Top 10 Tips on How to Make Restaurants More Accessible

Under most circumstances, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that restaurants make accommodations for people with disabilities. If you’re not sure where to start, this list of the top 10 tips on how to make restaurants more accessible will help you ensure that all guests have a pleasant dining experience at your establishment.

Easy Entrance / Exit

Making your restaurant more ADA-compliant starts on the outside. From handicap parking to wheelchair ramps, there are many things you can do to help people with limited mobility access your establishment. In regards to the entranceway, make sure it’s at least 36” wide so a wheelchair can pass through–and if possible, install an automatic door button, too.

Clear Paths of Travel

Since wheelchair users can have trouble moving in cramped spaces, improve accessibility in your dining area by leaving at least 36” of space between tables and chairs. For blind or low-vision guests, make sure that barriers have a leading edge no higher than 27” so they can be detected with canes. Also, if an object with empty space underneath it extends out from the wall, ensure it doesn’t protrude more than 4” to lessen the chance that people will bump into it.

ADA-Compliant Tables & Chairs

There must be at least 27” between the floor and the underside of the table, as well as 19” of open area under the table, so wheelchair users can fit their legs comfortably. Additionally, table surfaces must be 28-34” above the floor so a wide range of guests can use them easily. While there are no specifications for chairs, it’s a good idea to offer at least a few seats without armrests so people of all sizes can sit in them.

User-Friendly Menus

Visually-impaired guests might have trouble reading your menu, so it’s important to have both large print and braille menus available upon request. For the hearing and speech-impaired, accessing digital menus and order forms via QR codes on table toppers allow them to place their orders quickly and discreetly so they can avoid embarrassing interactions with waitstaff.

Readable Websites

If you want to make your restaurant more accessible, don’t forget about the website. From using a large font to designing a clear navigation, many changes to help the visually-impaired will benefit others as well. Additionally, be sure to include alt text descriptions on all your images so users with low or no vision can use screen readers to understand their meaning.

Adaptive Utensils

Movement disorders like cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s Disease can make holding utensils very difficult. So, make sure you have weighted cutlery that offer more control and drinking straws that reduce hand movements for customers who need them. You can also make it known that kitchen staff can cut dishes into bite-size portions free of charge for people with limited dexterity.

Accessible Restrooms

It’s important to design your restrooms so that people with disabilities can use them safely. ADA-accessible toilet stalls with grab bars and sinks with undersides that are no more than 34” above the floor are just two ways you can make your facilities more inclusive. Also, remember to place signage outside the restroom, preferably with braille, to indicate it’s handicap-accessible.

Allergy Awareness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three people with food allergies has had an allergic reaction in a restaurant. Since food allergies can be deadly, the CDC recommends having separate food prep areas and indicating which dishes have allergens to minimize the risks. In addition, it’s a good idea to educate staff on how to identify signs of allergic reactions so they can react quickly if needed.

Accommodate Service Dogs

While some people might not like the idea of service dogs in restaurants, the ADA requires that foodservice establishments allow service animals in any area the general public can access, such as dining areas and restrooms. However, service dogs aren’t pets, so remind staff that they shouldn’t pet or interact with service animals without permission.

Train Staff

One of the most important parts of making your restaurant more accessible is training your staff. For example, make sure your waitstaff understands what terminology is appropriate and that kitchen staff recognize the risks of allergen cross-contamination. By educating your employees on how to accommodate people with disabilities, you can set your business up for success.