Although you’re aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you might not understand how to implement it in your small business. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can help. The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Primer for Small Business outlines the provisions of the ADA and provides valuable examples, tips, and caveats:
This EEOC publication covers:
- Who’s protected by Title I of the ADA.
- How to make ADA services accessible.
- The use of tax credits and deductions to offset specific costs.
- How to avoid mistakes when interviewing applicants with disabilities.
- What questions you’re permitted to ask employees about a medical condition.
- What to do if safety issues arise.
- Various aspects of reasonable accommodations requirements.
- Tax incentives for businesses that hire and retain people with disabilities.
If you provide goods and services to the public, check out the ADA Guide for Small Businesses, a 15-page illustrated guide that presents an overview of some basic requirements for small businesses. It provides guidance on how to make these services accessible and use tax credits and deductions to offset specific costs. You can access the guide at ADA Guide for Small Businesses (HTML) or ADA Guide for Small Businesses (PDF). Spanish, Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Tagalog and Vietnamese editions are available from the ADA Information Line: (800) 514 -0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
Reading up on the ADA can help you avoid costly lawsuits. Get smart on the law — and call us to make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your business against this risk.
