One can wish for things to happen, but wishing do not make it happen.  We enjoy sitting outside in the summer just enjoying mother nature.  Over the winter we lost the shrubs between where we sit and the street.  After lunch today we went to the nursery and bought 6 shrubs and over the weekend we'll planted them.  By the end of summer we should have our 4 foot hedge. 

We took action and will get our hedge back.  If you want buildings to be ADA compliant, which we all do, we must take action today.  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is 20 years old!  The buildings that are not ADA compliant, about 90% of them, is because building owners do not want to spend the money to make it happen.  However, if we take action today, we can start getting buildings ADA compliant tomorrow. 

We are here to help make that happen, but not without your help.  The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is the answer to take action now.  It's easier than you think, it's simple and it's at no cost to you.  As you know by now, we are focusing on the lodging industry (hotel, motel and time-shares):

1. Book an accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and the public restrooms.
3. Take 2-3 photos of the outside to include the accessible parking lot and overall pictures of the building.
4. Email us the photos and a copy of your hotel receipt to hfalstad@accessts.net.

ACCESS will then determine whether there is "standing" to file in the Federal Courts. 

With this procedure, it will work over and over again.  I sign all the certificate of approval on ADA compliant buildings and I know this work.  Working together we can make buildings ADA compliant one building at a time.

Comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf; or give us a call at (702) 649-7575 and ask for me or Patti.  You can also email me at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

As I write the text for our social media program, my daughter, the oldest of five children, told me I have to be careful what I say because that text will stay there forever.  Thanks Jill, but I do have a job to do.  I certainly do not want to offend anyone, but there is a lot of work to do in order to get all buildings ADA compliant.  It can not be done without mobilizing the users of wheelchairs.

The handicap community is the "key" that unlocks the door to the Federal Courts, where there is no cost for filing fees, attorney fees or attorney expert fees (the service of ACCESS are attorney expert fees).  The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is an ACCESS guarantee that the buildings is ADA compliant when the program is completed.  I sign the building certification that it is ADA compliant.  Add the ACCESS symbol to your social media page and let the world know you are not sitting on the sidelines letting other do the work of getting buildings ADA compliant.  You are doing the job that the writers of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) meant for you to do.  That is why the ADA is a Civil Rights Law. 

Joining the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" is simple, easy and free.  So, give us a call at (702) 649-7575 and let's get moving.  Get that good ACCESS feeling of getting buildings ADA compliant one building at a time, we really need to hear from you.

You can also comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/?sk=lf, or email us at hfalstand@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

Thank you Betty for your note telling us that you want to educate people about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and don't believe in litigation.  I always appreciate opinions and this is the first person that has told me this; but I am sure others of you are thinking along the lines with Betty.

I have been working with the ADA for the last 18 years as an architect specializing in accessibility compliance, so I have seen some progress with groups like Betty's.  In the building area there is much more that can be done.  The 50+ staff at the Civil Rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are not capable of enforcing the ADA, this is why congress made the ADA Civil Rights Litigation./  The responsibility of enforcing the ADA is in the hands of the handicapped citizens.  That tool is the free Federal Courts filing (no legal fees and attorney fees...no cost to the handicapped individual), the professional archtiectural services of ACCESS are also included in the attorney costs. 

The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program uses the Federal Court.  It is guaranteed to work because I sign my name to the ACCESS certification that the building is ADA compliant.  Today we are concentrating on the lodging industry (hotels, motels and time-shares).  By the following these steps, you'll be on your way to your first filing:

1. Book an accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and public restrooms.
3. Take 2-3 photos of the outside to include the accessible parking lot and overall photos of the building.
4. Email photos and your hotel bill to ACCESS at hfalstad@accessts.net.

We will review and determine on whether you have "standing" to move forward to filing with the Federal Courts. That's it.  Simple.

In the end, what a good feeling for all of us that another building will be ADA compliant.  And that's what the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" is really about.  Getting things done and making a difference.

Comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home.  Or call us at (702) 649-7575 and ask for me or Patti.  Or, if you prefer, email me at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

ACCESS and the DOJ

I recently attended a 3 day ADA conference in San Diego of ADA administrators where there were speakers from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).  I have known John Wodatch, Chief of the Civil Rights Division at the DOJ for the last 12 - 15 years.  He was the feature speaker at the convention.  We have been on an ADA panel together in the past.  I told John of my redirection of efforts to make more owners be responsible in getting their non-compliant buildings ADA compliant with a new program called "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs".  I stated to him that our target was to get 100 cases a week by the end of 2011 in hopes to refocus DOJ's attention to non-compliant buildings with the help from the handicap community. 

John knows that ACCESS works in all 50 states.  He also knows that our goal to get 3,000-4,000 wheelchair users to join the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program would be hard earn, but not impossible.  Especially with the fact that there would be no cost to the program participants.  He listened carefully as I told him that our target and focus was the lodging industry (hotels, motels and time-shares), which after 20 years of the signing of ADA, approximately 85%-90% of those buildings are still ADA non-compliant.

Although there have been leaps and bounds of improvement since the signing of the ADA for many of those wheelchair bound, there is still a long road to go.  Many are jaded when they hear that there is "another" solution to help further improve their lifestyle.  But here we are.  ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is here to help.  But we can't do it without the assistance and support from the handicap community.  Come join us in making a difference and getting these buildings ADA compliant one building at a time.

Comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/.  Or better yet, call us at (702) 649-7575 and ask for me or Patti.  Or just send me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

Welcome to the real world of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

I visited Tom's new proposed dental office he is buying from the bank.  It will be an "as is" sale, what you see is what you get.  There were numerous ADA non-compliant issues I saw and even more on the retrofit permit plans.  Tom's question was "how can that be?"  I told Tom that building officials only have jurisdiction on their building codes, and have no jurisdiction on the ADA.  So now we "cut-to-the-chase" with his many questions.

The official enforcer of the ADA is the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), with a staff of 50+.  "So, what are my chances of seeing the DOJ?" he asked.  I said the same odds of the being hit by lightening.  He stated that he likes those odds.  Does this make the ADA a voluntary program?  In my opinion, it sure does!  Especially when after 10 years in the business as an architect specializing in ADA compliance, we still have 90% of our buildings that are not ADA compliant.  This is not rocket science. 

Congress and the handicapped community knew this would happen when the ADA law was written and signed in 1990.  That is why the ADA was made as a Civil Right Law, to give the handicapped free access into the Federal Courts.  That is free filing fees, free attorney fees and free attorney costs.  The professional services of ACCESS are also attorney costs. 

There are ADA advocacy groups doing good work across this country, that are working for building ADA compliance.  The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program uses the free Federal Courts.  It works, it is a guarantee that the building is ADA compliant, because I sign my name on the certification stating that the building is ADA compliant.  The Civil Right Laws are there for those in wheelchairs to use.  Stop wishing, step up to the plate and join the ACCESS guaranteed ADA building program today! 

Contact me at hfalstad@accessts.net or call me at (702) 649-7575.  It is as easy as apple pie! 

Do you see the light?  Without Federal Court litigation there is no real building compliance.  ACCESS is your answer.

Hank

Positive Thinking!

Rainey, I agree with you 100% with your program "Positive About Disabled People".  Some will complain and want other to do something for them, others will grab the reins and play the cards they were dealt.  We have the same kind of people in the business world.  We at ACCESS have grabbed the bulls by the horn and have come up with a new program to get buildings ADA compliant.  And, to my knowledge, it has never been done before.

For the past 10 years, I have seen attorneys filing building ADA non-compliant complaints to extort money from building owners and ACCESS wants no part of the business.  The ACCESS "Watchdog in Wheelchairs" program is composed of professional architects that want to get building ADA compliant, so that we can certify that they are ADA compliant.

Rainey, send me some of those positive people.  They are our team captains in our "Watchdog in Wheelchairs" program because they have "standing" in Federal Court where the complaint is filed, they sign the complaint.  All this is at no cost tot them because ADA is Civil Rights Law where filing fees are free and attorney fees and attorney costs (ACCESS is an expert witness so a cost of the attorney) are also free, as these costs are the responsibility of the building owners.

