Businesses, especially small ones, are facing a growing number of lawsuits related to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), costing them tens of thousands of dollars in settlements and fines and even forcing some to go out of business, according to business owners, advocates, and lawmakers. California leads the nation in the number of such lawsuits, they say.
The ADA, passed into law in 1990, is designed to protect people with disabilities from discrimination, as well as guarantee them the same opportunities as everyone else when it comes to employment, housing, purchasing goods and services, and other aspects of daily life.
The law also requires that businesses and workplaces be compliant with requirements for those with disabilities, such as providing accessible parking, wheelchair ramps, service counters with accessible sections, and restrooms with wider doors and grab bars….