Professional mediators trained in the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) have helped resolve more than 80% of cases brought to them about the ADA. Many of these complaints were about physical accessibility and resolved with the installation of ramps and accessible parking. Provision of sign language interpreters at the expense of a service provider or entertainment facility was another recurring complaint. In some cases, people using service animals were refused service. After mediation, the store owners agreed to change their policies and educated staff about ADA obligations.

Hotel bathrooms also proved problematic. At one, a man got a serious injury because of an improperly installed grab bar that came loose. The hotel management then modified toilets, installed proper grab bars, and relocated towel racks in all accessible rooms. #798

U.S. Department of Justice. (1999, December). Enforcing the ADA. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section.

Keyword: Americans With Disabilities Act