Rainey, today and for the next several months we at ACCESS are concentrating on the lodging industry; hotels, motels and time-shares.  Send me those positive disabled people and lets get to work getting buildings ADA compliant for them and all other disabled people that follow.  Let's feel good about being able to do our part in getting building ADA compliant.  Here are the simple steps required:

1. Book an accessible room with 2-beds and a roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and public restrooms.
3. Take 2-3 photos outside to include the accessible parking and overall photos of the buildings.
4. Email the photos and your hotel bill to ACCESS at hfalstad@accessts.net.

ACCESS will review to determine whether you have enough "standing" to file at the Federal Courts.  That's it.  It's simple, it's easy and it's at no cost to you.

Tell Rainey you're a positive disabled person wanting to join the cause to make every building ADA compliant one building at a time.  Join ACCESS and become a team captain.  Do it today!

Cheers to all our "Watchdog in Wheelchairs" team captains and to the professionals at ACCESS! 

Comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/.  Or give us a call at (702) 649-7575 and ask for me or Patricia, or just send me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.\

Hank

Building ADA compliance is the responsibility of the handicapped community, especially those in wheelchairs.  The reason Congress made ADA law part of the Civil Rights Law was to give the handicapped people direct access, at no cost, into the Federal Court system.  Congress knew from part experience that a voluntary program for building owners to make their buildings ADA compliant did not work.  They also gave, by executive order, the responsibility for enforcement of the ADA law to the U.S. Department of Justice.  The law is there, free of charge to the handicapped, to use the Federal Court system, for you to get building ADA compliant through a Federal Court Judge's order.  We at ACCESS understand how this all works, and have developed a simple program call "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" to assist the wheelchair community in getting buildings ADA compliant.  To start is simple as the following steps indicate:

1. Book an Accessible room with 2 beds and roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and public restrooms.
3. Outside, take 2-3 photos of the accessible parking and overall photos of the building.
4. Email photos and copy of your hotel bill to ACCESS at hfalstad@accessts.net.

ACCESS will then review and determine on whether there is "standing" to move forward with filing in the Federal Courts.

Remember, the Department of Justice is the enforcer o the ADA.  You're responsible for filing the building ADA non-compliant complaint as the team captain.  We at ACCESS are the team members that assist you with all our professional skills.  So, let's get rolling!  We want to be filing 100 cases a week by the end of 2011.

Leave your comments here, or on our FB page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730; or if you want to talk one-on-one, call us at (702) 649-7575 and ask for me or Patricia.  You can also send me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net.

Hank

Hank, do you really like your job?

I have gotten some questions in the past 3 weeks from people that say, "Do you really like your job?"  Boy, do I ever like my job!  This is true because every day I am helping someone new.  I love this "work" because it is so much fun for me. 

In June, Herb and I will be doing an accessibility/DAD training seminar for the City of Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport management team.  This will be a 4-hour seminar.  I really like the teaches and the challenging questions from those attending.  After 4-hours, they will go away with a better understanding of the ADA, but there is no way that they will have our knowledge because we have been doing this for 18 years.

The ACCESS program that help the handicapped in wheelchairs get building ADA compliant is called "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs".  We don't expect you to know anything about building ADA compliance, that is our professional responsibility as architects that specialize in ADA compliance.  So you have the strongest team possible to help you get buildings ADA compliant.

Let's get started!  Our professional services are free to you, it's easy, it's simple and it's 100% effective.  I sign that building certification stating that the building is ADA compliant myself! But, you'll need to do your part first by following these 3 easy steps:

1. Book an accessible room with 2 beds with a roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and the public restrooms.
3. Take 2-3 photos of the outside of the building including the accessible parking and overall photos of the building.
4. Email the photos and a copy of your hotel bill to ACCESS at hfalstad@accessts.net.

ACCESS will review the photos and determine on whether there is "standing" to move forward with a case filing in the Federal Courts.  That's it.

