Newsletter

ADA Assistance Program

By Abraham Han, Management Analyst

Audits and litigation have increased in recent years at the local government level, and members may find it daunting or confusing to navigate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In response to these ongoing challenges, the Authority continues to offer the ADA Assistance Program to members looking to take a tangible first step toward compliance.

Since 2015, the Authority has partnered with Disability Access Consultants (DAC) to provide accessibility compliance services to assist members in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. These services have included providing members with an initial diagnostic compliance assessment, facilities and public rights of way inspections, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and programs. DAC also provides DACTrak software, which helps to track ADA compliance progress and costs.

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Through this business partnership, the Authority and DAC work closely with members to develop a current and complete ADA transition plan. To incentivize members in this effort, the Authority provides each participating member an allowance to help offset the cost of developing a current and complete ADA transition plan. The funding breaks down as follows:

• Initial compliance diagnostic assessment: $2,800 (fully covered by the Authority; no out-of-pocket expenses to the member)
• Inspections of facilities and public rights of way: $16,500 (Authority covers first $16,500; member covers remaining amount)
• Evaluation of policies, procedures, and programs: $5,000 (fully covered by the Authority; no out-of-pocket expenses to the member)
• Software (first year of DACTrak software): $2,000 (Authority covers the first year of annual software cost; members cover annual software cost beginning in year two)

The total value of the ADA Assistance Program allowance is $26,300 and is for one-time use (i.e., members who have already taken advantage of the ADA Assistance Program are not eligible to participate again in the program)

Members who are interested in the program are strongly encouraged to contact their regional risk manager. This will allow Authority staff to coordinate a scoping call between the member and DAC to determine a workable compliance roadmap unique to each member agency.

If you are interested in participating in the ADA Assistance Program or have questions about the program, please contact your regional risk manager or Management Analyst Abraham Han.

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