Laura Akgerman - Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility
Is your farm or business open to the public? Is your farm or business welcoming to people with disabilities? The American’s with Disabilities Act is a federal law that requires businesses to be accessible to people with disabilities, and it may apply to your business or farm.
If you are not sure if your business is accessible, here are a few questions to consider:
- Is your property welcoming to people of all abilities?
- Is there room in your parking area for a wheelchair accessible van to park, lower a ramp to the ground, and allow someone to exit the van and travel safely to a sidewalk or walking path?
- Is the surface of your parking area easy to travel across, or would someone in a wheelchair or walker get stuck in mud, gravel, grass, etc…?
- Could a person in a wheelchair access your property, public bathrooms, barns, and activity or program areas?
- Do you have any steps leading into your buildings? Even one step can keep someone with a disability from entering a building; a ramp or a level (no step) entrance is best for access.
- Are the entrances to your buildings or activity areas clear of any obstruction, structures, displays, furniture, etc…?
- Could a person in a wheelchair turn around or maneuver in or out of your business or activity area? A minimum turn radius is 60” x 60”, this will allow room for wheelchair or scooter users to safely turn around.
- Do you have information about how people could request accommodations listed on your brochures, website and advertisements?
For more information on The Americans with Disabilities Act: https://www.ada.gov/
Search small business, or technical standards for specific information. Your insurance provider may also have information about requirements for accessibility.
For more information about Ohio AgrAbility visit http://agrability.osu.edu or contact Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility & OSU Extension Akgerman.4@osu.edu, 614-247-7681.