Report Submission Guidelines

Barrier Watch urges patrons with different abilities who have encountered architectural barriers at businesses of public accommodation to submit reports on those barriers. Yet, because the complexity and strictness of the ADA may conflict with state, county and city laws, we can only accept submissions regarding major architectural barriers that do not require either a measuring instrument or training on interpreting the ADA. Unfortunately, this means that we will not accept submissions regarding either specific measurements or violations of laws specific to city, county or state.

Picture Guidelines

When taking photos, be sure to have plenty of light. Follow general photography principles, eg, do not take pictures into sunlight, and hold the camera steady. We will reject blurry pictures or pictures of ambiguous subject matter. DO NOT SUBMIT PICTURES WITH PEOPLE. Many business owners fall prey to litigation pressure, in part, because they do not wish to be on record as having a violation. The point of this process is to give business owners a fair chance at responding without exposing them to a lengthy and volatile lawsuit.

When taking photos, or making notes on architectural barriers, do not violate any laws, local codes or the guidelines present at the establishment. Please be respectful of the rights of others, and please be civil to business owners and their employees. Barrier Watch was founded on the principles of civil rights, not just for the persons with different abilities but also for business owners and the general public. While our mission is to provide a softer alternative for the enforcement of the ADA for small businesses, we also do not wish to circumvent the law.

Barrier Guidelines

In reporting, please clearly identify the barrier photographed. If you have any questions regarding whether we will accept a submission on a barrier you have encountered, feel free to visit our forums, email us at support@barrierwatch.com or simply make a submission, and we will contact you shortly.

Please keep in mind that all data and evidence submitted in a report or in correspondence becomes the property of Barrier Watch.

If you have a question regarding either barrier removal or the legal nature of a particular architectural feature we urge to to contact an ADA consultation firm such as Yours Truly Accessibility.

If your barrier in question follows the guidelines listed above, please continue by clicking below.