Barrier-Free Design Consultation
Did you know that 50% of accommodations cost less than $500? It's true. In fact, according to the Job Accommodation Network, 19% cost nothing at all -- and more than 80% cost less than $1,000. Contrary to initial concerns about costs, employers actually report financial benefits from providing accommodations, due to a reduction in turnover (and therefore the cost of training new employees), a reduction in the cost of insurance, and an increase in worker productivity.
In July of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on disability. As of January 1993, the ADA's public accommodation section required accessibility in many community areas. This means, for example, adding ramps, widening doorways, improving restrooms, and making accommodations for people with communication impairments.
For those unfamiliar with how simple it is to make our communities more accessible, it's easy to view these requirements as a nuisance, but there are numerous benefits to making the required changes:
- Customers with strollers and shopping bags appreciate automatic doors as much as people in wheelchairs.
- People with disabilities frequent -- and are loyal to -- businesses that welcome them by making it easy to spend their money there.
- Tax credits for accommodations make it painless to comply with the law.
RCIL's barrier-free design advocates provide education and consultations regarding the ADA, accessible architectural design, construction standards and guidelines, and funding and tax incentives that may be available to help defray the cost of structural changes made to either a home or business.
Whether you're making changes to a public building or adapting a personal home for yourself or a family member, don't hesitate to contact RCIL for guidance.