Understanding the Basics of ADA Compliance for Agritourism Operations

On Friday, July 25, 2025, from 12 noon–1:00 ET, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s (PDA) Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC), presented this webinar in the Understanding Agricultural Law Educational Series:

“Understanding the Basics of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance for Agritourism Operations”

Farmers and landowners who open their operations to the public are required to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules and ensure that their business is accessible for all guests. This presentation discusses ADA requirements and legal issues relevant to agritourism operations and on-farm guests, including accessibility relating to physical barriers, audio/visual considerations, and digital requirements. Additionally, this presentation covers legal obligations and issues regarding service animals and emotional support animals.

00:15 - Introduction with Audry Thompson
05:58 - Understanding the Basics of ADA Compliance for Agritourism Operations with Jackie Schweichler
08:00 - The ADA In General
09:59 - Who the ADA Protects
11:32 - Service Animals on the Farm
21:15 - Addressing Individuals who Bring Dogs to an Agritourism Operation
25:16 - Removal of Service Animals
28:11 - Reasonable Modifications for Miniature Horses
30:01 - Physical Barriers: Structures and Pathways
35:58 - Communication: Auditory & Visual Communication
37:28 - Auditory Considerations
38:35 - Visual Considerations
39:18 - Digital Accessibility: Website & Social Media Accessibility
46:40 - Farm Employment
47:27 - The Cost of Compliance: Paying for ADA Updates & Tax Benefits
50:10 - Dispute Resolution: Avoiding Accessibility Disputes
56:25 - Conclusion