Title III of the ADA

ACCESS TO GOODS AND SERVICES

Provide more training on ADA guidelines and updates when they change. Providing more publicity on guidelines and changes may clear up misinterpretations. There needs to be a greater understanding among business owners that the ADA does not have a "grandfather clause".

Provide more technical assistance--particularly for rural areas.

The federal govt. (DOJ) should reach out to local building inspectors so that building inspectors will remind businesses applying for permits or certifications of occupancy that ADA compliance is necessary in addition to the local (city/town) building requirements.
Business owners are being confused and unfairly left open to compliance complaints without this "reminding" on the local level.

Provide greater incentives to business for access such as increased tax incentives.

Increase the understanding of auxiliary aids and services.

Develop a formal training program for those who conduct inspections and business owners.

MECHANISM FOR RESOLUTION OF PROBLEMS

Immediate adaptation for the ADA/ABA into regulations  -- this will make it much easier for designers and architects.

Increased enforcement and better coordination between the Dept. of Justice and local code enforcement.

More local enforcement with the possible use of fines for businesses that are not compliant. Withhold Certificate of Occupancy to businesses if not in ADA compliance.

Utilize mediation for informal resolutions instead of litigation or no response from the Department of Justice.

Provide formal interpretations for gray areas of the law.

Passage and immediate implementation of the new DOJ regulations for Title III of the ADA.

Require ADA compliance as part of criteria at the local level to get a business license.

Provide information on which agencies are involved in enforcement and what areas they enforce.