Accessibility Consulting Services for Colleges and Universities Overview It is our continuing experience that lawsuits are being filed against colleges and universities whose management believes that the facilities are fully compliant with the ADA. We recommend a proactive approach. Background Typically, private schools are required to provide "full and equal enjoyment" as public accommodations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, whereas state schools fall under Title II's requirement for "equal program access." New ADA Standards Revised ADA regulations are now the law of the land. The changes are significant. For instance, accessible toilet rooms will be required to provide more wheelchair maneuvering space than mandated by the previous statute. How this will play out in an existing facility will be determined on a case by case basis. Step One We perform an access survey of campus programs and facilities, and prepare a report that identifies latent barriers to access, explains the pertinent points of law and recommends alternate methods of achieving compliance. (Contact) Step Two University architects and facility management will use our access survey report as the basis of an ADA Action Plan. An effective plan will include design requirements, budget costs, priorities and a timetable. We remain on-call to your staff during this process. Some barriers can be eliminated immediately and at no cost; others may require a simple change in policy. Significant barriers can trigger major alterations. Having a compliance plan in place is a demonstration of good-faith, and the elimination of barriers reduces exposure. Defense expert in an ADA lawsuit We provide expert witness services for colleges and universities sued under federal civil rights law with regard to accessibility. We prepare an access survey report for the defense, addressing each allegation. We work with institutions and their attorneys to keep the matter in a settlement conference instead of a courtroom. We stand by the defendant through the settlement process, and prepare rebuttal to frivolous and unfounded demands. We identify the minimum requirements of enforceable federal statute, and recommend the least costly methods of achieving compliance. Accessibility review of architectural plans For a new facility or for renovations to an existing one, we provide plan review services for your architects, to ensure that the finished facility will be fully compliant with the requirements of state and federal accessibility law. It is easier to identify problems early and on paper, rather than tear out non-compliant construction in the field. We provide site inspections at key points during construction, to verify that things are being built as designed. A complete project list is provided in the Curriculum Vitae. Contact