Beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities can also be sued for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if they fail to provide access and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Some common reasons these types of facilities are sued for ADA violations include:
- Inaccessible entrances: Beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities must have accessible entrances for individuals with disabilities, which includes ramps, elevators, and automatic door openers.
- Inaccessible treatment rooms: Beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities must have accessible treatment rooms for individuals with disabilities, which includes adequate space for wheelchair access, accessible treatment tables or chairs, and transfer assistance devices.
- Inaccessible restrooms: Beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities must have accessible restrooms for individuals with disabilities, which includes stall dimensions, grab bars, and wheelchair accessibility.
- Inaccessible locker rooms: Beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities must have accessible locker rooms for individuals with disabilities, which includes accessible lockers, benches, and showers.
- Inaccessible equipment: Beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities must have accessible equipment for individuals with disabilities, which includes height-adjustable exercise equipment and other assistive technology.
- Inaccessible classes and activities: Beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities must provide accessible classes and activities for individuals with disabilities, which includes accessible seating, sign language interpreters, and communication devices.
- Inaccessible communication: Beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities must provide auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices, to individuals with disabilities to ensure effective communication.
It’s important for beauty, fitness, and wellness facilities to ensure that their facilities and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities to avoid potential lawsuits and to provide equal access and opportunities to all customers.