14 Dec “How to Avoid ADA Lawsuits” Workshop
The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) helped businesses from all over the Valley become more informed and aware of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit abuse on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. TVEA is helping businesses avoid these lawsuits by promoting awareness of the issue, providing information on ADA law requirements, and connecting businesses to affiliates who can help them make the necessary changes.
David Warren Peters from Lawyers Against Lawsuit Abuse, discussed how to be more Access Friendly. Attendees learned that ADA violations are civil rights based, which makes it difficult to fight against in court. David shared that a simple signage fix, costing as little as $12, could end up costing $4,000 if fined.
Examples of other ADA violations discussed at this workshop included: not having a “Van Accessible” space with an 8 feet area for a van ramp, not having a 5 feet by 5 feet space on each side of a doorway, not having a Braille sign indicating accessible restrooms, having the term “handicap” on any signage or materials, and having door handles that require pinching, twisting, or grasping.