As always, feel free to comment here or on our FB page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730; or you can call (702) 649-7575 and ask either for me or Patricia; or just send me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

I got a call yesterday from Tom, my dentist.  Now, before he became a dentist he got a degree in aeronautics engineering and worked as an engineer for an airplane manufacturer.  Tom is buying his own building and will be moving the 6 blocks where he will relocate his dental practice.  Tom and I were next door neighbors in the same office building for 5 years and I moved out 3 year ago.  Tom knows that my architectural proactice is limited to compliance tot he Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and this Friday morning I will look at his new building for ADA compliance issues.

We have been doing this for the last 18 years.  During those 18 years, about 5% of our annual business was litigation.  Today, it is 95% becasue of the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program.  Specifically designed to help those in wheelchairs get buildings ADA compliant, and this is 85% of building in the United States.

So now that you have found us, use us to help you get buildings ADA compliant.  The ADA is a self help program and it only works if you take the initiative.  Contact us.  It's free, it's simple and takes little time, but is 100% guaranteed.  I sign my name to the certification stating that the building is ADA compliant.  Our preset program challenge is the lodging industry: hotels, motels and time-shares.

Follow the basic steps:

1. Book an accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and public restrooms.
3. Take 2-3 photos of the outside to include the accessible parking and overall photos of the building.
4. Email the photos and copy of your hotel bill to us at hfalstad@accessts.net.

Once received, ACCESS will review and determine whether there is "standing" to move forward in filing a case in the Federal Courts.

If you haven't join our program yet, we welcome you to join today.  Join the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program and become a team player in getting buildings ADA compliant one building at a time.  You can comment here or on our FaceBook page at ACCESS Technologies Services, Inc.  Or call us directly at (702) 649-7575 and ask for Patricia or myself; or email us at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

Why is ACCESS targeting the the Hospitality Industry?

Why are we at ACCESS targeting the hospitality industry?  This is a very good question, thanks Alice. 

As an architect, who has specialized in ADA accessibility compliance for the last 18 years, I have never seen a  hospitality property in ADA compliance, so the likelihood of the hotel, motel or time-share you are staying at of being ADA compliant is probably 98%.  I expect our ADA detail audit to identify 50 or more elements that are not in ADA compliance.  I do not expect you to know these ADA violations, and over time you will know more.  Remember, this has been our business for the last 18 years.  The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is your program for getting building ADA compliant.

It is up to you to make it happen, we at ACCESS are your helper!  Here are the first steps to take:

1. Book an accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and public restrooms.
3. Take 2-3 photos of the outside to include the accessible parking and photos of the overall building.
4. Email to ACCESS at hfalstad@accessts.net the photos and a copy of the hotel receipt.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can not make him drink.  Let this be your motivational call to action to get buildings ADA compliant for you and all the handicapped people that will follow.

You can comment here or post on our FB page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730.  Or give us a call at (702) 649-7575 and ask for Patricia or me; or send me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net.

Hank

The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is designed to bring professional accessibility architects who specializes in ADA building audits and ADA building plan checks to the handicapped community of wheelchair users.  With these highly trained accessibility architects on your side wheelchair users can prevail in Federal Court.  Because ADA is Civil Rights Law, there is no cost to those in wheelchairs including fees, attorney costs and attorney experts (ACCESS is an attorney expert).  These costs are paid by the building owners. 

Buildings do not become ADA compliant by "wishing".  The ADA is 20 years old, so if the building is not ADA compliant today, it is because the building owner has made the decision NOT to spend the money to get the building ADA compliant.  The ADA was made a Civil Rights Law to help handicapped persons in wheelchairs, but nothing will happen unless you become responsible to make it happen through the judges in Federal Court.  To not use them is to admit defeat.  ACCESS can only help you if you do not want to join all the defeated users of wheelchairs.  Make the decision not to accept defeat and join the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program to get all buildings ADA compliant.  Today, our focus is directed to the hospitality industry; hotels, motels and time-shares.  The steps are simple:

1. Call and make a reservation for an accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and the public restrooms.
3. Take 2-3 photos of the outside of the building to include the accessible parking and overall pictures of the building.
4. Email ACCESS the photos and a copy of your hotel bill at hfalstad@accessts.net and ACCESS will review and determine on whether there is "standing" to file a case in Federal Court.

