Introducing A New Market
My name is Eric Sifuentes, and I am excited to introduce the new market sector! As a Certified Access Specialist (CASp), subject matter expert and newly licensed architect, I will be leading the accessibility market. This market focuses on the following services:
- Architectural services for accessibility alterations
- Facility assessments
- ADA transition plans
- CASp consulting
Many years ago, Nacht & Lewis began working with State and local government entities in addressing facility accessibility for public programs and services. Often these programs occupy multiple buildings at various sites. Unwinding the complexity and navigating through any shortcomings can be a challenge. If you are a Risk Manager, Facilities Director or Program Manager in need of an accessibility partner, we are here to help!
Community Outreach with the California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA)
On November 14, 2018, I attended one of the California Commission on Disability Access’ listening forums in Fresno, California. The focus of this meeting was to launch the CCDA’s new California Access Toolkit for the restaurant industry.
The new toolkit is full of useful information including:
- News on the current legal landscape
- 2017 top 10 alleged violation statistics
- Making your operations accessible
- Disability etiquette
- Training for new and existing staff
The CCDA hosted the event as a listening forum, which brought together restaurant owners and experts in the accessibility industry. The goals for the meeting were to:
- Increase CASp awareness
- Increase awareness of funding sources for compliance work
- Share information about Federal, State, and local access laws that govern compliance
- Increase disability awareness
- Receive feedback on restaurant industry toolkit
- Introduction of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Business Mentorship Program
The CCDA organized a panel of industry experts from various backgrounds including:
- Cris Vaughn, Attorney, Moderator
- Janae Davis, CalCAP Financing
- Rachelle Golden, Attorney
- Sarah Harris, Youth Empowerment Specialist
- Angela Jemmott, CCDA Executive Director
- Daniel Mathers, Building Inspector, County of Fresno
- Ana Medina, Senior Manager – Business Development, Access Capital Plus
- Debbie Wong, Senior Architect, Division of the State Architect, Codes & Standards
- Robina Wright, Architect, CASp, LEED APO&M
The event generated discussion among several parties from different industries. There were small table discussions allowing attendees a comfortable environment to discuss accessibility compliance and review CCDA’s new informational material.
CCDA will be hosting a FREE informational event on disability access compliance in Elk Grove, California. I hope to see you there!
Northern California Community Gathering: ADA Access in the Restaurant Industry (February 26th)
