Accessibility of public accommodations in three ethnic minority communities

This study assessed compliance with the public accommodations provisions (Title III) of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title III of the ADA requires the removal of physical, procedural, and attitudinal barriers that prohibit people with disabilities from entering public establishments and accessing their goods and services. The physical accessibility of 90 establishments located in three ethnic minority communities was assessed. Following each assessment, ADA information and feedback were presented to business owners and managers in either English or Spanish. Results revealed that 23 (25.6%) were fully accessible, 43 (47.8%) were accessible with minor assistance, and 24 (26.7%) were inaccessible with minor assistance. Establishments identified as for-profit tended to be more accessible than those identified as not-for-profit. Overall, findings indicate that much work remains to improve the ADA compliance of places open to the public.