Which statement accurately reflects accessibility obligations for places of accommodation?

• A. Accessibility is optional for privately owned facilities
• B. Only new buildings must be accessible
• C. All publicly and privately owned places of accommodation and commercial facilities must be readily accessible
• D. Accessibility is required only for government buildings

Answer: (C)

Accessibility obligations under the ADA require that places of public accommodation be accessible to people with disabilities, regardless of who owns them. This means publicly and privately owned facilities that serve the public—hotels, restaurants, stores, theaters, banks, medical offices, and other commercial spaces—must be readily accessible. The requirement covers both new construction and alterations, and existing facilities should remove barriers that are readily achievable. This broad scope makes the statement that all publicly and privately owned places of accommodation and commercial facilities must be readily accessible the best reflection of the rule. Accessibility is not optional, it isn’t limited to new buildings, and it isn’t restricted to government buildings.