Government facilities can 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: Government facilities must have accessible entrances for individuals with disabilities, which includes ramps, elevators, and automatic door openers.
- Inaccessible parking: Government facilities must have accessible parking spaces for individuals with disabilities, which includes adequate signage, van accessible spaces, and accessible paths of travel.
- Inaccessible public areas: Government facilities must ensure that their public areas, such as lobbies and community rooms, are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which includes adequate maneuvering space and accessible seating.
- Inaccessible restrooms: Government facilities must ensure that their restrooms are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which includes accessible stalls, grab bars, and sinks.
- Inaccessible communication: Government facilities must provide auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices, to individuals with disabilities to ensure effective communication.
- Inaccessible websites and software: Government facilities with an online presence must have accessible websites and software for individuals with disabilities, which includes compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technology.
- Inaccessible policies and procedures: Government facilities must ensure that their policies and procedures are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which includes providing accessible versions of policy documents and training staff on accessibility requirements.
It’s important for government facilities to ensure that their services and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities to avoid potential lawsuits and to provide equal access and opportunities to all citizens. Additionally, government entities must comply with Title II of the ADA, which requires that state and local governments ensure that all of their programs, services, and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.