What does ADA mean in fast food restaurants

Fast food restaurants take a lot of flack. However, did you know that large chains often initiate inclusivity in their designs and practices that other establishments later emulate, making things better for everyone? Understanding the ADA in fast food restaurants provides guidance to how such spaces can appeal to people with disabilities.

What does ADA mean in fast food restaurants? Here’s your crash course on inclusivity for people with disabilities when dining out on the town.

The role of the ADA

Former President George H.W. Bush signed The Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA into law on July 26, 1990. As its 27th-anniversary approaches, studying the impact of this legislation on society elucidates the struggles many people with disabilities experience when trying to do things other people take for granted.

For example, simply getting from your vehicle to the restaurant or accessing the restroom formerly posed barriers for those who use mobility devices like wheelchairs. As human knowledge of what constitutes disability expands, many restaurants have invested in additional upgrades, such as muted colors and less obnoxious lighting for those with migraines and sensory processing issues. Fast food restaurants often lead the way with such innovations. 

How the ADA in fast food restaurants affects customers 

A significant misunderstanding about the ADA is that it primarily protects employees. However, the ADA in fast food restaurants may affect the customer base the most — and in an altogether positive way. It increases inclusivity even among those who don’t identify themselves as disabled. 

For example, one stipulation under the ADA for restaurants is that you must be able to move chairs and tables to accommodate wheelchairs. However, think about that guideline in the context of how the average American waistline has changed, with over 40% of the population now meeting the clinical definition of obesity. Being able to scootch your seat back a few inches is decidedly more inclusive than fixed booths that offer no such adjustment. 

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in other changes. Once upon a time, those in the restaurant industry considered it a rite of passage to go to work so ill you could barely stand — such positions rarely offer medical benefits or sick leave. Fast food restaurants were among the biggest offenders. Their philosophy of remaining open 24 hours a day meant that calling out could condemn someone who had already pulled a 10-hour shift to stay even longer.

Nowadays, however, many restaurants have established guidelines for employees regarding calling out sick when the risk of spreading infectious illness is too high. Although the CDC has revised its policies and now recommends those who test positive avoid others for 24 hours after fevers break and symptoms improve, the public has greater awareness. They’re less likely to patronize restaurants with visibly sick employees, which benefits workers and public health.

Other improvements are more subtle but have huge benefits for some. For example, Taco Bell recently shifted its decor from garish reds, blues and yellows to more subtle tones. This change is a godsend for parents of children with sensory issues, who may have found the previous environment far too stimulating, leading to problematic behavior. That, and their increased commitment to sustainability, consistently rank them among the best fast food restaurants.

How the ADA in fast Food Restaurants impacts employees

The ADA in fast food restaurants also affects employees. The benefits go beyond receiving less strict disciplinary actions for calling out sick. It also improves their experience on the job, which technology can assist with in unexpected ways. 

For example, people with visual impairments can struggle with jobs in the restaurant industry, as part of the essential requirements of the job entails accurately reading and processing orders. Imagine being a line cook unable to read incoming tickets. However, today’s computerized monitors make it easier, displaying pictures of various items, which many people can identify even if they struggle with fine print.

Such innovations also assist customers with speech, hearing and visual disabilities. For example, many fast food restaurants have pioneered multiple ordering methods to ensure the meal that ends up on your plate is what you want. You can approach the counter, an app on your phone or a convenient touchscreen at the establishment, complete with pictures of each menu item, to make and modify your selections.

These innovations also help all restaurants, not just fast food establishments, protect profit margins as the industry shifts. For example, celebrity chef and restaurant makeover expert Robert Irvine recently partnered with tech company GRUBBRR to help smaller mom-and-pops implement similar ordering kiosks to reduce labor costs.

Doing so expands employment opportunities for those who may have intellectual disabilities but desire to work. For example, those who can’t read can use these visual aids to complete orders with a high degree of accuracy.

ADA in fast food restaurants

The Americans With Disabilities Act does a lot to ensure that the restaurant industry remains accessible for employees and customers alike. The ADA in fast food restaurants has given rise to innovations that can help other businesses evolve. Together, a more inclusive world is possible.