Which statement about alterations is most consistent with ADA guidelines?

Which statement about alterations is most consistent with ADA guidelines?

• A. Alterations must be designed to provide access to the maximum extent feasible
• B. Alterations must be avoided if cost is high
• C. All alterations must be fully accessible in every component
• D. Alterations have no accessibility requirements

Answer: (C)

When alterations are made to an existing facility, the ADA requires you to remove barriers to accessibility to the maximum extent feasible. This means you design and implement changes that make the altered parts accessible as much as possible, considering what is practical given the building’s layout, structural constraints, and cost. You don’t have to make every component perfectly accessible in every situation, but you must pursue barrier removal as far as is readily achievable. That’s why the idea of aiming for full accessibility in every component is too strict for alterations; the standard is to maximize feasibility, not insist on perfection in all elements. It’s also not acceptable to avoid alterations solely because of high cost, since cost is a factor but not a reason to skip making accessible improvements that are readily achievable. And accessibility requirements do apply to alterations; saying there are none would be incorrect.

When alterations are made to an existing facility, the ADA requires you to remove barriers to accessibility to the maximum extent feasible. This means you design and implement changes that make the altered parts accessible as much as possible, considering what is practical given the building’s layout, structural constraints, and cost. You don’t have to make every component perfectly accessible in every situation, but you must pursue barrier removal as far as is readily achievable.

That’s why the idea of aiming for full accessibility in every component is too strict for alterations; the standard is to maximize feasibility, not insist on perfection in all elements. It’s also not acceptable to avoid alterations solely because of high cost, since cost is a factor but not a reason to skip making accessible improvements that are readily achievable. And accessibility requirements do apply to alterations; saying there are none would be incorrect.