Business Resources

Basically, the ADA works like this:

Businesses are governed under Title III. You have to removed barriers as they are “readily achievable” or “cheap and easy.”  Any new construction since 1991 was supposed to comply with ADA regulations. Additional changes were made to the ADA in 2010 that reflect the use of the web. There are a combination of tax deductions and credits: Access Deduction (Sect. 190) up to $15,000 for all businesses and Access Credit (Sect. 44) up to $5,000 for small business (gross receipts less than $1 million)

Cities are governed under Title II and include program access. All programs need to be equally accessible and usable by people with disabilities, this includes everything from paying a bill at City Hall to accessing the computer stations at the public library.

Still confused? Contact your local Center for Independent Living for information.

Quick-Look-Survey
Print out a copy of the Quick Look Survey to see how your business stacks up. Or use printed copies to host your own Mapathon.

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ADA Guide for Small Businesses
This guide presents an informal overview of some basic ADA requirements for small businesses that provide goods or services to the public.

Tax Incentives Fact Sheet
If you own or operate a business, you need to be aware of the tax incentives available for you for updating your facility for accessibility.

Ramp Up Idaho – Access means business! Discover financial and technical support to help you remove barriers and get customers in the door.

Providing Braille Menus for Restaurants – Confused as to how to provide your menu in Braille? For Idaho this link provides information on where to send your menu or business hours signs and receive a large print and Braille copy. You can also list your restaurant on their site.
Or try Jepsen Consulting, LLC for Braille Transcribing. A beautiful Braille menu can be made for approx $35 for the first one. Call 208-310-1059.

Tax Incentives for Hiring People with Disabilities
To help employers capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities offer America’s workplaces, the Federal Government offers a number of tax credits for employers.

Successful Service Dog Accommodationspdf
Hiring? Remember service animals are covered under reasonable accommodation from the ADA. You can find out how this works in emergency work settings.

Tips for First Responders – First responders encounter a wide variety of emergency situations, and naturally, protecting and saving lives is of upmost importance. Being familiar with how to interact with persons with disabilities can help maximize the safety of all persons present. Tips for First Responders will give you information to easily and quickly determine the specific scenario into which they are entering.

A Primer for Small Business by The U.S. Department of Justice
More than 50 million Americans—18% of our population—have disabilities, and each is a potential customer. People with disabilities are living more independently and participating more actively in their communities. They and their families want to patronize businesses that welcome customers with disabilities. In addition, approximately 71.5 million baby boomers will be over age 65 by the year 2030 and will be demanding products, services, and environments that meet their age-related physical needs. Studies show that once people with disabilities find a business where they can shop or get services in an accessible manner, they become repeat customers.

Accessibility Checklists

Below are Accessibility Checklists developed by the Northwest ADA Center. We have a general checklist and several “specialty topic” checklists: these checklists include features specific to medical facilities, lodging facilities, and correctional facilities.

Federal

  • Accessibility Checklist: Based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design– March 2015 Edition  (DOC
  • Accessibility Checklist: Oregon: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design October 2013  (PDF)

Medical

  • Accessibility Checklist for Medical Clinics and Facilities in Idaho: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design; Idaho State (November 2015) (PDF)  (DOC)
  • Accessibility Checklist for Medical Clinics and Facilities in Oregon: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design; Oregon State Building Code (October 2013)  (PDF)
  • Accessibility Checklist for Medical Clinics and Facilities in Washington: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design; Washington State (April 2015) (DOC

Lodging

  • Accessibility Checklist for Hotels in Washington: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design; Washington State (September 2012) (PDF)

Corrections

  • Accessibility Checklist: Washington State Department of Corrections: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and Washington State Building Code (March 2015) (PDF)
  • Movie Theater Accessibility

Need still more information?

Check out the full ADA Standards here.