Andrea called the ADA national hotline with a question facing many businesses: do they need to modify their bathrooms to meet ADA standards? A knowledgeable ADA Specialist informed her that because the ADA went into effect in 1991, all buildings that were operating before that are required to make accessibility improvements that are “readily achievable,” which means that it can be done with relatively little expense and difficulty.

Although she wanted her business to be as accessible as possible, the Business Guide helped Andrea understand that, although highly preferable, businesses are not always required to make their bathrooms accessible – in her case because of the small size of her business and the cost of modifying an older building. The ADA specialist explained that although the law protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, it also incorporates reasonable considerations by businesses and other entities.