Actions to Implement Americans with Disabilities Act

Achieving ADA Compliance

Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance effectively requires clear, actionable steps.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Organisations must proactively remove barriers in physical places, digital platforms, and employment practices.

This article provides specific actions your organisation can take, along with practical steps and expected outcomes to help you achieve genuine accessibility and inclusion.

ADA Requirements

To ensure effective implementation of ADA compliance, organisations should commence by conducting a comprehensive review of the relevant ADA Titles to ascertain their specific obligations.

Title I pertains to Employment, Title II governs Public Services, and Title III applies to Public Accommodations, each establishing distinct compliance requirements based on operational context.

For instance, a retail establishment must adhere to Title III provisions by implementing physical accessibility measures, including wheelchair-accessible entryways via ramps and appropriately widened aisles.

Through a systematic evaluation, organisations can identify deficiencies such as uncaptioned instructional materials or restroom facilities that fail to meet regulatory specifications and plan a strategy of remediation. The anticipated deliverables of this phase include a definitive comprehension of ADA mandates and an itemized inventory of compliance deficiencies requiring corrective action.

Conducting Accessibility Audit

To ensure full compliance with ADA requirements, organisations must conduct a systematic accessibility audit encompassing three critical domains which includes physical infrastructure, digital platforms, and employment practices.

1. Physical Accessibility: 

The audit should evaluate key structural elements, including entrances ensuring automated door systems or compliant ramp access, parking facilities verifying properly designated accessible spaces with regulatory-compliant signage, and pedestrian pathways assessing surface conditions to ensure smooth traversal for individuals with mobility impairments.

2. Digital Accessibility (WCAG Compliance):

A thorough examination of digital assets must be performed, including websites and applications, to validate adherence to WCAG standards. Some of this entails testing screen reader compatibility across interactive elements like e-commerce checkout processes, verifying seamless keyboard-only navigation functionality, and confirming that all visual media incorporate descriptive alternative text for users with visual impairments.

3. Employment Practices:

The audit must assess organisational policies and procedures related to workforce inclusion. Key evaluation points include hiring protocols ensuring interview accommodations for candidates with disabilities, workplace adjustments availability of ergonomic equipment such as height-adjustable workstations for employees with physical restrictions, and training materials verifying multimedia content incorporates closed captioning and other assistive features.

Upon completion, this audit will yield a formal report documenting all identified accessibility barriers, accompanied by a prioritised corrective action plan.

For example, findings may indicate that while digital platforms largely meet WCAG criteria, internal documentation such as PDF employee handbooks lacks proper structural tagging, rendering it incompatible with assistive technologies and necessitating immediate remediation. The ultimate deliverable is a structured compliance roadmap, enabling the organisation to methodically address deficiencies and achieve full ADA conformance across all operational facets.

ADA Compliance Policy

Organisations must develop a formal ADA policy that clearly states their commitment to accessibility while establishing standardised procedures for accommodation requests and defining specific departmental responsibilities, with Facilities managing physical access, IT is ensuring digital compliance, and HR overseeing accommodations.

For instance, a hospital might mandate WCAG 2.0 AA-compliant patient portals by 2024, tasking IT with implementation and HR with staff training.

Through mandatory training programs, these departments gain full understanding of their obligations, resulting in a comprehensive policy document and properly trained staff capable of maintaining consistent ADA compliance across all operations. This structured approach fosters accountability while creating an inclusive environment for employees, customers, and visitors.

Accessibility Expert Partners

To strengthen ADA compliance, organisations should partner with certified accessibility experts who can provide specialized guidance.

For example, a retail chain might engage an accessibility consultancy to conduct quarterly audits of their stores and website, identifying issues like non-compliant checkout counters or missing alt-text.

These experts can train staff, recommend solutions, and verify improvements like helping a bank implement proper Braille signage and screen reader-compatible online banking.

Ongoing collaboration ensures accurate, up-to-date compliance while minimizing legal risks and creating truly inclusive experiences.

Team Accessibility Training

To build an accessibility conscious employees, organisations should implement comprehensive ADA training programs.

For example, a healthcare provider could require all staff - from doctors to receptionists, to complete annual accessibility training covering topics like assisting patients with mobility devices, using communication boards for non-verbal patients, and creating accessible digital health records.

Training should combine interactive workshops, e-learning modules, and practical assessments to ensure retention.

By making training mandatory and tracking participation, companies foster an inclusive culture where employees become accessibility advocates, better equipped to serve diverse needs while reducing compliance risks.

Track ADA Updates

To maintain ongoing ADA compliance, organisations must actively track evolving accessibility standards and regulations. The continuous improvement process prevents compliance gaps and demonstrates organisation commitment to accessibility, while protecting against potential legal challenges.

For example, a university might designate its disability services coordinator to monitor ADA updates through Department of Justice newsletters and WCAG working groups, ensuring timely implementation of changes like new web accessibility requirements.

By subscribing to professional forums and attending annual ADA conferences, the institution can proactively adjust policies - such as updating campus signage standards when new braille regulations emerge.

Win with Nexus Inclusion

Transform ADA compliance into a competitive advantage by adopting Nexus Inclusion services.

Our proven framework helps organisations implement sustainable accessibility practices, enhance customer experiences, and mitigate compliance risks.

Our methodology will assist to improve your brand reputation and customer loyalty. Download our free ADA compliance checklist or schedule a consultation to learn how Nexus Inclusion can future proof your operations while creating meaningful social impact.