Using a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS)
The Importance of Utilizing a RAS Certified by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for Accessibility Requirements
What is a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS)?
In the quest to promote equal access and public accommodation for individuals with disabilities in order to meet accessibility requirements, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has established the designation of a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS). These registered accessibility specialists play a pivotal role in ensuring that public spaces comply with accessibility standards and ADA requirements, empowering individuals of all abilities to participate fully in society. There are many key services that a certified Registered Accessibility Specialist can perform and how their ADA expertise enhances inclusivity and standards for accessible design in Texas’s public spaces.
What are the functions of a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS)?
One of the primary responsibilities of a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) at TERPconsulting is to conduct comprehensive accessibility compliance inspections of public buildings, facilities, and spaces. RAS-certified professionals use their expertise as an accessibility inspector and plans examiner to thoroughly review architectural plans and existing structures to assess compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) and ADA requirements. The critical evaluation that an ADA compliance consultant performs ensures that places like government buildings, schools, restaurants, hotels, and more adhere to the necessary accessibility guidelines of public accommodation.
Do Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS) conduct consultations and plan reviews?
TERPconsulting’s RAS experts collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners to provide guidance on how to incorporate accessibility features and public accommodation seamlessly into new construction or renovation projects. By conducting plan reviews and accessibility inspections, RAS professionals can identify potential barriers early in the design phase. Using TERPconsulting’s ADA code consultants to review standards of accessible design will ultimately lead to more cost-effective solutions and streamlined compliance of public accommodation.
Can Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS) offer accessibility training and education?
To further the impact of accessibility standards, RAS professionals at TERPconsulting offer training and educational programs to diverse stakeholders in the form of Lunch and Learns for business owners, facility managers, and local officials. By raising awareness about accessibility and ADA requirements and educating stakeholders about the importance of inclusive design, TERPconsulting’s accessibility code consultant specialists empower Texas communities to embrace accessibility as an integral part of their infrastructure planning.
Can Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS) ensure ADA compliance of federal accessibility laws?
While Texas has its own set of accessibility standards, the RAS professionals at TERPconsulting are also well-versed in the federal accessibility laws that include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and also have received Certified Access Specialist (CASp) designation. TERPconsulting’s accessibility inspectors can assist businesses and property owners in understanding how both state and federal regulations intertwine, ensuring a comprehensive approach to accessibility compliance in the arenas of RAS and CASp.
Why should I use a Registered Accessibility Specialist on my construction project?
Registered Accessibility Specialists, as designated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, are instrumental in creating a more inclusive and accessible society. TERPconsulting’s certified accessibility code consultants offer their diverse range of services, from inspections and consultations to plan reviews and examinations, to ensure that public spaces comply with accessibility standards and ADA requirements, granting people of all abilities the dignity and independence they deserve. With their expertise, TERPconsulting’s RAS professionals use their accessibility compliance consulting knowledge to champion the rights of individuals with disabilities, making Texas a more welcoming and accommodating place for everyone.