ARCHITECTURAL BARRIER COMPLAINT

ADA/ABA Building Accessibility Violation

FILING DETERMINATION

First, determine which law applies and where to file:

Step 1: What Type of Facility Has the Barrier?

☐ Federal Building or Federally Funded Facility
- U.S. Post Office
- Veterans Affairs facility
- Social Security Administration office
- Federal courthouse
- National park facility
- Building constructed with federal funds
- FILE WITH: U.S. Access Board (Architectural Barriers Act complaint)

☐ State or Local Government Facility
- State office building
- City hall
- Public school
- Public library
- Public transit station
- Public park
- FILE WITH: U.S. Department of Justice (ADA Title II complaint)

☐ Private Business or Place of Public Accommodation
- Restaurant, store, hotel
- Doctor's office, hospital
- Movie theater, gym
- Private school, daycare
- Shopping center
- FILE WITH: U.S. Department of Justice (ADA Title III complaint) or Federal Court (private lawsuit)

PART A: ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS ACT (ABA) COMPLAINT

For Federal Buildings and Federally Funded Facilities

SECTION 1: COMPLAINANT INFORMATION

Full Name: _______________________

Street Address: _______________________

City: _______________________ State: _______ ZIP Code: ___________

Telephone: _______________________

Email: _______________________

Do you wish to file anonymously?
☐ No - Include my contact information
☐ Yes - File anonymously (Note: The Access Board keeps complainant information confidential)

Do you need communications in an alternative format?
☐ No
☐ Yes - Please specify: _______________________

SECTION 2: FACILITY INFORMATION

Name of Facility: _______________________

Street Address: _______________________

City: _______________________ State: _______ ZIP Code: ___________

Type of Facility:
☐ U.S. Post Office
☐ Veterans Affairs Medical Center/Clinic
☐ Social Security Administration Office
☐ Federal Office Building
☐ U.S. Courthouse
☐ National Park Facility
☐ Military Installation (open to public)
☐ Federally Leased Building
☐ Building Constructed with Federal Funds
☐ Other Federal Facility: _______________________

Federal Agency Responsible for Facility: _______________________

Is the building:
☐ Owned by the federal government
☐ Leased by the federal government
☐ Constructed with federal grant or loan funds
☐ Unknown

Approximate Year Built (if known): _______________________

Has the Building Been Renovated?
☐ No
☐ Yes - Approximate Year: _______________________
☐ Unknown

SECTION 3: DESCRIPTION OF ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS

Date(s) You Encountered the Barrier(s): _______________________

Describe Each Accessibility Barrier in Detail:

For each barrier, provide: (1) Location within the facility, (2) Description of the barrier, (3) How it affects access for people with disabilities

Barrier 1:

Location: _______________________

Description:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

How it affects access:
_____________________________________________________________________________

Barrier 2:

Location: _______________________

Description:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

How it affects access:
_____________________________________________________________________________

Barrier 3:

Location: _______________________

Description:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

How it affects access:
_____________________________________________________________________________

Barrier 4:

Location: _______________________

Description:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

How it affects access:
_____________________________________________________________________________

(Attach additional pages if needed)

SECTION 4: COMMON ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS CHECKLIST

Check all barriers you observed at this facility:

Parking and Approach

☐ Insufficient number of accessible parking spaces
☐ Accessible parking spaces not properly marked/signed
☐ No van-accessible parking spaces
☐ Parking spaces too narrow
☐ No access aisle next to accessible spaces
☐ Access aisle blocked or obstructed
☐ Excessive slope in parking area
☐ No accessible route from parking to entrance
☐ Path of travel has steps without ramp alternative
☐ Path of travel has gaps, cracks, or uneven surfaces
☐ Curb ramps missing or non-compliant
☐ Detectable warnings missing from curb ramps
☐ Other parking/approach issues: _______________________

