The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to businesses, public facilities, and commercial spaces. While many organizations understand the importance of accessibility, ADA compliance mistakes are still surprisingly common, especially during renovations, tenant improvements, or routine maintenance.
Some issues are obvious, while others can be easy to overlook until an inspection or complaint brings them to light. Whether you’re constructing a new facility or updating an existing one, understanding these common mistakes can help you create a more accessible environment and avoid costly corrections later.
ADA Requirements Can Vary by Location
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) establishes the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which provide the foundation for accessibility requirements across the country. However, state and local jurisdictions may adopt additional codes or requirements that supersede portions of the DOJ standards.
Before beginning a new construction or renovation project, it’s always best to verify requirements with your local building department or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Commercial Bathwares can help you understand the applicable DOJ accessibility standards for commercial restroom layouts, specifically in Missouri and Illinois. Meanwhile, local authorities can provide guidance on any additional requirements that apply in your area.
Accessible Restrooms: Where We See the Most Mistakes
Because Commercial Bathwares specializes in commercial restroom products and installation, accessible restrooms are where we most often see ADA compliance issues.
One of the most common mistakes is mounting restroom accessories at the wrong height or in the wrong location. Toilet paper dispensers, grab bars, mirrors, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, and other accessories all have specific mounting requirements intended to make them usable for individuals with disabilities. Even if every required fixture is installed, incorrect placement can result in a restroom that does not meet ADA standards.
We also frequently encounter confusion surrounding accessible toilet stalls. Some common issues include:
- Insufficient wheelchair turning space or required clear floor space
- Improper grab bar placement
- Doors that swing into required clearances
- Incorrect toilet centerline placement
- Accessories mounted outside the required reach ranges
Another area that creates confusion is the difference between a standard wheelchair-accessible stall and an ambulatory accessible stall.
A wheelchair-accessible stall is designed for individuals using wheelchairs and includes additional maneuvering space. An ambulatory stall, on the other hand, is intended for individuals who can walk but require support from grab bars. Larger restroom layouts often require both stall types depending on the number of fixtures provided, making it important to understand when each is required.
Many ADA restroom issues are relatively simple to correct during design or construction, but they become much more expensive once walls, partitions, and accessories have already been installed.
For more information, read our blog on ADA Bathroom Stall Requirements for Commercial Spaces
Accessible Communications Go Beyond Physical Accessibility
ADA compliance isn’t limited to ramps and restrooms. Businesses should also consider how people receive information throughout their facility.
Accessible communication may include:
- Permanent signs with tactile lettering and Braille
- Clear directional signage
- Visual and audible emergency notifications
- Service counters that allow effective communication
- Digital information that is accessible to individuals using assistive technology
Providing accessible communication helps ensure customers, visitors, employees, and patients can navigate your facility and obtain important information independently whenever possible.
Accessible Entrances and Exits
Your building’s entrance is often the first opportunity to provide an accessible experience.
Common ADA mistakes include:
- Steps without an accessible route
- Door hardware that requires tight grasping or twisting
- Insufficient maneuvering clearance around doors
- Thresholds that are too high
- Heavy doors that are difficult to open
- Obstructed accessible routes
Emergency exits should also be considered as part of your overall accessibility plan. Accessible routes should remain usable during both everyday operations and emergency situations whenever required by applicable building codes.
Accessible Parking Requirements
Even before someone enters your building, ADA compliance begins in the parking lot.
Some of the most common parking-related issues include:
- Too few accessible parking spaces
- Incorrect van-accessible space requirements
- Missing or improperly mounted signage
- Access aisles that are too narrow
- Damaged striping that makes spaces unclear
- Accessible routes blocked by landscaping, carts, or temporary storage
Parking areas should provide a safe, continuous path from the vehicle to the building entrance without unnecessary barriers.
ADA Compliance Starts with Good Planning
Many accessibility issues aren’t caused by a lack of effort. They’re often the result of incomplete planning, outdated information, or assumptions that “close enough” meets the requirements.
Organizations can reduce compliance issues by developing clear internal procedures that support accessibility across both their facilities and their workforce. For employers, that includes establishing a written reasonable accommodation policy so accommodation requests are handled consistently, documented appropriately, and evaluated on an individual basis. A clear process helps HR professionals respond efficiently while reducing confusion and potential legal risks.
It’s also important to maintain accurate job descriptions that clearly identify a position’s essential functions, including any legitimate physical requirements or stamina requirements. Well-written documentation supports the accommodation dialogue between employers and employees by clarifying what duties are essential and where a reasonable accommodation may allow an employee to successfully perform the job.
Providing regular ADA training for managers and employees is another important step. Training helps staff understand accessibility requirements, recognize accommodation needs, and respond appropriately if questions or concerns arise. Taking a proactive approach can improve workplace performance, strengthen documentation, and reduce the likelihood of discrimination claims, complaints, or lengthy investigation processes.
<h2>ADA Compliance Is an Ongoing Responsibility
ADA compliance is not a one-time project completed when a building opens. Facilities evolve over time as equipment changes, spaces are renovated, and businesses grow. Regular reviews help identify issues before they affect customers, employees, or inspections.
Working with experienced suppliers, contractors, and design professionals who understand accessibility requirements can help reduce costly mistakes and create spaces that serve everyone more effectively.
Missouri & Illinois Accessibility Requirements
Because Commercial Bathwares serves customers throughout Missouri and Illinois, it’s important to understand that accessibility requirements can vary depending on where your project is located.
In Missouri, commercial projects typically follow the adopted building code enforced by the local jurisdiction, along with applicable federal ADA requirements. Local plan reviewers and inspectors may reference the International Building Code (IBC) and ICC A117.1 accessibility standards when reviewing commercial construction and renovation projects.
Illinois follows the Illinois Accessibility Code, which implements the state’s Environmental Barriers Act. The Illinois Accessibility Code is intended to work alongside the federal ADA standards and, in areas where the two differ, often adopts the more stringent requirement to provide greater accessibility.
For contractors, facility managers, and building owners, the takeaway is simple: don’t assume the federal ADA standards are the only requirements that apply. Verifying project requirements with your local AHJ before construction begins can help avoid costly revisions, failed inspections, and project delays.
Commercial Bathwares can help you select restroom partitions, accessories, grab bars, and other products that align with DOJ accessibility guidance, while your local building department can confirm the specific code requirements for your jurisdiction.
For more information, read our blog on ADA Bathroom Stall Requirements in St. Louis
Need Help Creating More Accessible Commercial Restrooms?
Commercial Bathwares works with contractors, architects, property managers, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses throughout the St. Louis area to provide commercial restroom partitions, accessories, lockers, and other products that support accessible, code-conscious restroom design.
If you’re planning a renovation, building a new commercial restroom, or replacing restroom accessories, our team can help you choose products that fit your project and help support ADA compliance. Contact Commercial Bathwares today to request a quote or learn more about our commercial restroom solutions.