Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act law to prohibit employment discrimination against people with disabilities and to ensure equal access to public buildings.

Not all businesses and organizations are legally required to comply with ADA regulations, but most are, including:

• Any business that is open to and dependent on the general public
• Any privately run company that employs 15 or more people
• All local, county, state, and federal agencies
• Charitable and non-profit organizations which either operate for the benefit of the public or employ 15 or more people

Ensuring that your office is ADA compliant not only protects you legally — it’s also the right thing to do.

Practical Steps to Make Your Office ADA Compliant

Office managers are responsible for making sure their spaces are accessible to everyone. The following checklist includes many, but not all, of the adaptations necessary to comply:

Doorways

Doors should be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs. Double doors should be left open if each door is fewer than 32 inches.

Doors should not require more than five pounds of force to open. Heavier doors should be kept open or open automatically. This stipulation includes doors for restrooms that are designated as ADA compliant.

If they are intended to be used for conducting public business, cubicle entrances must also be at least 32 inches wide to allow access by wheelchairs.

Furniture

Conference tables should be at least 27 inches high so that individuals in wheelchairs have clearance for their knees.

Shelving or other items affixed to the wall and protruding more than four inches present a hazard to the vision impaired.

These items should be placed no more than 27 inches from the floor to be detectable by a blind person’s walking cane.

Communications

Large print or alternate reading formats should be available for the vision impaired.

Tactile (Braille) signs indicating room numbers, exits, and other important information should be mounted 60 inches from the floor and have clear access with no cabinets, tables, or other items blocking them.

Providers should display brochures and other informative documents within reach of individuals in a wheelchair, approximately 15 to 48 inches from the floor.

Is Your Office ADA Compliant?

Office Furniture Direct can help you make certain your office is accessible and welcoming to everyone—visitors and employees alike. Contact us today for more information about ADA-compliant furniture and more. We are here to help you do your best work!