Avoiding Common Accessibility Errors – Michael Love- Atelier Design Associates, TRASA Education- Events Committee Chair

• Misapplication of the standards often create confusion and conflict with the design professional, owners and users.  We will explore common misconceptions and the accepted application of the standards ranging from exterior routes through to a variety of interior elements to encourage consistency with TDLR and the RAS community.  This will include application of the Accessibility Standards, including applicable Technical Memorandums.

•  After viewing hundreds of projects throughout the state, similar errors become evident. In this two hour discussion, we will take a look at successful and poor examples of the practical application of these laws in the built environment. Following you will be given the opportunity to ask questions regarding your specific project, clarification on a guideline, or broach a topic for discussion.

(RAS will receive 2 hours of CEU for attending this presentation.)

"RAS Procedures:  What Does It Really Mean to Be A Licensed TDLR-AB Registered Accessibility Specialist ?" - Fred Cawyer of ARS - Accessibility Resource Specialists, TRASA Board of Directors- President Elect.

• Having personally coordinated the handicapped accessibility Plan Reviews and on-site Inspections of over 5,000 construction projects in the State of Texas, Fred Cawyer will present an in-depth analysis of what it means to be a licensed Registered Accessibility Specialist representing the State of Texas - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Architectural Barriers Division (TDLR-AB).  Fred's presentation will provide:
• A general review of the State's Accessibility Academy's purpose and the need for additional RAS training to actually perform the State required services;  
• A general analysis of the Elimination of Architectural Barriers - Administrative Rules of the TDLR - 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 68; 
• An analysis of the RAS Procedures - Issued March 2007 - with a discussion of the means and methods of providing the required services - from project "log-in" to State of Texas "close-out"; 
• A general review of the current RAS Bulletins & TDLR-AB Forms. 
• If time permits, Fred will lead a discussion of the State's "Frequently Asked Questions" and monitor an open Q & A discussion with the attendees.
• Please print and review all of the above referenced documents found on the TDLR website and come ready to participate in what is anticipated to be a lively discussion of where we are and where we are going as RAS's.  As the saying goes - "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger."  Exact positions and explanations can only come directly from TDLR-AB representatives.  However, Fred will provide general information, ideas and guidance based on 14 years of experience in striving to comply with the ever-changing rules and regulations.

(RAS will receive 2 hrs. of CEU for attending this presentation. )