Need a CASp Inspection?
ADA and CASp inspections can be complex. ADA Access Consultants has you covered.
Our ADA Services
CASp Inspection/Report
Defense against an ADA lawsuit starts with an evaluation and report by a CASp. Our report outlines the changes necessary to be ADA compliant. This report/inspection is evidence that you are being proactive in progressing towards a goal of overall ADA compliance.
ADA Plan Review
Our Certified Access Specialists (CASp) and ADA inspectors review documents/plans in order to verify compliance with applicable state, local, and ADA standards. This is required when developing new buildings or improving existing ones with ADA standards in mind.
ADA Compliance Consulting
We can provide guidance from the early stages of construction to buildings decades old. Our team of experienced ADA consultants will help identify accessibility barriers, understand compliance requirements, and provide practical solutions for your property.
What Is a CASp?
A CASp inspector (Certified Access Specialist) is a professional who has been certified by the state of California to inspect commercial and public buildings for compliance in accordance with ADA laws and regulations, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Building Code (CBC).
CASp inspectors are typically used when property owners, apartment managers, or commercial properties are facing lawsuits regarding ADA compliance. To work towards compliance and acquire specific legal protections, one is often legally obligated to arrange an ADA inspection with a CASp inspector.
Oftentimes, one needs a CASp inspection when they are facing a possible lawsuit and need specific protection. If you are experiencing this or have pending litigation, do not hesitate to contact ADA Access Consultants to analyze your next steps and schedule a CASp inspection.
How a CASp Inspection Can Prevent Lawsuits:
In many instances, individuals or organizations find it necessary to undergo a CASp inspection when confronted with the prospect of a lawsuit or potential liability, seeking legal and financial safeguards. If you find yourself in impending litigation, we encourage you to reach out to ADA Access Consultants.
Senate Bills 1608 and 1186, overseeing the CASp program, aim to promote accessibility for the disabled while protecting property owners from exploitative lawsuits. Getting a CASp inspection, regardless of the outcome, grants “Qualified Defendant” status, offering special legal benefits, including:
Our team of experts meticulously assesses your property situation, provides guidance on the most appropriate course of action, and then schedules a CASp inspection as necessary.
- A 90-day delay in legal proceedings.
- Access to an Early Evaluation Conference (EEC) for potential settlements.
- Possible reduction in minimum damages from $4,000 to $1,000 per occurrence.
- Displaying the inspection certificate discourages lawsuits (over 90% are settled).
- After inspection, there’s a chance to plan for corrections, avoiding surprise legal and construction costs.
Who Needs a CASp Inspection?
CASp inspectors are typically used when property owners, apartment managers, or commercial properties are facing lawsuits regarding ADA compliance. They are also done to be proactive in preventing future legal & permitting issues. To work towards compliance and acquire specific legal protections, you can benefit by arranging an inspection with a CASp.
A CASp inspection by a Certified Access Specialist consists of a thorough evaluation of a specific property. Inspections involve conducting measurements of public access spaces, parking lot access areas, public service areas, and more. CASp inspections can serve as proof that a building owner is being proactive in making necessary repairs or changes to their building for better accessibility.
What Does an ADA Inspector Check?
A CASp inspection or ADA inspection is a vital step when working towards a more accessible property. Scheduling a CASp inspection with us includes the inspection of:
- Property Entrances
- Accessible Parking Spaces/Structures
- ADA Signage
- Service Areas
- Ramps/Elevators
- Restrooms & More
CASp inspections can serve as proof that a building owner is being proactive in making necessary repairs or changes to their building for better accessibility.
ADA Compliance
Our team of CASp inspectors is trained to identify any possible accessibility barriers and provide recommendations in a comprehensive report for making buildings more accessible to people with disabilities. They can also help building owners and managers understand and meet their legal obligations regarding accessibility. Buildings that are required to comply with ADA standards include public accommodations and commercial facilities, as well as certain types of state and local government facilities. Hiring a CASp Inspector with us ensures you are being proactive in your ADA compliance.
It should be noted that obtaining a CASp Inspection and being compliant with the ADA laws are two different things. With ADA Access Consultants, you can expect a comprehensive report detailing where your property is out of compliance while referencing specific ADA laws. From there, clients are responsible for the necessary changes to their property that are readily achievable.
CASp Inspection Report
After your CASp inspection, we provide a detailed report on your property or business. We outline our findings in a clear format, allowing for an easy transition to make your changes. Our CASp inspection reports will include:
- a detailed description of the survey
- summary and explanation of non-compliant elements (parking, entryways, service areas, etc.)
- images/documentation supporting findings (photos, measurements, readings)
- suggestions to bring the property to compliance
- reference to relevant ADA or Building Codes
With all these elements, clients have a clear layout of what is out of compliance and how it can be fixed, for example, concrete work, parking lot work, or other alterations. This is extremely useful as a preventative measure for possible lawsuits and also supports inclusivity of your property.
Qualified Defendant
Many properties are working towards a legally protected status referred to by the state of California as “qualified defendant.” To obtain this protected or “qualified defendant” status, one’s property must be inspected by a qualified CASp inspector, and the client must work towards making necessary changes to the property.
Working towards Qualified Defendant is not an easy task because of the many nuances of ADA laws and regulations. This term is used often in construction-related accessibility claims. Qualified Defendant asserts a public property is meeting proper applicable standards set forth by the ADA guidelines and relevant building codes.
CASp/ADA Inspection Certificate
Upon request after your CASp inspection, we will provide signage you can display at the front of your business, an Access Inspected Certificate. Although this does not guarantee your compliance, it is a sign that you are aware of ADA laws and you are being proactive to work towards compliance. Those facing lawsuits often benefit the most from this.
When a building is not compliant with the ADA, it can create barriers for individuals with disabilities, making it difficult or impossible for them to access the building and its facilities, leading to isolation and exclusion, which limits a person’s ability to participate fully in society. Not only does this exist in physical buildings but also in digital spaces! Check out our guide on ADA compliant websites for more info!
Even without pending litigation or complaints, an ADA inspection should be done on your business or real property. Promoting accessibility and inclusion has a positive impact on society as a whole.