Is Your Local Restaurant Breaking the Law for Blind Customers?
Is it difficult or impossible for you to enjoy the services of a local restaurant in the Palm Beach Gardens area because you are blind or have low vision? If so, you should know that the local restaurant may be breaking the law. You could be eligible to file a claim under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA provides protections to people with disabilities so that they have an equal right to work and to enjoy public places such as restaurants and hotels. Although businesses such as restaurants are privately owned, they are considered to be places of “public accommodation” because they provide goods and services to the public, and under the ADA, these places must be accessible.
What are restaurants required to do under the ADA to ensure that their establishments are accessible by customers with blindness or low vision? Our Palm Beach Gardens disability advocates are here to help.
Restaurants Are Required to Be Accessible for Blind and Low-Vision Customers
The ADA applies to all restaurants in South Florida.
Under the ADA, if a building was either built or renovated after 1992, then it must be accessible and the restaurant in that space must meet all requirements set forth under the ADA. Even if a restaurant’s space was constructed before 1992 and has not been altered since then, it must still meet “readily achievable” ADA requirements, and those can also look ahead to a point at which the restaurant is able to make changes to come into full compliance with the ADA.
Common ADA Violations in Local Restaurants and National Chains Impacting Blind Customers
What are some of the more common ADA violations in local restaurants and national restaurant chains that affect customers who are blind or those with low vision? The following setups at restaurants can violate the ADA, and a customer who is blind or has low vision may be able to file an ADA claim:
- Touch screens that require the customer to be able to see and tap on visual icons;
- Lack of braille menus;
- Kiosk-only ordering that requires the use of touch screens;
- Required use of a menu app that is not accessible for individuals who are blind or have low vision; and
- Refusal to allow service animals into the restaurant.
Contact a Palm Beach Gardens ADA Violation Lawyer Today for Assistance
Palm Beach Gardens residents who are blind or have low vision have equal rights to enjoy local restaurants under the ADA, and the ADA requires that restaurants ensure their goods and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you have any questions about your rights under the ADA or want to find out more about filing an ADA claim, you should get in touch with one of the experienced Palm Beach Gardens ADA violation attorneys at Sconzo Law Office for assistance. We are committed to representing individuals with blindness and low vision in holding local restaurants and other areas of public service and accommodation accountable. You should be able to enjoy such locations just as anyone else who does not have a disability. Contact our firm today for assistance.
Source:
ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/