Richard Acree Certifies as ADA Coordinator (ADAC)

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, is please to announce that Richard Acree has been certified as ADA Coordinator (ADAC) by the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP).  

 

ACTCP is a unique program offered by the Great Plains ADA Center and the University of Missouri that is designed to meet the training and professional needs of ADA Coordinators.  The Great Plains ADA Center and the University of Missouri School of Health Professions Disability Studies and Policy Center formed an Advisory Board of experienced ADA Coordinators, met with focus groups and conducted surveys of ADA Coordinators, to develope the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program. 

Richard is an ADA Compliance Inspector for Title II and Title III facilities.  Within his job description is the need to understand the role and responsibilities of an ADA Coordinator.  Completion of the ACTCP certification combines with Richard's license as a home inspector, certification as a commercial building inspector, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and Masters of Science in Business Administration, to provide a wide range of education, training, and experience as an ADA Compliance Inspector.

ACTCP certification verifies that participants have completed training in required content areas and have a depth of knowledge in ADA issues. Upon completion of the program, ACTCP certifies a knowledge-base essential to performing the role of an ADA Coordinator, including:

Establishing and overseeing grievance procedures.
Conducting self-evaluation plans.
Implementation of transition plans.
Monitoring on-going progress.
Communicating policy.
Coordinating activities among a number of departments.
Identifying and utilizing appropriate resources.
Knowledge of ADA regulations [laws] and guidelines.
Effective use of resources.

Since the ADA law was passed, the Department of Justice, through Project Civic Access and other settlement agreements, case law, etc., have clarified that the employee designated as an ADA Coordinator should be identified with a definite role and responsibilities.  The initial regulations also only require public entities with over 50 employees to have an ADA Coordinator.  However, the Department of Justice strongly recommends that an employee be given ADA Coordinator responsibilities in smaller entities.  This is largely due to the fact that the compliance obligations are the same for public entities regardless of size.  Since smaller public entities are held to the same standard as larger entities, it is to the small entities benefit to use the most effective means possible to meet ADA compliance obligations.  Designating an ADA Coordinator shows the entity is making a "good faith effort" to provide accessible services and activities.  In fact, the ADA Coordinator has proved to be such an essential role to effective ADA compliance that many Title III entities with no obligation to appoint an ADA Coordinator do so anyway.  ADA Coordinators can be found in businesses, corporations, non-profit agencies, and private k-12 and post-secondary institutions.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Please contact Richard Acree at 615-752-0060 should you have any questions.

Thank you.