Businesses and non-profit organizations are required by the ADA to remove architectural barriers when it is "readily achievable" to do so. How do businesses and non-profit organizations determine what is "readily achievable"?

“Readily achievable” means "easily accomplished without much difficulty or expense." The obligation for barrier removal is ongoing, which means a business must continue to evaluate existing barriers to determine if the barrier removal is readily achievable. In order to identify barriers in a facility, a business or non-profit should conduct an accessibility evaluation.

Determining what is “readily achievable” is made by each business on a case-by-case-basis based on the size and resources of the business. First, facilities should be assessed to determine what architectural barriers exist. Second, the costs of barrier removal should be documented and barrier removal priorities and timelines established. Third, this information can be used to create a "barrier removal plan."  For more information on barrier removal for small businesses, go to the ADA UPDATE: A PRIMER for SMALL BUSINESS. .

Further technical assistance is available through the ADA National Network at 1-800-949-4232.

For additional information, take a look at the following resource:

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