Entrances

☐ No accessible entrance
☐ Accessible entrance not clearly marked
☐ Steps at entrance without ramp
☐ Ramp too steep
☐ Ramp lacks handrails
☐ Ramp lacks edge protection
☐ Door too narrow (less than 32" clear)
☐ Door too heavy to open
☐ Door hardware requires tight grasping/twisting
☐ Threshold too high
☐ Automatic door not working
☐ Insufficient maneuvering clearance at door
☐ Entrance vestibule too small
☐ Other entrance issues: _______________________

Interior Circulation

☐ Corridors too narrow
☐ Corridors have protruding objects (wall-mounted items)
☐ Insufficient headroom
☐ Floor surfaces not firm, stable, or slip-resistant
☐ Carpeting causes mobility difficulties
☐ Changes in level without ramp or elevator
☐ Interior ramps too steep
☐ Interior ramps lack handrails
☐ No elevator to upper/lower floors
☐ Elevator buttons too high
☐ Elevator lacks audible signals
☐ Elevator lacks tactile/Braille buttons
☐ Elevator car too small
☐ Other interior circulation issues: _______________________

Restrooms

☐ No accessible restroom
☐ Accessible restroom not properly signed
☐ Restroom door too narrow
☐ Restroom door too heavy
☐ Insufficient turning space inside restroom
☐ Toilet too low or too high
☐ Toilet not proper distance from side wall
☐ Grab bars missing
☐ Grab bars improperly positioned
☐ Sink too high
☐ Sink lacks knee clearance
☐ Faucets require tight grasping/twisting
☐ Pipes not insulated/protected
☐ Mirror too high
☐ Accessories (soap, towels) out of reach
☐ Coat hook too high
☐ Other restroom issues: _______________________

Service Areas

☐ Service counter too high
☐ No lowered section of counter
☐ Waiting area seating not accessible
☐ Queuing area too narrow
☐ Self-service elements out of reach
☐ Information kiosk not accessible
☐ Other service area issues: _______________________

Signage

☐ Room signs lack tactile characters/Braille
☐ Signs mounted at wrong height
☐ Signs mounted on wrong side of door
☐ Directional signs lack proper contrast
☐ International Symbol of Accessibility missing where required
☐ Other signage issues: _______________________

Communication Features

☐ No visible fire alarms in public areas
☐ No visible fire alarms in restrooms
☐ No assistive listening system in assembly area
☐ No TTY available
☐ Other communication issues: _______________________

Other Barriers

☐ Drinking fountain not accessible
☐ Public telephone not accessible
☐ ATM not accessible
☐ Vending machines not accessible
☐ Meeting/conference rooms not accessible
☐ Emergency exits not accessible
☐ Emergency shelter areas not accessible
☐ Other: _______________________

SECTION 5: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Attach the following (if available):

☐ Photographs of barriers
☐ Measurements of barriers
☐ Site diagram or floor plan
☐ Previous correspondence with facility
☐ Other documentation: _______________________

SECTION 6: PRIOR CONTACT WITH FACILITY

Have you contacted the facility or agency about these barriers?
☐ No
☐ Yes

If yes, provide details:

Date of Contact: _______________________

Method: ☐ Phone ☐ Email ☐ Letter ☐ In-person

Person/Office Contacted: _______________________

Response Received:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

SECTION 7: CERTIFICATION

I certify that the information provided in this complaint is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: _______________________ Date: _______________________

Printed Name: _______________________

SECTION 8: FILING INSTRUCTIONS - U.S. ACCESS BOARD

For Architectural Barriers Act Complaints:

Online Filing:
https://www.access-board.gov/enforcement/

By Email:
[email protected]

By Mail:
U.S. Access Board
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004

By Fax:
(202) 272-0081

Questions:
(202) 272-0080 (voice)
(202) 272-0082 (TTY)

What Happens After Filing:
1. The Access Board reviews the complaint
2. If the facility is covered by the ABA, the Board investigates
3. The Board works with the federal agency to correct violations
4. The Board has a nearly 100% success rate in obtaining voluntary corrective action
5. Complainant information is kept confidential

