalties on top of making the necessary changes. Give your business the ability to plan for changes and associated costs to keep necessary expeditures under control.
You maintain control of the compliance process
Once you've completed a proper evaluation and have a sensible and defendable
ADA modification plan on file, you have given yourself control of the compliance
process (and control of the costs). But without a legitimate plan, a
lawsuit or formal complaint could turn control of compliance (and
your budget) to the courts or an enforcing agency. By having adjustments done now, you avoid the possibility of having someone else dictate how
and where your budget is spent.
It's the right thing to do
Most facilities and businesses are more than willing to accommodate the needs of
all individuals regardless of disability, but the ADA's confusing
and ambiguous requirements make it difficult to understand exactly
what is required. This leads to many facilities taking a wait-and-see approach and
handle problems as they arise. Unfortunately, this approach means
that those who are too embarrassed or unwilling to ask for
accommodation are often left out, unable to fully participate in
programs, services and activities with others. So be proactive. Do
the right thing now.
Additional Resources