Be responsible to yourself and all other handicapped people that will follow to make buildings ADA compliant through the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program, your program of building ADA compliance.

Comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/; or give us a call and ask for myself or Patricia.  Or, if you like, send me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net. 

Hank

ADA: A Civil Rights Law

For all who make up the handicapped community, this is your wake up call.  If you are waiting for the government or someone else to make buildings ADA compliant, it just will not happen.  Congress made the Americans with Disability Act (ADA a Civil Rights Law.  Civil Rights Law is litigated in the Federal Courts and those decisions become the law of the land.  But the policemen for Civil Rights Law is are the people the law is written to protect; and that is the you in the handicapped community.

The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is designed by architects with 18 years of specializing in ADA accessibility compliance.  It is easy, simple and not cost to the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs".  So, be a responsible citizen and do your part in making buildings ADA compliant for you and all wheelchair bound persons that will follow after you.  Wave your hat and feel good about making this a better world for all handicapped people! 

The "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" is concentrating for the next several months on the lodging industry; hotels, motels and time-shares.  By following the simple guidelines below, your efforts would help move forward our cause to get every building ADA compliant one building at a time.

1. Book into an accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower.
2. With a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, the lobby area and public restrooms.
3. Take 2-3 photos of the outside of the facility, particularly the accessible parking and overall photos of the building.
4. Email the photos and your hotel bill to ACCESS and we will determine whether you have "standing" to file a case in the Federal Courts.

And, note that we will be with you every step of the way.  And best of all, it's no cost to you.

Get that good feeling of using that ADA Civil Rights Law as it is meant to be used with the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program, which is also at no cost to you.

Comments or questions, post them here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730.  Or, you can give us a call and ask for me or Patricia; or send me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

Join "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs"!

18 years ago I accepted the challenge of understanding a new Civil Rights Law called the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Over those 18 years I have honed my architectural skills into programs to make the buildings ADA compliant.  I have become troubled because after 20 years since the ADA law was signed I still see so many buildings that are not ADA compliant.  I spent a lot of time studying the reason and have come to the conclusion that building owners do not want to spend the money to get their building ADA compliant. 

As I formatted the business plan for Access Technologies Services, Inc. (ACCESS) over a year ago, I wanted to do something about this challenge of getting buildings ADA compliant.  Congress knew this would not happen as a voluntary program, because that had been tried before.  So congress made the ADA Civil Rights Law, giving parties with "standing" direct access tot he Federal Courts.  The ACCESS program took on the name "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs", which is a team effort to make building ADA compliant. 

ACCESS has the architects that specialize in ADA accessibility compliance, with the work product being detailed ADA compliance audits and plan checks of architectural/engineering drawings.  ACCESS also has over 18 years of specializing in ADA accessibility compliance and has seen almost everything there is to see, along with many good solutions for ADA compliance.  That knowledge becomes part of the solution for the owner and the owner's architectural/engineering firm.

After ACCESS ADA plan checks the architectural/engineering firms permit drawings, those drawings are sent to the ADA retrofit contractor for pricing.  After the ADA retrofit construction is completed, ACCESS returns and the architect who specializes in ADA compliance, ADA audits the construction and if ADA compliant issues a certificate stating the building is ADA compliant which brings final closure to the building ADA non-compliant complaint. 

That is the ACCESS program of getting buildings ADA compliant, one building at a time for the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" and all other handicapped people that will follow.  To get that good feeling, be a team player and become an ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs".  It's fun, it's simple and it takes very little time.  And remember, the service is free!

Think positive and act!  Excuses will never get the needed job done.

Hank

Why are so many buildings still not ADA compliant today?

Why are so many buildings, after 20 years of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, not ADA compliant today?

ACCESS was the ADA consultants for the New York-New York Hotel Casino here in Vegas that was under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) some 12 years ago.  As part of the our marketing of ADA professional architectural accessibility services at the time, I called on other large hotel-casino properties.  One conversation I had with an owner, who was also an attorney, told me that they had studied the additional cost of making their new properties ADA compliant.  They decided they could make more profit by not spending the additional money for ADA compliance and take their chances of a letter of ADA non-compliance from the DOJ.  You see, the DOJ may only have a staff of 50 people to enforce compliance to the ADA for the entire country!

