As a facility manager, ensuring that your building meets accessibility standards is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative. Accessibility certification is a crucial step in creating an inclusive environment for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. From compliance with regulations to the financial and reputational benefits, understanding accessibility certification can position your facility as a leader in accessibility. Here's what facility managers need to know about the process.
Why Accessibility Certification Matters
Accessibility certification signals that your facility complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant building codes. Certification ensures that people with disabilities can access your building’s entrances, common areas, restrooms, and other facilities without unnecessary barriers. Beyond compliance, it demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity, which can improve the reputation of your business, attract more clients, and create a positive workplace for all employees.
Failing to meet these standards can lead to costly lawsuits and damage your reputation. Facility managers play a key role in both navigating these regulations and making spaces more inclusive.
Key Accessibility Standards and Codes
Here are a few essential standards that facility managers should familiarize themselves with when pursuing accessibility certification:
- ADA Standards for Accessible Design – Outlines the minimum requirements for spaces that need to be accessible for individuals with disabilities.
- International Building Code (IBC) – The IBC includes accessibility provisions that align with ADA standards and sets construction-related accessibility requirements for new and renovated buildings.
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1 – A technical standard providing guidelines on making buildings usable for individuals with disabilities, including specifications for ramps, stairs, doors, and maneuvering spaces.
- Local Codes and Regulations – Many cities and states have their own accessibility codes, which may go beyond federal regulations. Facility managers need to ensure compliance with both local and federal standards.
Steps to Obtain Accessibility Certification
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit
An accessibility audit is a detailed assessment of your facility's compliance with the ADA and other relevant standards. A third-party auditor typically evaluates entrances, parking areas, restrooms, doorways, signage, and other important areas. This audit helps identify non-compliant features that need to be addressed.
- Implement Necessary Changes
Based on the audit results, facility managers must implement changes to bring the facility into compliance. These changes might include installing ramps, widening doorways, adding accessible parking spaces, or upgrading restrooms with grab bars and proper sink heights.
- Apply for Certification
Once your facility meets the required accessibility standards, you can apply for certification through a recognized body. Some organizations, like the U.S. Access Board or local authorities, offer certification programs that validate your compliance.
- Maintain Ongoing Compliance
After receiving certification, maintaining compliance is crucial, especially when renovations or changes to the building occur. Ensure regular checks, staff training, and updates to stay current with evolving standards and to avoid losing certification status.
Financial and Reputational Benefits of Accessibility Certification
While the upfront costs of accessibility upgrades may seem daunting, they offer a strong return on investment (ROI) in the long term:
- Increased Customer Base: Accessible facilities appeal to a wider audience, including people with disabilities, their families, and caretakers.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: Employees with disabilities are more likely to thrive in an accessible workspace, which boosts retention and morale.
- Compliance and Liability Protection: Meeting ADA and other accessibility standards protects your business from fines, lawsuits, and legal repercussions.
- Positive Brand Image: Certification shows that your company values inclusivity, which resonates with modern customers who prioritize socially responsible businesses.
Tools and Resources for Facility Managers
There are various tools and resources available to facility managers to guide accessibility efforts:
- ADA Compliance Checklist: A comprehensive tool to assess your building’s compliance with ADA standards.
- EZ-ACCESS® Ramp Incline Calculator: For facilities requiring ramps, this tool helps determine the proper slope and length for safe and ADA-compliant access.
- Accessibility Consultants: Engaging with experts can simplify the certification process and ensure your facility is meeting all necessary requirements.
Pursuing accessibility certification is a critical step for facility managers seeking to create an inclusive, legally compliant, and welcoming space. By conducting audits, implementing upgrades, and staying on top of local and federal regulations, you can ensure your facility is accessible to all and gain the benefits of certification. Accessibility is more than a legal requirement—it's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your employees, customers, and community.