The ADA Accessibility Compliance Audit focuses on potential architectural and communications barriers which may limit access in existing facilities. An accurate physical survey of potential barriers throughout the site and buildings is undertaken and the actual measurements are compared with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) to determine compliance with Federal accessibility standards.

The information collected in the physical survey is summarized in a way that is useful for planning, budgeting, and implementing barrier removal projects. The impact of each barrier is rated and a proposed method for addressing and/or removing the barrier is noted. This summary provides an overview of which barriers are the greatest problem and which can easily and quickly be removed through maintenance procedures or by implementing policy or procedural changes. Those items requiring more extensive design and construction work are also noted.

Barrier removal priorities are delineated. The ADA has outlined illustrations of barrier removal situations considered to be "readily achievable" without "undue hardship". Furthermore, the ADA recommends the following priorities for planning barrier removal projects.

1) Accessible approach and entrance.

2) Access to goods and services.

3) Access to rest rooms.

4) Any other measures necessary.

Solutions and alternatives for barrier removal are formulated. While the ADA does not require expensive structural alterations to existing facilities, it does require that programs, goods, and services are available to everyone on an equal basis, regardless of physical limitations. Access by Design focuses on the intent of the law in postulating access solutions. We evaluate options which are easily accomplished without much expense, as well as architectural solutions.

The completed audit report provides "user-friendly" documentation for implementing a plan to achieve compliance with the ADA's barrier removal requirements in existing facilities. The Department of Justice has said "....Such a plan, if appropriately designed and diligently executed, could serve as evidence of a good faith effort to comply...."

Access by Design Accessibility Compliance Audits provide:

o Complete physical survey of ADAAG elements.

o Checklists with actual measurements for elements surveyed.

o Drawings designating accessible path of travel and other key elements.

o Summary of all non-complying elements.

o Recommended solutions & alternatives.

o Estimated cost projections.

o Barrier removal prioritization.

o Photographs of building elements.