ADA non-compliance complaints from individuals were handled by their attorneys with some token retrofits, which was the cheap solution.  Today, we see the same mind-set with property owners.  That is why ACCESS founded the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program.  The strength of ACCESS is the years of experience of professional accessibility architects with their detail ADA building compliance audits and plan checks, plus years of architectural and construction experience.  All of this is in the ACCESS total ADA building compliance program.  It is designed as a simple "self-help" for the handicapped community.

As I've mentioned in my past postings, to file for non-compliance there is no cost to the handicapped community.  Join our "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program by contacting ACCESS at hfalstad@accessts.net.  It's easy and we will walk you through every step.

1. When traveling, book an accessible room with 2 beds and roll-in shower.
2. Using a color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, roll-in shower, lobby area and public restrooms.
3. Take photos of the accessible parking and overall photos outside of the building.
4. Email the photos and a copy of your hotel bill to ACCESS.

And that's it!  Once received, we will determine whether you have "standing" for an ADA non-compliance filing in Federal Courts.  We will guide you along the way and be on hand for any questions.  We will also keep you fully updated and posted with the proceedings.  Again, all this at no cost to you.

The ACCESS program works because we use the Federal Courts which are available to us because the ADA is Civil Rights Law.  It's your choice.  Do nothing or join the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program and help get buildings ADA compliant one building at a time; for you and all other people that are wheelchair bound.

Comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730.  Or call us at (702) 649-7575 and ask for myself or Patricia; email me at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

ACCESS and the Hotels on the Las Vegas Strips

We are asked, having our office here in Las Vegas, if we have worked for any of the large hotel-casino properties.  The answer is yes.

Eighteen years ago a large hotel-casino property would cost 300 million to 500 million.  Today, that number is now 3 billion to 5 billion to build and start a hotel-casino property on the Strip.  Over the past 18 years, most of the large hotel-casino companies have been clients of ours.  Today, we are not working for any of them.  The reason is that there is a lack of litigation on the part of the DOJ and advocacy groups.  Properties are not going to spend money on ADA compliance, and will continue to play the game of saying that they will budget for ADA building compliance, but never get corporate approval to spend the money.

The hotel-casino industry have been playing this game for the past 20 years, and it is all about money.  Management bonuses are based on profits and spending money on ADA compliance lowers profits.  Without a Federal Court order, management priority will always be about profit. 

It is for this fact that the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is focusing today on the hospitality industry; hotels, motels and time-shares.  We want the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" to travel with their color digital cameras.  Check into an accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower.  Take 2-3 photos of the room, the roll-in shower, public restrooms and lobby area.  Then take photos of the outside to include the accessible parking and overall photos of the building.  Send an email of the photos and the a copy of the hotel receipt to us.  We will take it from there, keeping you updated and informed throughout the entire process.

The ADA has been in existence for 20 years and the majority of the hospitality properties are not in ADA compliance (over 90%).  So the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" team have a challenge.  Join the ACCESS program and be a part of the team!  Learn and know how to use the Federal Courts to bring ADA compliance to non-compliant buildings!

 If you have any questions or comments, place them here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/.  Or give us a call and ask for myself or Patricia; or just send me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We're at your service!

Hank

"Watchdogs in Wheelchairs": Tracy

This is what the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is all about.  Tracy is in a wheelchair and travels in her work.  So she is seeing first hand lodging facilities that are not ADA compliant.  She didn't know what to do, it was a mystery to her, this whole process of doing something about getting buildings ADA compliant.  She is so excited about find ACCESS and has fallen in love with the ACCESS program. 

Tracy states is so simple.  All she has to do is take some color digital photos of her accessible room with 2 beds and a roll-in shower, the lobby area, public restroom and on the outside the accessible parking area and a few overall photos of the building.  She then only has to email the photos and copy of her hotel receipt to ACCESS and ACCESS will do the rest.  How more simple can that be?  Best of all, Tracy feels good about her efforts getting buildings ADA compliant for her and all those who are also handicapped and do a lot of traveling.

