ADA for Business | City Of Yuma, AZ

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ADA for Business

Building an Inclusive Yuma

Yuma is proud to be a growing and inclusive community where businesses, residents, and visitors of all abilities can thrive. The City is committed to providing accessible services and encourages all local establishments to do the same.

By identifying and removing barriers, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of community life. The information below is intended to assist business owners and property managers in understanding their ADA responsibilities. It is not a substitute for ADA standards or legal requirements.

Making your business accessible is not a one-time effort, it’s an ongoing commitment. People with disabilities are living more independently and actively engaging in their communities. They, their families, and their friends are more likely to visit and support businesses that are accessible and welcoming to everyone.

Service Animals

A “no pets” policy can unintentionally exclude customers who use service animals. Clear signage and staff training can help ensure compliance with ADA requirements.
Under the ADA, service animals include dogs or miniature horses trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. Businesses:

Must allow service animals to accompany their owners in all areas open to the public.
Cannot require proof of disability or special identification for the animal.
May require the animal to remain under the handler’s control (e.g., leash, harness, or tether).

If the animal is out of control or not housebroken, staff may ask that it be removed—but the individual must still be offered goods or services without the animal.

Mobility Devices

Businesses must allow individuals with disabilities to use mobility aids—such as walkers, canes, crutches, braces, wheelchairs, and other power-driven mobility devices—in all public areas.

Consider these best practices:

Maintain at least 3-foot-wide aisles free of obstacles.
Provide 5-foot clearance near aisles’ ends and checkout areas for turning space.
Keep floor surfaces smooth, firm, and slip-resistant.

Maintaining accessible routes throughout your business helps customers move safely and independently.

Accessible Parking

Providing accessible parking is often one of the simplest and most visible ways to ensure access. Accessible spaces must:

Connect to the shortest accessible route to the main entrance.
Have an 8-foot width (cars) or 11-foot width (vans) with a 5-foot access aisle.
Display the International Symbol of Accessibility on a sign at least 60 inches high.
Include the phrase “Van Accessible” on one of every six accessible spaces.

Properly marked, well-maintained spaces make it possible for many residents to “get in the door” and fully participate in community life.

Communicating with Customers

Effective communication is essential to good customer service. The ADA requires businesses to take reasonable steps to communicate effectively with individuals who have hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.

Depending on the situation, this may include:

Reading menus or labels aloud
Exchanging written notes or using text displays
Providing captioning or sign language interpretation for complex transactions
Ensuring promotional materials and websites are available in accessible formats

Arizona Relay Service (7-1-1) offers a free network for customers who use text telephones (TTY) or other communication devices. Businesses are encouraged to include “AzRelay 7-1-1” on websites and printed materials and to train staff to handle these calls appropriately.

Resources for Businesses