Ultimate ADA Checklist for Quick Service Restaurants

Ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not only a legal requirement but also a smart business practice for quick service restaurants (QSRs). With approximately 61 million people in the United States having some form of disability, adhering to ADA guidelines creates an inclusive environment that caters to a wider pool of customers.

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law enacted in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It aims to ensure equal opportunities and access in various aspects of public life, including employment, transportation, and public accommodations like restaurants. The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces compliance with ADA standards and can investigate complaints and initiate legal actions against non-compliant businesses.

Here's a guide to getting your QSR completely ADA compliant:

1. Accessible Communication:

   1. ☐ Braille menus available

   2. ☐ Large print menus available

   3. ☐ Sign language interpretation services or staff trained in written communication

   4. ☐ Mobile apps for speech-to-text and text-to-speech conversion

   5. ☐ Staff trained on assisting customers with disabilities

2. Parking Accessibility

   1. ☐ 1 accessible parking space for every 25 spaces

   2. ☐ Accessible spaces at least 8 feet wide [ ] Van-accessible spaces at least 11 feet wide

   3. ☐ Accessible route from parking to entrance (minimum 36 inches wide)

   4. ☐ Proper signage and International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) marking

3. Entrance Ramps

   1. ☐ Maximum slope of 1:12

   2. ☐ Minimum width of 36 inches

   3. ☐ Handrails on both sides for ramps with rise > 6 inches

   4. ☐ Handrails mounted at 34-38 inches high

   5. ☐ Landings at top, bottom, and direction changes (minimum 60x60 inches)

4. Accessible Doorways

   1. ☐ Minimum clear width of 32 inches

   2. ☐ Level thresholds or maximum height of 1/2 inch

   3. ☐ Lever handles or other accessible door hardware

   4. ☐ Exterior doors require ≤ 8 pounds of force to open

5. Dining Room Seating

   1. ☐ 30x48 inches minimum clear floor space at each dining table

   2. ☐ ≥ 5% of dining surfaces between 28-34 inches high

   3. ☐ Clear pathways with minimum 36-inch width

   4. ☐ Wheelchair-accessible routes throughout restaurant

6. Accessible Restrooms

   1. ☐ At least one accessible stall (minimum 60 inches wide, 56 inches deep)

   2. ☐ Toilet seats 17-19 inches from floor

   3. ☐ Grab bars on both sides of toilet

   4. ☐ Sinks with rim ≤ 34 inches from floor

   5. ☐ Clear knee space under sinks

7. Restaurant Kiosks - keep an eye on this space from INFI in the next few months, we're rolling out a completely ADA compliant Kiosk...

   1. ☐ Touchscreens/payment systems 15-48 inches from ground

   2. ☐ User-friendly interface with large text and high contrast

   3. ☐ Voice assistance options available

   4. ☐ Appropriate kiosk height for wheelchair users

   5. ☐ Adequate clearance around kiosks for wheelchair navigation

By using this checklist, quick service restaurant owners and managers can ensure they're addressing the key areas of ADA compliance. Regular audits using this list can help maintain accessibility and create an inclusive environment for all customers.