Tracy, I can tell you the professional accessibility architects at ACCESS have the same good feeling about being able to help you.  All persons in a wheelchair that travel come join the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program and get that good feeling as well!

In the coming months the ACCESS ADA building compliance program will be concentrating on the lodging industry; hotels, motels and time-shares.  We need your support to make this effort work in getting non-compliant building ADA compliant.  Help spread the word and join the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program.

Visit us on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730, or call us at (702) 649-7575 and ask for myself or Patricia.  Or you could email me at hfalstad@accessts.net.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

Standard Room vs. Accessible Room

Mary Ann is asking why do we want her to reserve an accessible room with 2 beds?

Well, all hotel rooms are designed with the same floor plan.  Architects for years will then take that standard floor plan and design the accessible room per that standard specification.  We all know that the accessible bathroom will be larger than the standard bathroom.  Moving to the bedroom area, starting with a smaller space, you are not allowed to change or omit amenities in the room such as chairs, desk, etc.  Occasionally, we will see furniture modified, for example, a TV that sits on a dresser can be a wall mounted TV. 

Keep in mind that there is a requirement for a turn around space in the bedroom.  This requirement is not well defined.  You do have to get to all the amenities such as the closet, dresser, TV, desk, chairs, table, lamps, controls for heating and cooling, beds, window drapes, window hardware, etc.  It is easy to see that only one turn around space is not functional.

The only solution is to start with a larger space and make that the accessible room.  It is obvious that 2 beds take up more space than one bed and I have never seen a hospitality facility that did not have both rooms with 2 beds and rooms with one bed.  For that fact alone, we encourage you to ask for an accessible room with 2 beds because 98% of the time that room will not be ADA compliant.

Don't be surprise if you are told all the accessible rooms have one bed.  That is an ADA violation.  However, if that is the only option they give you, take the one bed accessible room with a roll-in shower.  Take the necessary photos and send them in along with a copy of your receipt.  This time, be sure to include a summary stating that you did request a 2 bed accessible room but was denied due to availability.  Once received, we will do the evaluation and let you know if the building is ADA non-compliant, and if so, an ADA non-compliant complaint will be filed.

Remember, be sure your photos consist of the room, the roll-in shower, public restrooms and lobby areas.  Take photos of the parking lot and overall shots of the outside of the building. 

As always, we're at your service.  You can comment here or visit us on FB at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/. Or give us a call and ask for myself or Patricia; or just drop me an email at hfalstad@accessts.net.

Hank

Has ACCESS Worked on Any Property Under Investigation?

Have we worked on any property under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)?  The answer is yes we have, a dozen or more, and the most interesting was the New York - New York Hotel and Casino.  This is the only property, I believe, where a DOJ ADA non-compliant complaint was ever filed before the actual construction of the building was ever started.

We were hired by the building owner to ADA plan check the construction drawings for ADA compliance,and that was being done when the DOJ ADA  non-compliant complaint was filed and sent by the DOJ to the building owners.  Our ADA compliance contract with the owner grew, so over the next 12+ months we got to know the people at the DOJ very well.  It was a once in a life time experience for as an architect specializing in DAD accessibility compliance. 

Here are some before and after shots.



Before (Pic #1)



After (Pic #1)




Before (Pic #2)



After (Pic #2)



After (Pic #3)












Today I bring all that knowledge and experience to the people in wheelchair community with the ACCESS
"Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program.  The ADA is Civil Rights Law, which gives the wheelchair users our professional services free of charge.  It is your choice.  Buildings will not become ADA compliant if you are not going to use the instrument available to you.  So give us a call and let's get moving.

As in my earlier postings, today we are focusing on the lodging industry: hotels, motels and time-shares.  During your travels, book a room with 2 beds with a roll-in shower.  With your color digital camera and take 2-3 photos of the room, roll-in shower, lobby area, and public restrooms.  On the outside of the facility, take photos of the accessible parking and a few overall photos of the building.  Email the photos and a copy of your hotel bill.  he photos for ADA accessibility compliance and let you know if there is an ADA non-compliant building complaint worthy of filing.

