In the 10 years since the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility for people with disabilities has become the norm in cities and towns across the country. Providing ease of access to the disabled in public spaces is the responsibility of state and local governments as well as businesses and organizations, large and small.

One of the most visible signs of the impact of the ADA’s guidelines is the increased  number of handicap parking spots found in commercial and public parking areas. Adding accessible parking is one step government agencies, businesses and privately run facilities can take to ensure people with disabilities are able to work and participate in programs, services or activities, both indoors and out.

Commercial parking lots and garages must be accessible to everyone. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, was created to ensure that public places across the country are accessible for people with disabilities.

ADA compliance is essential for every property manager, and includes making sure public parking lots meet the guidelines set by the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Creating an ADA compliant parking lot is crucial for providing ample access to every individual, and it requires proper sizing, placement and marking of parking spaces reserved for those who need them.