Find a CASp: https://www.coreyandpartners.com/contact https://www.casinstitute.org/casp/ https://www.apps2.dgs.ca.gov/DSA/casp/casp_certified_list.aspx When it comes to ensuring your property complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California accessibility standards, hiring a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is one of the smartest decisions you can make. But here's what many property owners don't realize: not all CASps are the same . With nearly 1,000 ac

The short answer: Neither the ADA 2010 Standards nor the California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 11B actually require kick plates on doors. What they require is a smooth bottom surface on certain doors, and kick plates are simply one way to achieve or protect that smooth surface. Understanding the Smooth Surface Requirement What the Codes Actually Require Both the 2010 ADA Standards (Section 404.2.10) and CBC Chapter 11B-404.2.10 contain identical requirements for door surf

Main takeaway: Property owners, architects, and CASp inspectors can propose that something is “technically infeasible,” but only the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – usually your city or county building department / building official – can formally accept that claim for permit and code‑compliance purposes. Courts and the U.S. Department of Justice can still review those decisions under the ADA. 1. What “Technically Infeasible” Actually Means Both the ADA Standards f

How a CASp Inspection Can Save You Thousands in Accessibility Lawsuits What Is a CASp Inspection? A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is a state-licensed professional who inspects your property for accessibility barriers. After the inspection, you can receive a Disability Access Inspection Certificate (DAIC) . This certificate isn't just paperwork—it's legal protection . The Game-Changer: Qualified Defendant Status When you obtain a CASp inspection before you are served wi

If you're a restaurant owner, facility manager, or designer working to make your dining spaces accessible, you've probably asked yourself: "Do I need to put those blue wheelchair symbols on my accessible tables?" It's a common question, and the answer is simpler than you might think. The Short Answer: No ISA Stickers Required According to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, you are NOT required to place International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) stickers or signs o

Getting hit with an accessibility lawsuit is overwhelming—especially when your small business revenue is already stretched thin. The reality is clear: you need to make repairs, but you don't have unlimited funds to tackle everything at once. So how do you decide where to start? This guide breaks down how to prioritize accessibility fixes when your budget is limited. All recommendations included in this article are starting points and not a complete scoping or technical checkl

When designing accessible parking, one of the most critical—and often overlooked—safety features is the path of travel from the car to the building. A common question arises: Is it acceptable for a wheelchair user to travel behind other parked vehicles to reach a ramp or entrance? The simple answer is no , especially in California. The Safety Hazard Imagine a wheelchair user parking in an accessible stall. They deploy their lift, exit into the access aisle, and turn toward th

As a retail property buyer, a CASp (Certified Access Specialist) inspection is one of the most important due diligence steps you can take. Before signing on the dotted line, you need to know exactly what accessibility issues you're inheriting—and how much it will cost to fix them. Know What You're Really Buying Many retail commercial real estate buyers discover accessibility problems after closing. By then, it's too late. You own a property that could trigger expensive lawsui

Understanding the ADA as Civil Rights Legislation The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, stands as one of the most significant civil rights laws in United States history. But what exactly makes the ADA a civil rights law? And how does disability discrimination connect to the broader civil rights movement? Let's break this down in a way that's easy to understand. What Is a Civil Rights Law? Before we can understand why the ADA is considered a civil rights l

When planning events, construction projects, or any situation requiring temporary facilities, understanding accessibility requirements is essential. The 2010 ADA Standards make it clear: temporary structures must be just as accessible as permanent ones. Whether you're setting up a festival tent, installing portable restrooms, or creating temporary walkways for any reason, accessibility isn't optional—it's required. The Basic Rule: Temporary Equals Permanent The 2010 ADA Stand

When it comes to accessibility compliance, confusion often arises around the difference between a transaction counter and a writing surface. Many business owners wonder: Can a writing surface substitute for an accessible transaction counter? Are they separate requirements? Let's clarify these important distinctions using the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. What Is a Transaction Counter? A transaction counter is where goods, services, or information are exchanged bet

Accessibility compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is critical for ensuring that people with disabilities can access goods, services, and facilities. However, business owners and property managers frequently encounter situations where full compliance seems impossible—or at least highly challenging. Understanding the concepts of "readily achievable barrier removal" and "technically infeasible" is essential for navigating these complex scenarios while st

When it comes to ADA compliance inspections, even experienced professionals can overlook critical violations that leave property owners...

CASp Best Practices PDF The CASp (Certified Access Specialist) Program helps California businesses make their facilities accessible to...

Public entities with 50 or more employees must develop comprehensive transition plans to systematically identify and remove architectural...

Restaurant owners and accessibility professionals must understand that California's accessibility requirements are more stringent than...

Measuring door opening force is a critical component of ensuring accessibility compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act...

Measure Accessible Parking Stalls and Aisles Understanding how to properly measure accessible parking stalls and access aisles is crucial...

CBC 11B: California's More Stringent Approach to Accessible Parking California's Building Code Chapter 11B (CBC 11B) goes significantly...

Ever noticed those yellow bumpy surfaces at crosswalks and wondered what they're for? As a property owner or tenant, understanding...