What can small businesses learn from ADA regulations?

If you’re ready to take your skills from hobby to livelihood: Welcome to the world of small business! 

You’ll soon learn it takes an army to run a successful shop and you’re just the person to lead the charge. You’ll find yourself wrapped up in exciting tasks and responsibilities. As your business evolves from dream to reality, one task will be staying up-to-speed on compliance and regulations. An important regulation comes with the empowering, inclusive guidance of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

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What is ADA? 

This federal civil rights effort was passed into law in 1990, prohibiting discrimination against employees and job applicants who have physical and mental impairments.

What’s that mean for a business?

It may be easiest to look at ADA regulations from two standpoints: employees and customers.

Employees 
This information may sound like a no-brainer, but part of being an equal opportunity employer means just that—ensuring equal opportunities for all. Workers with disabilities have the same right as those without to apply for positions for which they’re qualified. They have an equal right to be considered for jobs, promotions and to have access to benefits offered, like health insurance and training. Just as important, discrimination and harassment on the job should never be tolerated, especially if stemming from differences. ADA sets all those good-business basics, and more, in stone.

Customers
Part of being a great employer—and an even better business owner—is making sure your facilities are accessible to all. Can people with limited mobility navigate your space with ease? Are doorframes wide enough for wheelchairs to pass through? Think about ramps and elevators, restroom standards, accessibility of items on shelves, drinking fountains and more. ADA puts guidelines in place to ensure everyone who visits your business understands they are welcome, feels comfortable being there and enjoys patronizing your location.

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Now that you know

Keep learning! The best thing you can do is to stay knowledgeable about regulations as you take your business goals from wishful thinking to daily life. 

Be proactive in creating an inclusive environment that’s welcoming for all people by opening day. 

And, make sure you have solid insurance coverage in place on that first day, too—a UFG agent is ready to help.