2025 AccessAbility Week Highlights the Importance of Creating Inclusive Spaces for All

As Canada observes National AccessAbility Week beginning May 26, organizations across North America are reminded of the importance of creating built environments that are accessible to all individuals. At Door Services Corporation, accessibility is not a periodic consideration—it is a continuous responsibility. Our commitment to inclusive access spans both the United States and Canada, where we maintain operations and support a range of commercial, institutional, and public facilities.

For individuals with mobility challenges, access begins at the entrance. Every automatic door must function reliably every day to provide the independence and dignity that accessibility legislation aims to protect.

Moving Beyond Compliance

In many facilities, automatic doors are viewed as a one-time compliance investment. However, when an automatic door fails, whether due to poor maintenance or mechanical issues,  it can become a significant barrier. A non-functional accessible door is not only an inconvenience; it may also constitute a violation of accessibility regulations.

Under the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), accessibility-related complaints have risen by 70%, demonstrating the need for improved reliability in public access systems. We examined these findings in a recent release: Accessibility Complaints Surge 70% Under ACA.

The Importance of Ongoing Maintenance

For building managers—particularly those overseeing mixed-use facilities—the reliability of doors is essential. A malfunctioning entrance disrupts not only traffic flow but also the experience of tenants, customers, and staff.

Timely service is imperative. Our experienced technicians arrive with fully stocked vans and the expertise to resolve issues efficiently. This is especially critical for emergency repairs, where delays can have operational and reputational consequences. Our commitment to preventive care is outlined in our blog: Why Comprehensive Preventive Maintenance Is Necessary 

Preventive maintenance contracts are an effective strategy for minimizing equipment failures and avoiding costly repairs. They also ensure continuous compliance with accessibility standards and legislation.

Oversights That Undermine Access

Even when automatic doors are in place, other common architectural issues can compromise accessibility. Doorway width, for example, is frequently overlooked. Doors that open automatically may still be too narrow to accommodate a wheelchair or mobility aid, depending on its width or opening angle. In addition, if it is an automatic swinging door, the opening angle may also not be wide enough to allow wheelchair accessibility.

A proactive approach to assessing and updating entrance dimensions is essential. We address this issue in our post: Check Your Doorway Size Today and Ensure Wheelchair Accessibility Compliance.

Inclusive Design for Schools and Institutions

Educational environments present unique accessibility challenges. Entrances must serve large volumes of people and remain fully functional throughout the academic year. Automatic doors facilitate safe, independent access for both students and staff with disabilities, while also improving traffic flow for all building users.
We explore these considerations in our article: Inclusivity and Accessibility for Students and Teachers with Disabilities.

Exceeding Regulatory Minimums

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ACA establish baseline accessibility standards, forward-thinking organizations recognize the value of going beyond these minimums. Ensuring consistent handicap door performance and maintaining equipment proactively can improve user satisfaction, reduce legal risk, and contribute to a facility’s overall reputation for safety and professionalism.

Our in-depth discussion on maximizing the value of ADA compliance is available here: Maximizing the Benefits of ADA Commercial Door Accessibility.

Consider the First Point of Contact

Accessibility begins with the entrance. Facility managers should consider the following:

• Are all automatic entrances functioning without issue?
• Are doorways regularly inspected and maintained?
• Would individuals with any type of mobility aid encounter difficulties at this entrance?

If the answer to any of these questions is uncertain, now is the time to act. A facility’s entrance is often its first impression. Reliable, accessible doors communicate a commitment to safety, inclusion, and operational excellence.

Reliable Service When It Matters Most

Door Services Corporation offers responsive, experienced service that facility managers can depend on. Our 24/7 emergency repair team, along with our preventative maintenance programs, ensure that accessibility is never compromised. To learn more or to schedule a service visit, please contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is National AccessAbility Week, and why is it important?
National AccessAbility Week (beginning May 26 in Canada) is a time to raise awareness about the barriers faced by people with disabilities and promote inclusive design and accessibility in built environments.

2. Why is accessibility a continuous responsibility, not a one-time project?
Accessibility requires ongoing maintenance, assessment, and upgrades to remain compliant with legislation and to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Equipment like automatic doors must be functional every day, not just when first installed. 

3. Why is preventive maintenance critical for automatic doors?
Preventive maintenance ensures door functionality, avoids costly repairs, minimizes downtime, and helps maintain compliance with accessibility laws. Every component, from the sensor devices to the door opener, needs to be maintained regularly to prevent breakdowns that impede easy access.

4. How can inclusive design improve my facility’s reputation?
Going beyond compliance to ensure accessibility at every level can enhance user experience, reduce legal risk, and reinforce your organization’s commitment to equity and safety. An automatic handicap door opener can demonstrate your efforts to create an inclusive space for all members of the community.