I moved into a new condo in Oct. I bought the condo and noticed they didn’t have many handicap parking places. I did ask and they did put a few more up. They have a dog park here. When I go to take my dog there I have to hold on to someone’s car to get up and down off the curb. I have noticed there are no handrails to go down the steps to get to the pool area. I had a friend ask If they could put something up to help me with these things. I was told the HOA board got very angry about these requests, and said I would have to pay to have things put in if I wanted them. I would have to buy the materials and pay for someone to install them. I don’t think this is right! Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.

May 27, 2014 by Brad Gaskins

— Tracy S. – Asheville, NC ANSWER: This is not an uncommon situation you face based upon the questions we receive. There are several parts of this that must be considered. First, as a condominium unit it would fall under the Fair Housing Act Guidelines which apply to new construction after March 13, 1991. If this property were constructed prior to this date … READ MORE

Currently we are in the process of doing a tenant improvement in a multi-storied (10) in Jacksonville, FL. One of the floors being improved is without an ADA compliant restroom. Can compliance be satisfied by the floor above and the floor below, both having ADA compliant restrooms?

April 25, 2014 by Brad Gaskins

— Paul. – Orange Park, FL ANSWER: In my opinion, unless there is a technical infeasibility to doing so, the toilet room on the floor being improved must be made accessible. Also, please remember that you have an obligation to spend up to an additional 20 percent of the remodel costs to remove barriers that may exist in the Path of Travel to … READ MORE

Can anyone stop the number of gas stations becoming self-serve? In Nassau County, NY, many gas stations are converting to self-serve, some maintaining full-serve as well, but at higher prices. It is discriminatory for a disabled driver to have to pay higher prices for the same gas, at the same station, only because he/she is not physically fit to pump gas. I have watched elderly, infirm people struggle with the process of pumping their own gas just to save some money. Not to mention, that other drivers become annoyed when they are waiting to use the same pump. I emphasize, it is discriminatory for the disabled and elderly to pay higher prices for gas.

September 26, 2013 by Brad Gaskins

— Bill S. – Philadelphia, PA ANSWER: There is no requirement under the ADA to prevent gas stations from becoming self-serve and it would not be considered to be discriminatory to do so unless accessible self-serve fueling dispensers are not provided. However, a facility with attendants must provide refueling assistance when requested for a patron with disabilities when there is … READ MORE