Come join the ACCESS program and wave the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" flag as we move forward together in getting building ADA compliant one building at a time!

Let us know your thoughts.  Comment here or on our FB page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/.  Or give us a call at (702) 649-7575 and ask for myself or Patricia; or send an email to hfalstad@accessts.net.

Hank

"Watchdogs in Wheelchairs": Jerry (3)

Over the last several months I have met some real special people.  Jerry sticks in my mind.  He is in his wheelchair, lives in a small house and can not turn pages in a book because his fingers do not work and ran his own business...now can you top that?

What an inspiration to all of us!  And Jerry wants to be an inspiration to all persons in wheelchairs by saying he will be staying at a Hilton property in the coming months.  He will be sending us the photos along with his receipt for the filing of an ADA non-compliant building lawsuit in Federal Court. 

Jerry is a doer.  He wants to do his part to get the lodging industry properties (hotels, motels and time-shares) ADA compliant for himself, but more especially for all Americans in wheelchairs.  You too can help Jerry and do your part in this cause.  Join the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program in getting buildings ADA compliant at no cost to you.  We will show you how, as we have done with Jerry.

If you interested in joining the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program and/or have any comments about joining, comment here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/.  Or give us a call at (702) 649-7575 and ask for me or Patricia.  You can also reach me by email at hfalstad@accessts.net.

Hank

Life's Too Short

I attended a funeral this past Sunday afternoon.  I know the mother very well, it was her son that was buried that day.  Not a happy occassion at all.  But it did put things in perspective.  Life is too short...and we still have a lot of work to do!

"Watchdogs", the Civil Rights Laws in our United States are for you.  And, you have to do something about them.  ACCESS is here to help you get buildings ADA compliant with our "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program.  For the next several months we are concentrating on the lodging industry: hotels, motels and time-share.  As you travel, book an accessible room with 2-beds and a roll-shower.  With your color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, roll-in shower, lobby area, and public restrooms.  On the outside of the facility, take photos of the accessible parking and a few overall photos of the building.  Email the photos and a copy of your hotel bill.  We will review the photos for ADA accessibility compliance and let you know if there is an ADA non-compliant building complaint worthy of filing.

There is a lot to live for, so let's get the ball rolling and get building ADA compliant for all handicapped persons.

I look forward to your comments here or on our FB page at http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/.  Or contact us at (702) 649-7575 and ask for myself or Patricia; you can also email me your comments at hfalstad@accessts.net.

Hank

ADA Law: One sentence tells it all!

Janiell's ADA experience is like so many I hear.  She was denied access to a public building, but what is Janiell's recourse?  One sentence from the ADA law that tells it all:

Sec. 12182. Prohibition of discrimination by public accommodations

(a) General rule

No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.

Janiell has joined the ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program.  The ACCESS "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" program is designed to bring ADA professional accessibility architects to the wheelchair community at no cost to the handicapped individual, with the objective of making buildings ADA compliant.  This is a team effort, with the "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" as the team captains. 

The handicapped in our communities, like Janiell's, deserving of the opportunity to travel.  Today, the ACCESS program is focusing on the lodging industry: hotels, motels and time-shares.  As you travel, book an accessible room with 2-beds and a roll-in shower.  With your color digital camera, take 2-3 photos of the room, roll-in shower, lobby area, and public restroom.  On the outside of the facility, take photos of the accessible parking and a few overall photos of the building.  Email the photos and a copy of your hotel bill.  We will review the photos for ADA accessibility compliance and let you know if there is an ADA non-compliant building complaint worthy of filing.

The "Watchdogs in Wheelchairs" have made a commitment, to not only get buildings ADA compliant for themselves, but especially for all persons that are handicapped so they too can have the opportunity to travel.

We'd like to here your comments here, or post them on our FB page @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730#!/?sk=lf. And, as always, you can contact us directly at (702) 649-7575 and ask for myself or Patricia; or email me at hfalstad@accessts.net.

Hank.