Most public services fall in this category, including health care facilities. Meeting the requirements of Section 504 can be accomplished by changing policies, providing services such as sign-language interpreters, installing text telephones for deaf clients, or relocating the program to an accessible facility. Most states have building codes or other regulations that specify and require accessibility for people with disabilities in building design and construction. These vary in scope, detail, and enforcement. Some are local, city or county codes instead of statewide.
Some states also have civil rights laws prohibiting discriminatory practices.
The following chart highlights some of the key ADA requirements that should not be overlooked. The illustrations that follow combine Universal Design Features with requirements of the ADA to depict environments that are safer and easier for all visitors, patients, and staff to use. Creating barrier-free health care environments is an ongoing process that requires input from many people. Designers, builders, and equipment suppliers do not set policies and are not taught to design for or accommodate the full range of human needs and abilities. Building codes and laws cannot correct for this deficiency, so it is important for health care professionals to become active team members in planning for any health care facility or program.