Frequently, the persons responsible for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility compliance have no idea where to begin. ADA compliance is a complex process which is best approached as a coordinated whole. The first and most important step toward achieving accessibility compliance is to become knowledgeable.

A consultant may best provide the technical expertise necessary to conduct facility audits and to help prepare the "good faith" plan; however, a basic understanding of the law is imperative in establishing performance criteria, defining project goals, and evaluating proposals. The fact is, the business organization is ultimately accountable for compliance with the law. Only by understanding the access requirements and knowing how the company's sites and facilities meet the standards can any business be confident that it is adequately addressing this Federal mandate.

This is also true in assuring that barrier removal projects are completed in accordance with the guidelines and in assessing vendors' product claims. All too often, contractors and/or installers do not understand the requirements and make costly mistakes when implementing projects. Vendors may claim that a product is "ADA approved" or "ADA certified." It is important to understand that no product (or consultant) is approved, certified, or accredited.

Finally, a thorough understanding of the law is necessary in addressing accessibility concerns objectively and intelligently. A person with a disability may demand that a business make certain access concessions because they "are required." While it is important to maintain good customer relations, businesses should not be intimidated into making costly modifications which are neither required nor even recommended.

In-house personnel who are responsible for on-going ADA obligations and maintenance of accessible features should understand the logic behind the various guidelines. New services, products, and programs must be fully accessible.

Access by Design has developed a series of ADA seminars targeting business access needs. Workshops emphasize a "hands-on" approach to achieving and maintaining low- cost/no-cost accessibility solutions. An eight-step process for achieving compliance is presented in a slide show which illustrates the logic behind the various requirements, indicates common problems and acceptable solutions, and demonstrates survey techniques.

Training workshops are designed to meet the specific needs identified for each target audience.

Access by Design Training Workshops provide:

o Customized curriculum.

o ADA compliance materials.

o Access by Design instructional materials.

o Lecture and slide presentations.

o Practical applications exercises.

o Evaluation and follow-up.