PART B: ADA TITLE II/III COMPLAINT

For State/Local Government and Private Business Facilities

SECTION 1: COMPLAINANT INFORMATION

Full Name: _______________________

Street Address: _______________________

City: _______________________ State: _______ ZIP Code: ___________

Telephone: _______________________

Email: _______________________

Preferred Contact Method:
☐ Telephone ☐ Email ☐ Mail

Do you require accommodations to participate in this process?
☐ No
☐ Yes - Please specify: _______________________

SECTION 2: RESPONDENT INFORMATION

Name of Business/Government Entity: _______________________

Street Address: _______________________

City: _______________________ State: _______ ZIP Code: ___________

Telephone (if known): _______________________

Website (if known): _______________________

Type of Entity:
☐ State Government Agency/Facility
☐ Local Government Agency/Facility (city, county)
☐ Public School District
☐ Public Transit Authority
☐ Private Business - Retail/Sales
☐ Private Business - Restaurant/Food Service
☐ Private Business - Lodging/Hotel
☐ Private Business - Healthcare
☐ Private Business - Entertainment/Recreation
☐ Private Business - Professional Services
☐ Private Business - Other: _______________________

Owner/Manager Name (if known): _______________________

SECTION 3: YOUR DISABILITY

General Nature of Disability:

☐ Mobility impairment (wheelchair user)
☐ Mobility impairment (walker/cane user)
☐ Mobility impairment (other)
☐ Visual impairment
☐ Hearing impairment
☐ Other physical impairment
☐ Other: _______________________

Do you use assistive devices?
☐ No
☐ Yes - Specify: _______________________

SECTION 4: DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT

Date(s) of Incident: _______________________

Time of Incident: _______________________

Purpose of Visit:
☐ Shopping/purchasing goods
☐ Obtaining services
☐ Dining
☐ Accessing government services
☐ Medical appointment
☐ Entertainment/recreation
☐ Other: _______________________

Detailed Description of Architectural Barriers Encountered:

Describe what happened, including: what you were trying to do, what barriers you encountered, how the barriers prevented or limited your access, and any interactions with staff.

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

SECTION 5: SPECIFIC BARRIERS ENCOUNTERED

(Use the checklist from Section 4 of Part A above)

Summary of Barriers:

SECTION 6: PRIOR COMPLAINTS

Have you complained to the business/entity about these barriers?
☐ No
☐ Yes

If yes:

Date: _______________________

Person Contacted: _______________________

Response: _______________________

Have you filed complaints with other agencies?
☐ No
☐ Yes - Agency: _______________________ Case #: _______________________

Have you filed a lawsuit?
☐ No
☐ Yes - Court: _______________________ Case #: _______________________

SECTION 7: REQUESTED REMEDIATION

What actions would you like the respondent to take?

☐ Install accessible parking spaces
☐ Install ramp at entrance
☐ Widen doorways
☐ Install automatic door openers
☐ Provide accessible restroom
☐ Install grab bars
☐ Lower service counter
☐ Install elevator or lift
☐ Remove interior barriers
☐ Install proper signage
☐ Other: _______________________

SECTION 8: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Documents Attached:

☐ Photographs of barriers
☐ Measurements/dimensions
☐ Correspondence with respondent
☐ Witness statements
☐ Other: _______________________

SECTION 9: CERTIFICATION

I certify under penalty of perjury that the information provided in this complaint is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: _______________________ Date: _______________________

Printed Name: _______________________

SECTION 10: FILING INSTRUCTIONS - DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Online Filing:
https://civilrights.justice.gov/

By Mail:
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530

ADA Information Line:
(800) 514-0301 (voice)
(800) 514-0383 (TTY)

STATE-SPECIFIC NOTES

CALIFORNIA

California Building Code Chapter 11B:
- California has its own accessibility standards that are often more stringent than federal ADA standards
- Buildings must comply with both federal ADA and California requirements

Certified Access Specialist (CASp):
- California businesses may obtain a CASp inspection for certain litigation protections
- CASp reports identify violations and provide remediation guidance

