ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC

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Self Evaluation Plan and Transition Plan: Part 8 - Action Plan

Information presented herein can also be found at Corada and the New England Action Guide.

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This is the eighth article in a series about Self Evaluation Plan and Transition Plan (SEPTP). Previous parts of this series covered the history of SEPTP, identified who is in charge of the SEPTP at an entity, sent out a public notice, discussed training options for those involved with the SEPTP, covered grievance procedures regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offered guidance on self-evaluation plans for entities, and discussed transition plans. Now it is time to complete the action plan in Part 8 - Develop an Action Plan.

After a comprehensive self-evaluation of all programs, activities, services, and facilities operated by the entity, an action plan should be created to list all items where non-structural changes are needed at the entity. Examples of non-structural changes could include:

  • the entity's website might need to be reviewed for accessibility

  • policies might need to change to accommodate individuals with disabilities

  • meetings might need to be moved to a different time or place

The action plan should include any discrepancy found within program access. Program accessibility includes facility accessibility, but also means that a person with a qualified disability receives the same benefits from a program or service and has an equal opportunity to participate as any other participant. The ADA requires all Title II programs, but not all Title II buildings, to be accessible. Unlike the transition plan, there is no formal planning mechanism to make sure the non-structural changes are made. A recommended table for the action plan should be created to list the following:

  • non-structural changes needed

  • what changes are recommended

  • who will be responsible for each item in the action plan

  • and a target date should be provided for when the action plan must be completed.

Note that physical access is not required to every facility where alternative methods are as effective in providing program access. Alternative methods for compliance in existing facilities may include:

  • Redesigning equipment

  • Reassigning services to accessible buildings

  • Assigning aides to beneficiaries or home visits

  • Delivery of services at alternate sites

  • Alteration of existing facilities

  • Construction of new, accessible facilities

  • Use of accessible rolling stock or other conveyances

  • Other methods to achieve “readily accessible to and usable by”

Throughout the process, the Consultant will develop and maintain a schedule detailing proposed meetings and frequency to provide the Consultant sufficient guidance, opportunity to gather information and ideas, and to provide updates on findings, progress, and plan development for future steps.

SEPTPs are living documents/plans that require periodic updating. It is recommended that the SEPTP be audited every three (3) years, or whenever a significant change is adopted for the ADA, or when the entity undergoes changes such as building renovations/modifications/additions, program revisions or additions, or mergers/acquisitions with other entities.

SUMMARY: Entities with SEPTP plans should include an action plan to list all items where non-structural changes are needed at the entity to comply with ADA laws. The action plan should include any discrepancy found within program access. The next and last article in this series is Part 9 - Budget and Implementation.

If you need help building a new SEPTP or auditing your existing SEPTP, please call Richard Acree at 615-752-0060, or email inspections4ada@gmail.com. For additional information please see SEPTP.

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If you observe a facility or entity that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.