When it comes to ADA compliance, it’s crucial to be proactive in ensuring the accessibility and safety of your facility to avoid accidents, fines, or lawsuits.

The CASp program was created to assist property owners and managers in meeting ADA standards.

A CASp inspector, certified by the Division of State Architect, is a licensed individual with the authority to inspect public facilities and to grant “qualified defendant” status if required in the event of litigation for ADA non-compliance. These inspectors have extensive knowledge of accessibility requirements for construction set by state and federal government.

Obtaining a CASp inspection is an important step toward ensuring that your facility is accessible to individuals with disabilities. It helps by addressing compliance issues, reducing legal risks, and creating a more inclusive environment for staff and visitors.

• Legal compliance. CASp inspections help ensure that your facility is in compliance with ADA and related accessibility regulations, thereby reducing your risk of costly lawsuits related to accessibility violations.
• Risk mitigation. Proactively identifying and addressing accessibility issues can reduce the risk of potential lawsuits, fines, and penalties resulting from non-compliance with ADA requirements.
• Avoiding litigation. CASp inspections can be used as evidence of good faith efforts to comply with ADA regulations, discouraging opportunistic legal actions from individuals or advocacy groups seeking non-compliance claims.
• Positive reputation. Demonstrating commitment to accessibility sends a positive message to staff, clients, customers, and the community. It shows that your or facility values inclusivity and is dedicated to providing equal access to all.
• Increased customer base. An accessible facility can cater to a wider range of customers, leading to increased revenue and customer loyalty.
• Marketing advantage. As an ADA-compliant facility, you can use your CASp certification as a marketing tool highlighting your dedication to accessibility.
• Long-term savings. Addressing accessibility issues during the initial construction process or alongside regular maintenance work can prevent the need for costly retrofits or legal expenses in the future.
• Peace of mind. Property owners and managers can have peace of mind knowing that their facility is accessible and compliant, reducing potential stress and uncertainty.
• Professional guidance. CASp inspectors are trained professionals who can provide expert guidance on how to address accessibility issues effectively and efficiently.
• Comprehensive assessment. CASp inspections offer a thorough assessment of a facility’s accessibility, covering various aspects such as parking, entrances, pathways, restrooms, signage, and more.
• Local regulations. In California, obtaining a CASp inspection may come with additional benefits, such as protection from certain liability under state laws.
• Legal protections. In some states, CASp inspections can provide legal protections against certain claims and penalties, offering a level of immunity if issues are identified and addressed within a specified timeframe.

Here’s what to expect once you have scheduled your CASp inspection.

Pre-Inspection Review

Your assigned CASp inspector will review any and all available information regarding your facility’s design, layout, and construction plans.

On-site Inspection

Your inspector will then visit the facility in person to assess its accessibility. During the inspection, they may examine both exterior and interior as necessary, including parking lots or structures, entrances, pathways, restrooms, seating areas, signage, etc. They may use measuring tools, take photos, and will use checklists to document confirm proper accessibility or note any areas of concern, if applicable.

Identification of Compliance Issues

Any areas that are in non-compliance will be identified and documented. Some common examples include inadequate number of accessible parking spaces, issues with ramps or access aisles, or signage not meeting size or height requirements.

Documentation and Report

Your CASp inspector will compile their findings into a comprehensive report, detailing areas of non-compliance with recommendations on remediation measures. This report may include photos, measurements, descriptions of issues, and references to applicable ADA regulations.

Remediation Recommendations

In your CASp inspection report, your certified inspector will outline recommended corrective actions to bring your facility up to compliance with ADA requirements. Some common remediation measures include modifications to striping, alterations of pathways, installation of proper signage, or grading to the appropriate slope.

Consultation and Planning

Your inspector will review the report with you to discuss potential solutions, working alongside you to find the best possible solution to address your concerns, taking your budget and timeline into account.

Remediation and Follow-up

Whether you choose to have Macadam Construction implement your corrections, or should you choose to work with another contractor, it’s recommended to continue working alongside your CASp inspector throughout the remediation process to ensure that all changes are in line with ADA requirements. A follow-up inspection is recommended after remediation is completed to verify that the proper corrective actions have been implemented.

CASp Certification

Once your facility had successfully addressed all identified issues and meets ADA standards, you will now be eligible for CASp certification.

CASp certification signifies that the facility has undergone a comprehensive inspection by a certified professional and is considered accessible to individuals with disabilities.