- I need to make my business more accessible. What is my first step and where can I obtain additional information on accessibility?
- How can I obtain information on access requirements for outdoor facilities? We have a municipal park in our community.
- Where can I obtain a copy of the most current ADA accessibility guidelines?
- I own a small business and even though my building is accessible, I know I need to do more to make my merchandise accessible to individuals with disabilities. Where can I get more information?
- Are tax credits available for the cost of removing barriers?
- What is Universal Design?
1. I need to make my business more accessible. What is my first step and where can I obtain additional information on accessibility?
Answer: In order to determine what needs to be done, you should first conduct a Building Access Survey. A copy of the Building Access Survey (Word) can be downloaded from our website. You can also obtain additional information on access from the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry, or the business section of the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Homepage.
2. How can I obtain information on access requirements for outdoor facilities? We have a municipal park in our community.
Answer: Information can be obtained from the Access Board website.
3. Where can I obtain a copy of the most current federal accessibility guidelines?
Answer: You can obtain a copy of the most current federal accessibility guidelines by contacting the U.S. Access Board. Additional documents at this site include information on classroom acoustics, electronic and information technology, children’s accessibility standards and playground accessibility, etc. You can also obtain information on how to file a complaint.
4. I own a small business and even though my building is accessible, I know I need to do more to make my merchandise accessible to individuals with disabilities. Where can I get more information?
Answer: You can obtain more information on how to make your goods and services accessible to individuals with disabilities by downloading the following guide: ADA Small Business Guide (PDF) or ADA Small Business Guide (web).
5. Are tax credits available for the cost of removing barriers?
Answer: Two tax incentives are available to businesses to help cover the cost of making access improvements. The first is a tax credit that can be used for architectural adaptations, equipment acquisitions, and services such as sign language interpreters. The second is a tax deduction that can be used for architectural or transportation adaptations. For more information on either tax incentive, refer to Tax Incentives for Businesses.
Answer: The Center for Universal Design defines universal design as the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
For more information on universal design, refer to our housing information page.