Opening Doors For Those With Disabilities
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Other.
Opening Doors for Those with Disabilities
Summary:
Promising developments are on the horizon for the over 54 million Americans living with disabilities.
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Good news may be coming for the more than 54 million individuals with disabilities in the United States. Many companies are actively finding ways to make drugstores, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers more accessible.
As baby boomers enter their 60s and experience increased health and mobility challenges, more Americans are expected to favor spending their money in places that accommodate their mobility needs. Providing a positive customer experience will be crucial in capturing the significant spending power of this growing market.
Passed in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was designed to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to all facilities. Yet, over 15 years later, many still find numerous places inaccessible.
To address this, Ingersoll Rand's Security Technologies Sector created a strategic business unit focused on automated openings. Ron Ratell, the unit's manager and ADA marketing manager, attributes the issue to a lack of awareness.
"Many small and medium-sized business owners often don't realize their facilities aren't ADA compliant," says Ratell, noting that business owners typically become aware only after an incident or complaint. This reactive approach costs time and money while leaving the building's openings noncompliant.
Ratell further explains that many business owners don't know where to seek help for ADA accessibility or that tax incentives are available to assist in updating their operations to meet standards.
Currently, two major tax incentive programs are available to help businesses cover the costs of ADA-required access improvements. One offers a tax credit for architectural adaptations, equipment purchases, and services, while the other provides a tax deduction for architectural or transportation adaptations. More information on these incentives is available at [www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/taxpack.htm](www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/taxpack.htm).
Ratell's company offers a range of consulting services and turnkey solutions to help businesses become ADA accessible. The Automated Openings Business Unit at Ingersoll Rand provides solutions for various types of openings, from door handle levers and push/pulls to mechanical door closers and powered door operators. These operators range from push-to-open systems to fully automatic doors.
Understanding opening usage, fire and life safety codes, and ADA accessibility requirements is essential to providing the right solutions. Tailored solutions bridge the gap between a business owner's objectives and ADA compliance.
For those seeking more information on ADA accessibility, Ratell recommends the following resources: the [ADA Home Page](www.ada.gov), the [National Organization on Disability](www.nod.org), and the [United States Access Board](www.access-board.gov).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Opening Doors For Those With Disabilities.
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