(FORTUNE Small Business) – The Americans With Disabilities Act is one of those laws that most of us small-business owners eventually become acquainted with--usually when we unwittingly neglect to adhere to its requirements, or someone thinks we have. Then a bunch of expenditures are required to install handrails, restrooms with wheelchair stalls, entrance ramps, and so forth. The first reaction of many small proprietors is "What a hassle!" But imagine the hassle on the other side of the counter. I did, but only after a freak accident showed me the way.

I was dazed, sitting in the middle of a rain-soaked road and not knowing how I got there. As the haze cleared, I realized my left leg was shattered, and fragments of it were scattered on the wet asphalt. My motorcycle was lying next to me and my boot was off. Odd, I thought. I seemed to have been knocked right out of my boot. I picked it up, and that's when I realized that my foot was still in it!

What happened was that, as I was dismounting from my hog, another rider in my group lost control on the slippery road and slid right through me. His highway peg--where you rest your feet--slashed my leg like a scythe taking down a strand of wheat. All that was keeping my foot attached to my leg was a flap of skin, a couple of tendons no thicker than strands of spaghetti, and some strips of denim from my jeans. Imagine. One minute you're riding across the country with five of your buddies, and the next you're praying that your leg won't be amputated.

My prayers were answered. Now, six years and six trips to the surgical suite later, I can walk without a limp, run five miles on alternate days, and karate kick with other black belts--and all on my own leg!

But the journey wasn't easy. Every day I had to develop a detailed plan just to do things I took for granted before the accident. What was worse, I couldn't do them on my own. Simple activities like enjoying a quick shower, going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or just buzzing over to the store to buy a good book or a takeout lunch became a wearying challenge when navigated on a pair of forearm crutches. Just think of how your work environment would be affected if I duct-taped your left leg to a two-by-four and tied your arms to your torso! (For some inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who overcame their disabilities to build successful businesses, see the cover package that starts on page 40. )

During my convalescence I found myself slowly maneuvering up the curb and through office doorways, dodging previously unnoticed obstacles along the way. I found that steps without railings, slippery surfaces, and chairs on rollers were extremely dangerous to my health. An Oriental throw rug on a freshly waxed floor took on a look of menace. Don't even think about talking on the cellphone while in motion. My briefcase was now a backpack. And anything I used to carry in my hands that wouldn't fit into a pocket or my backpack, well, forgetaboutit--my hands were now fully occupied with their new role of covering for my legs.

If you walk--or limp or roll--in the shoes of others who are disabled, then you will understand why the Americans With Disabilities Act, for all its vague language and costly requirements, is essential in leveling the playing field for those who need it. And deserve it. You'll also know why one of my business priorities is to make sure--with a smile--that every one of my new ventures is designed to accommodate all those folks who aren't as lucky as I am.