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Sally Swanson Architects
Access Services

Accessibility Surveys and Inspections
Barrier Removal Schedules and Transition Plans
Access Compliance Plan Reviews and DSA Submittal Assistance
Technical and ADA-Coordination Assistance
Accessibility Code Analysis and Forensic Reviews
Claims Management Assistance
ADA-mandated Self-Evaluations and Analysis
ADA Staff Training
Planning, Design, and Construction Administration

Accessibility Surveys and Inspections

SSA has cultivated a thorough knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal codes and regulations. In the last 10 years we have surveyed over 30,000,000 gross square feet and helped clients reach compliance within tight fiscal parameters. Facilities include: motels, restaurants, bars, and theaters; sports arenas, gymnasiums and outdoor recreation areas; shopping centers, retail stores, office buildings and corporate parks; educational facilities and day-care centers; historical buildings, museums, and libraries; health facilities and hospitals; residential developments, airports, detention facilities, police and fire stations; public rights-of-way; and city, county, and state buildings. top

Barrier Removal Schedules and ADA Transition Plans

We understand the challenge of integrating the various accessibility requirements into a comprehensive universal access strategy. Our trained field surveyors and accessibility specialists are seasoned experts at identifying, evaluating, and correcting the wide range of both built and programmatic accessibility barriers.

We assist our clients in the preparation of facility evaluation reports that include detailed cost estimates for identified barriers, recommendations for cost-effective solutions, and timelines for implementing barrier removal work, using our Accessibility Planning Database (AP Database). SSA works with clients to identify and actively involve relevant stakeholders in the planning process. This collaborative approach helps uncover retrofit solutions and programmatic modifications that meet the intent of the access requirements, while working with the client’s specific policy, operational, and fiscal requirements. top

Access Compliance Plan Reviews and DSA Submittal Assistance

The Division of the State Architect (DSA) recently chose SSA as one of a few California firms to provide access compliance plan reviews, as well as back check reviews of drawings and specifications for community colleges, public schools, and other facilities under state jurisdiction. In addition, we were retained to develop and prepare a comprehensive plan review desk manual to be used by the DSA/AC for plan review.

In accordance with procedures established by the DSA Access Compliance Program (DSA/AC), our plan review staff ensures that all construction documents conform to the California Building Standards Code (CCR Title 24) and regulations developed by DSA/AC. To date, SSA has checked plans with a construction value of over $100,000,000. top

Technical and ADA-Coordination Assistance

SSA provides effective "on-call" technical assistance to architects, builders and facilities managers, as well as programmatic assistance to administrators, attorneys, ADA-Coordinators, and program facilitators of businesses, cities, counties, and state agencies. Compiling a thorough knowledge of federal and state disabled access regulations since 1977, we supply reliable access compliance consulting to our public and private sector clients during all phases of access compliance projects. top

Code Analysis and Forensic Reviews

The majority of our projects focus on existing and planned California State Accessibility Regulations (i.e. Title 24 and DSA/AC policies and interpretations of regulations) and their relation to other applicable state and federal codes and requirements. This requires an in-depth knowledge of the following relevant codes, regulations, laws, and guidelines: » American National Standard A117.1 (ICC/ANSI)
» Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
» ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
» Americans with Disabilities Act Regulations
» Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)
» California Building Standards Code (Title 24)
» California Civil Code (Access Provisions)
» California Education Code (Access Provisions)
» California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
» California Fish and Game Code (Access Provisions)
» California Government Code (Access Provisions)
» California Health and Safety Code (Access Provisions)
» California Labor Code (Access Provisions)
» California Public Resources Code (Access Provisions)
» California State Fire Marshal Code Interpretations
» California Vehicle Code (Access Provisions)
» Division of the State Architect Policies and IRs
» Division of the State Architect Plan Review Process
» Division of the State Architect Submittal Process
» Federal and State Disabled Access Case Law
» Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA)
» International Building Code (IBC)
» Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act
» Uniform Building Code (UBC)
» Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
» Universal Design Principles and Guidelines
» Unruh Act

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Claims Management Assistance

In several cases, SSA has been instrumental in providing clients, plaintiffs and defendants alike, with strategic and practical advice that helps to settle claims swiftly and provide required access without unnecessary expense. Our highly trained staff assesses compliance status and potential solutions; analyzes and interprets applicable codes; coordinates legal requirements with the built environment; prepares comprehensive reports; provides litigation support; and monitors compliance efforts. Our expert witness and litigation support services have contributed to the successful resolution of many complex cases. top

ADA-Mandated Self-Evaluation and Analysis

SSA assists public and private agencies in evaluating and correcting any of their policies, practices, and procedures that may discriminate against persons with disabilities. Developed through years of professional practice, our methodology involves stakeholder meetings and workshops, questionnaires, and a variety of checklists. We actively solicit public input from interested persons in a highly collaborative effort to validate the Self-Evaluation process. Throughout the process of discovery, we assist and document all modifications to our client’s policies, practices, and procedures that are determined to be inconsistent with ADA requirements and describe any remedial steps that were taken. top

ADA Staff Training

SSA provides accessibility awareness training to various state and local agencies and officials as well as to private groups and individuals. Our extensive knowledge of the needs of individuals with disabilities and applicable codes and regulations allows us to customize our training programs based upon the client and their needs. Training programs range from a general overview and disability sensitivity training to very detailed, step-by-step instruction. top

Planning, Design, Construction Administration and Supervision

As a full-service architectural design firm, SSA executes the planning, design, and construction administration of both large and small barrier removal projects. Our skilled designers, planners, and project managers create work that combines innovative architectural thinking with a Universal Design approach sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities. top