Atlanta Mandates Push-Button Doors for Accessibility

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The City of Atlanta has approved an amendment requiring most street-facing business entrances to have push-button doors, a move aimed at improving accessibility for people with disabilities. The new law was championed by former city council member Carden Wyckoff, a wheelchair user who said she has struggled to access businesses with manual doors. Disability advocates have praised the change, saying it will benefit not just those with disabilities but also others who need assistance opening doors, like parents with strollers or people carrying luggage.

Why it matters

This new law represents an important step forward in Atlanta's efforts to create a more inclusive city for residents and visitors with disabilities. Automatic doors can significantly improve accessibility and independence for people with mobility challenges, as well as those with other disabilities that make opening heavy doors difficult.

The details

The Atlanta City Council recently approved an amendment requiring most street-facing business entrances to have push-button or automatic doors. The law applies to the majority of commercial establishments in the city. Disability advocates have long called for such requirements, arguing that accessible doors are essential for allowing people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities.

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990.
• The new Atlanta law mandating push-button doors was approved in 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

City officials have indicated they will continue working with disability advocates to ensure Atlanta's built environment is accessible and inclusive for all.