California Unruh Civil Rights Act:
- Provides statutory minimum damages of $4,000 per violation in private lawsuits
- More generous than federal ADA, which does not allow monetary damages in private suits

Construction-Related Accessibility Standards Compliance Act (CRASCA):
- Pre-litigation advisory notice requirements for construction-related accessibility claims
- 60-day response period before lawsuit can proceed

California Department of Rehabilitation:
- Website: www.dor.ca.gov
- ADA Information and Resources

TEXAS

Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS):
- Texas has separate state accessibility standards
- Buildings must comply with both federal ADA and TAS
- Administered by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

TDLR Registration:
- Certain building projects must be registered with TDLR
- TDLR conducts inspections for compliance

Filing State Complaints:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Website: www.tdlr.texas.gov
Phone: (512) 463-6599

FLORIDA

Florida Building Code - Accessibility:
- Florida incorporates ADA standards into state building code
- Additional state requirements may apply

Florida Commission on Human Relations:
- Handles state disability discrimination complaints
- Website: fchr.myflorida.com
- Phone: (850) 488-7082

High-Volume Filing Jurisdiction:
- Florida is among the top states for ADA architectural barrier lawsuits
- Four-year statute of limitations for civil actions

NEW YORK

New York State Building Code:
- Incorporates ADA with state-specific provisions
- Additional accessibility requirements may apply

New York City Building Code:
- NYC has additional local accessibility requirements
- Local Law 58: Accessibility requirements for places of public accommodation

New York Human Rights Law:
- Provides broader protections than federal ADA
- Permits compensatory damages not available under federal ADA

NYC Commission on Human Rights:
- Website: www.nyc.gov/cchr
- Phone: (212) 306-7450

Division of Human Rights (State):
- Website: dhr.ny.gov
- Phone: 1-888-392-3644

APPENDIX: READILY ACHIEVABLE BARRIER REMOVAL

What is "Readily Achievable"?

Under ADA Title III, public accommodations must remove architectural barriers in existing facilities where removal is "readily achievable" - meaning easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.

Factors in Determining Readily Achievable

1. Nature and cost of the action
2. Overall financial resources of the site
3. Number of employees at the site
4. Impact on operations
5. Overall financial resources of the parent entity
6. Type of operation

Priority Order for Barrier Removal

The Department of Justice suggests the following priorities:

Priority 1: Accessible entrance
Priority 2: Access to goods and services
Priority 3: Access to restrooms
Priority 4: Other measures to improve access

Examples of Readily Achievable Barrier Removal

• Installing ramps
• Making curb cuts
• Repositioning shelves
• Rearranging tables, chairs, displays
• Repositioning telephones
• Adding raised markings on elevator buttons
• Installing grab bars
• Adding accessible door hardware
• Installing accessible faucets
• Installing offset hinges to widen doorways
• Installing accessible parking spaces

When Barrier Removal is Not Readily Achievable

If barrier removal is not readily achievable, the public accommodation must provide goods and services through alternative methods, if those methods are readily achievable.

RESOURCES

Federal Resources

U.S. Access Board
www.access-board.gov
(202) 272-0080

ADA.gov (Department of Justice)
www.ada.gov
(800) 514-0301

ADA National Network
www.adata.org
(800) 949-4232

Disability Rights Organizations

Disability Rights Advocates
www.dralegal.org

National Federation of the Blind
www.nfb.org

National Association of the Deaf
www.nad.org

United Spinal Association
www.unitedspinal.org

Legal Resources

FindLaw - ADA Information
www.findlaw.com

ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
www.adachecklist.org

This template is based on ADA and ABA requirements as of January 2026. In Fiscal Year 2024, the U.S. Access Board resolved 85 ABA complaints through corrective action, demonstrating an effective enforcement process for federal facilities. For private facilities, ADA lawsuits continue at high levels, with architectural barriers remaining a primary focus of litigation. Consult current regulations and legal counsel for specific guidance.