An Important Note to Cities, Towns, Counties and States
The ADA is a Federal Civil Rights Law and while it is not technically a "Building Code" in the traditional sense, it still includes a set of physical access standards. The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) cover the bricks and mortar of what it takes to make buildings, businesses, recreation areas, polling places and literally thousands of other facilities and locations accessible to people with disabilities.
There are no Federal "Wheelchair Police" that come out to inspect every building or read every set of plans. In most States there is not an agency that inspects for ADA compliance. Why ? Because it is a Federal Law, NOT a State law. Local Officials also may not have a specific responsibility as "ADA Inspectors", however the catch for State and Local Officials is that you have business people, builders, developers and many others coming to your planning and zoning departments for building and occupancy permits and for advise and some sort of official nod in their direction related to whether or not they meet ADA standards.
Architects and Code Inspectors can not certify ADA Compliance, only the Department of Justice and the other Federal Agencies with ADA authority can do that. What you CAN do however is consult with a TRAINED and EXPERIENCED ADA Consultant to get the assistance that you and those you serve need.
I have many years working in the public sector for municipalities and specifically in the Public Safety/Law Enforcement communities. I have a clear understanding of the policies and proceedures as well as the "Officer Safety" related needs of the job. I have addressed many groups related to Law Enforcement and Public Safety and provided trainings on interacting with people with disabilities.
With my Specific, Federally Sponsored and Approved, ADA Training and my years of first hand experience, I can provide facility audits, plan review, staff training and other services. While no one can "Certify Compliance", I am considered to be an expert in the field and can provide my expert opinion on your projects. Contact me today to see how I can assist you.
Why chose Randy G. Wagoner as your Consultant/Expert ?
It’s simple. There are two ways for you to approach the ADA. The right way and the wrong way. I do things the right way. I view ADA consulting as a profession by itself, not an “add-on” to other services.
Being a contractor, an attorney or an architect does not automatically make someone a qualified ADA Consultant. The proper knowledge, training, years of experience and expertise in this highly diverse subject is what makes a consultant qualified.
A qualified ADA/Accessibility Consultant can potentially SAVE your business hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, fines and monetary damages to say nothing of costly bad publicity.
Maintain control of your ADA Compliance efforts. Be proactive, hire a qualified consultant and build "good faith" rather than be told what you will do and have a deadline set by Federal enforcement agencies and the Courts because you decided to "wait and see".
Compliance doesn’t need to be painful, frightening, overly stressful, or so expensive that it puts you out of business. BUT it is the LAW and DOES need to be done.
Couldn't your business benefit from an on-site audit to look at the level of physical access you currently offer your customers? Can you afford to wait and wonder?
Wouldn't you rest easier knowing your policies have been reviewed and that there are qualified people assisting you and your staff to conduct proper disability awareness trainings and insure the proper procedures are being followed when hiring (and firing) employees?
Contact me and get started Today !
You saw 09/11 ! --- You Saw Hurricanes Katrina & Rita !
Is your Emergency Management Plan Complete ?
Will you be ready to help your citizens and residents with disabilities when the time comes ?
Before you hire an ADA Consultant, you might want to consider the following:
Do they have formal ADA/Access Training?
Do they claim to be "Certified"?
Do they claim to be able to "certify" that you are ADA Compliant?
How long have they been providing access or disability services?
Do they have people with disabilities on their staff?
Is compliance their primary purpose or are they selling something?
What do past clients say about them?
Can they meet ALL of your ADA needs?
Many architects and attorneys offer ADA services but while they may understand how the ADA relates to their specific field many are unfamiliar with all areas of the law. Our consultants have years of experience. ADA and access consulting is all we do and we have an understanding of all aspects of the ADA and Accessibility and a personal knowledge of Disability Culture and Policy. We can meet all of your compliance needs. We are knowledgeable in everything from physical access to policy changes, program access and employment issues.
Your Business May Be Losing Money Everyday !
According to the US Department of Labor, there are currently 54 Million Americans with disabilities and recent census projections suggest that by 2010 1/3 of all Americans will have a disability.
Another study estimates that people with disabilities have approximately $ 3.1 Billion dollars in discretionary income to spend.
What business would turn aware their share of $ 3.1 Billion Dollars?
Maybe you lack physical access, or perhaps have a policy in place that unintentionally limits a person with a disability from enjoying all the services your business has to offer. Wouldn't you rather find out about your compliance problems before a complaint is filed? You need to get the facts, do your due diligence and get competent compliance help.
We hope that you take a few moments and follow the links at the top of the page to learn more about our qualifications, training, clients, services and fees. We look forward to talking with you and showing you just how we are able to meet your ADA/Accessibility Compliance needs.
