A CASp (Certified Access Specialist) is a licensed professional who inspects and evaluates buildings and sites to ensure they meet accessibility standards, especially those related to ADA and CBC. CASp is a California-specific program.

CASps are trained professionals who have passed an exam to demonstrate their expertise in state and federal accessibility legislation. Their job is to determine if a facility meets accessibility standards and provide recommendations on how to remove any obstacles that may prevent people with disabilities from accessing their property.

A CASP inspection and certification can help property owners and businesses prevent accessibility issues from occurring in the first place, reduce the likelihood of lawsuits resulting from non-compliance with accessibility standards, and improve overall accessibility on their premises.

A CASp report is a report prepared by a CASp (Certified Access Specialist) in California. A CASp is a professional who inspects and evaluates a building or property to determine if it meets accessibility standards, such as ADA and CBC.

A CASp will provide you with detailed information about the accessibility status of your property. It will highlight areas that may not meet accessibility requirements. It will also include recommendations and suggested changes to address accessibility barriers or deficiencies. The purpose of a CASp report is to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Many property owners and businesses seek out a CASp inspection voluntarily as a proactive way to address accessibility concerns. In some cases, property owners who have completed a CASp inspection may be eligible for certain legal protections if they have corrected any accessibility violations within a specified time frame.

Common ADA violations vary from facility to facility, but some common violations include:

Inadequate Parking Spaces: Lack of accessible parking spaces or improperly designed parking areas can be a violation.

Inaccessible Entrances and Exits: Entrances without proper ramps, handrails, or doors that are difficult to open may pose accessibility challenges.

Lack of Accessible Restrooms: Restrooms without proper clear floor space, grab bars, or accessible fixtures can be a violation.

Inaccessible Path of Travel: Areas where the path of travel is obstructed, such as by furniture or displays, can impede accessibility.

Poorly Designed Ramps: Ramps with improper slopes, handrail heights, or landing spaces may not meet ADA standards.

Inadequate Signage: Lack of or improper signage, including signs with insufficient contrast or unclear information, can be a violation.

Height Inconsistencies: Counters, service desks, or other elements that are not at the correct height for accessibility.

Lack of Accessible Routes: Failure to provide accessible routes to key areas within a facility can be a violation.

These violations can vary from facility to facility and are subject to change as ADA guidelines evolve. Property owners and business owners should stay up to date on ADA compliance and consult with certified access specialists (CASPs) to ensure compliance.

CASP inspections are not mandatory in California, but they do provide some advantages and legal protections for property owners.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as “grandfather clause” in the ADA. Many people mistakenly believe that they are “grandfathered in” because their facility predates the ADA (1990), but this is not the case.

The ADA is an anti-discrimination civil rights law. The ADA standards for accessible design set minimum standards for all public accommodations. If a facility fails to meet the ADA standards, regardless of age, then it may be subject to a civil lawsuit claiming discrimination based on architectural obstructions that impede access to goods and services for people with disabilities.