Businesses have to make sure that their buildings—and now buildings—are ADA compliant since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1989. Keeping up with the many state and federal requirements concerning ADA compliance, as well as changes and updates to legislation, may prove to be quite difficult for businesses.
For companies, there are various causes for concern. In 2016, a new wave of lawsuits against commercial buildings appeared, with ADA-related claims increasing by 24%. How can you protect your business and yourself? By working with an ADA specialist who is knowledgeable about the law and capable of defending your company in ADA-related lawsuits. Continue reading to learn how to choose an ADA consultant that precisely satisfies the needs of your business.
Why is accessibility consultant important?
You’re probably already aware with the sections of the Americans with Disabilities Act that deal with hiring and making reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. If you own a store or any other kind of business that deals with the general public, you must make sure that people with disabilities have equal access to public spaces as everyone else. This applies to buildings as well.
You are aware that a structure is necessary in order to do business or advertise your brand. You can’t assume that your web developer is up to date on all laws and regulations. It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure that your facility is accessible, even if they create it effectively and have programming expertise.
Access to government facilities, including buildings, must be fair for all individuals. By failing to maintain your facility up and accessible, you risk facing legal consequences as well as alienating a portion of your customer base. Additionally, it is ethically right to do so.
Things to Take into Account Before Hiring an ADA Consultant
Now that you understand why hiring an ADA consultant is essential, how do you go about doing so? An excellent place to start is learning what qualifications an ADA consultant should have.
Requirements
There are many methods to hire an ADA consultant. Make sure the consultant you choose has the skills and background required to help your company. If the consultant belongs to a professional association like the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, they will stay up to date on changes in laws and regulations.
Looking at an ADA consultant’s broad list of credentials and professional affiliations will help you gauge how well-versed they are in ensuring that your website is fully compliant.
Deep understanding of WCAG
One of the reasons why buildings could be in a legal limbo is the absence of federal regulations that outline how to modernize and make them ADA compliant. Online workers and ADA consultants alike often use the Online Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide guidelines for web accessibility.
They must be well-versed in these guidelines. Photographic alt-text is only one example of accessibility. There are accessibility standards for color, text size, documents, and media. One of the most ignored aspects of the ADA is document accessibility. If your business provides price sheets or brochures for download, you must also provide accessible PDFs.
Customer References and Case Studies
The ADA accessibility team for your facility has to have a track record of success. Before employing them, be sure they have a solid reputation. Asking for references and case studies can help you confirm that your expert is reputable. They will be able to illustrate how they solved issues on structures that are precisely like yours and made them ADA compliant utilizing WCAG standards. They use a successful process.
Before engaging an ADA consultant, make sure you can understand their technique. For you as the consumer, this sets the criteria. Additionally, as you attempt to enhance your structure, it could help you create benchmarks.
You may, for instance, determine your needs and obligations by a comprehensive audit. Then, whether it’s upgrading your PDF files or changing the building’s color scheme, the two of you will work together to find a solution. Additionally, they might work with your staff to make sure that any alterations to your company’s premises are accessible.
Do They Understand Your Organization’s Special Needs?
Both your business and the people that visit your facility stand out. You may own an internet business or a vacation agency that relies on bookings made online. Does your consultant have an understanding of the unique needs of your business while also guaranteeing that your facility conforms with ADA standards?
That is what you genuinely need in an ADA consultant. You want to cooperate with someone who is really knowledgeable in your profession, whether you work for the government or a hotel.
Final words
You now fully comprehend the significance of using accessibility consulting services. You are also aware of some of the most helpful guidelines you can utilize to choose a reputable accessibility consulting business. Make sure you choose the best service provider, and you’ll be able to make your building more accessible in the end.
As more and more people utilize the internet for information, it is more important than ever to make your facility accessible to all users. By displaying your care for each and every one of your customers, you may gain their confidence. Additionally, you’ll protect your organization from the barrage of legal actions that are being taken against companies who lack appropriate premises.
If you are looking forward to getting the services of such an excellent disability access consultancy firm, you may get in touch with DirectAccessGP. The specialists are willing to provide all the support and assistance that you need to overcome the problems that you face with disability access consultancy.
