A Message From The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America

By: Michael F. Harris
Executive Director, Michigan
Paralyzed Veterans of America

The mission of the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) is to enhance the lives of veterans with spinal-cord injury or disease, as well as all citizens with disabilities, by advocating for civil rights, assuring quality health care, supporting continued research and education, and encouraging independence and healthy living through various health, sports and recreational programs. The MPVA strives to remain at the forefront of both veteran’s benefits and disability rights issues. 

As I mention disability rights issues, I realize that many business owners out there may feel a sense of distress as they know that their establishment may not be fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Good news! I am here to tell you that there are solutions!   Most business owners are not aware that there are tax breaks available to help them offset some of the costs for improvements to their facility that would enable customers with disabilities to access their establishment freely. In addition, these improvements can also help businesses to remain in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Compliance with the ADA is not difficult. Since many businesses cannot afford to make significant physical changes to their place of business, the ADA, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has established ways for businesses to recover their cost.  To help businesses welcome customers with disabilities, the IRS offers two tax incentives to help cover costs of making access improvements for customers with disabilities. These incentives can be explained as:

• A tax credit for small businesses who removes access barriers from their facilities, provide accessible services, or take other steps to improve accessibility for customers with disabilities
• A tax deduction for businesses of all sizes that remove access barriers in their facilities or vehicles

A business that annually incurs eligible expenses to bring itself into compliance with the ADA may use these tax incentives every year. The incentives may be applied to the costs of new construction. All barriers removal must comply with applicable federal accessibility standards. I realize that many people will need a more detailed explanation of these tax incentives. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has written a more detailed description of these incentives and that information can be found via the following link: http://www.ada.gov/taxincent.pdf

Furthermore, the DOJ also partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration to produce a very informative “ADA Guide for Small Businesses” which provides comprehensive descriptions and photographs of how you can make your business accessible. That document can be found via the following link: http://www.ada.gov/smbusgd.pdf

The ADA also provides a video on the “10 Employment Myths” that responds to concerns expressed by employers, explaining the ADA in common sense terms and dispelling myths about this often overlooked pool of well-qualified employees. That video can be found via the following link: http://www.ada.gov/videogallery.htm

Lastly, the MPVA is always here to assist business in any way that we can in becoming more accessible. If you have further questions, or would simply like to find out more about resolving potential accessibility issues, please feel free to contact me at (248) 476-9000 or at: mharris@michiganpva.org. You can also visit our website at www.michiganpva.org. Remember, most Americans will be touched at some point during their lives by the affects of living with a disability. Because Americans are living longer, eventually you or someone you know will become disabled. It is important that we all understand why the ADA is essential in leveling the playing field for those who need it and not wait until we are personally or directly affected. Thank you in advance for helping to make your business a place that truly welcomes everyone!