Self Evaluation and Transition Plans

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, (ADAIN) offers services to create or audit a Self-Evaluation Plan and Transition Plan (SEPTP) for any entity that is required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and/or Fair Housing Act (FHA).

When the 1991 ADA Standards were released, a SEPTP was required only for ADA compliance at State or local governments and public agencies with more than 50 employees.

When the 2010 ADA Standards were released, and according to Federal Regulation Section 35.105, the requirements for a SEPTP were updated so that a SEPTP must have been completed or updated by March 15, 2012 (1 year after the effective date of the 2010 Standards). This Self-Evaluation is only required for facilities, programs, policies, and services not previously evaluated for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or Section 504. Facilities must have been in compliance no later than March 15, 2014.

ADAIN suggests that a SEPTP is a living document every entity should have to make sure their programs and facilities comply with accessibility laws. Whether your entity is required to comply with the ADA, ABA, or FHA, it is recommended that the entity have a plan and process established, in writing, to monitor and maintain their programs and facilities for accessibility compliance.

Depending on the size of the entity including the number of employees and the number of facilities, a SEPTP can be a complicated and complex process and document. There are many different parts to a SEPTP and the ability to create and maintain a SEPTP will require dedication to the cause of compliance for accessibility starting at the top of the entity organization.

ADAIN has outlined why and how to create a SEPTP in a series of articles posted on this website blog. The parts and links are as follows:

• Part 1 - SEPTP, Why Bother?

• Part 2 - SEPTP, Who is in Charge?

• Part 3 - SEPTP, Public Notice

• Part 4 - SEPTP, Training

• Part 5 - SEPTP, Grievance Procedure

• Part 6 - SEPTP, Entity Self Evaluation

• Part 7 - SEPTP, Transition Plan

• Part 8 - SEPTP, Action Plan

• Part 9 - SEPTP, Budget and Implementation

A SEPTP is a living document/plan that requires periodic updating. It is recommended that the SEPTP be audited every three (3) years, or whenever a significant change is adopted for the ADA, or when the entity undergoes changes such as building renovations/modifications/additions, program revisions or additions, or mergers/acquisitions with other entities.

If you need help building a new SEPTP or auditing your existing SEPTP, please call ADAIN at 615-752-0060, or email inspections4ada@gmail.com.