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FAQ

Ramp PlaygroundI am considering doing business with a consultant, professional, or company that claims expertise on ADA or Access-related issues, what do you recommended?

  1. Consultantsor professionals that "specialize" in accessibility and/oruniversal design are few; those who practice solely in thefield of accessibility are even more rare. Most design professionalswill provide accessibility related services if requestedeven though they may not specialize in that area of expertise.Consider contacting a local disability related organizationor Independent Living Center for advice or referrals frompeople with disabilities. Some Independent Living Centershave professionals on staff and offer a variety of ADA andAccessibility related services.
  2. Determineyour budget before hiring an accessibility consultant toperform an accessibility assessment.
  3. ADA / Accessibilityconsultants are usually listed in the yellow page phonedirectory under "Social Services" or "Disability" or "Accessibility".Acquire the names, addresses, and phone numbers of consultant(s)listed.
  4. Call the nearestADA Technical Assistance Center at 800/949-4232 for informationabout the consultants that you have found. The center usuallyhas a resume or information sheet about individual consultantsand the types of services offered.
  5. Talk to selectedconsultant(s) for information about the services that theyoffer and what they can provide within your establishedbudget. Remember that if structural changes to your buildingare likely, you may want to check which consultant(s) arelicensed to make structural changes.
  6. Ask for writtenqualifications and information about the company and/orindividuals that will perform the services.
  7. Look for experienceand training in evaluating and/or designing accessible facilities.
  8. Check theconsultant(s) references and owners of past projects [ifrequested] to verify satisfactory performance and completionof past work.
  9. Select theconsultant that you feel the most comfortable working with,will represent your best interests in complying with theregulations, and reasonably satisfies your budgetary limits.

What are some red flags to watch for when hiring an ADA / Access Consultant?

  1. If the consultant says that he or she is a "Certified ADA Consultant," watch out. Currently, there are no federal, state or local government programs to certify experts.
  2. If the consultant plans to charge an exorbitant or very small fee for services, shop around and/or carefully check the consultant's references and experience. Also carefully compare the services proposed by all consultants contacted.
  3. If a consultant does not know the meaning of key ADA terms in the law or regulations, this person is probably not qualified to do the work.