Equivalent Facilitation

Section 103 of the ADA and ABA Guidelines states:

Nothing in these requirements prevents the use of designs, products, or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.

Equivalent facilitation is the concept of utilizing innovative solutions and new technology, design, or materials in order to satisfy the guidelines.  These alternative solutions provide equal access and take advantage of new developments, but may differ technically from specific guidelines.

The responsibility for demonstrating equivalent facilitation in the event of a challenge rests with the covered entity.  There is no process for certifying that an alternative design provides equivalent facilitation.