1. President's Message
2. CASI Summit - Registration Open Now!
3. Breakthrough in Accessibility and Design Technology
4. What's New on the Federal Front?
5. Member Spotlight
   • Upcoming Events
6. Member Corner

Are you interested in expanding your depth of knowledge and understanding of Accessibility Issues?

If the answer is yes, hold the dates of Oct. 16th thru Oct. 18th for the 2024 CASI Summit: Access and Beyond!

Registration is now open for our biennial CASI Summit, to be held at the Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel. The incorporation of nationally known Summit speakers and enlightening topics will challenge and extend your knowledge of access.

Additional details can be found at casinstitute.org/summit24. The committee is working hard to provide not only informative speakers and topics, but also bring vendors and California's specialists together to network, mingle, and share industry information.

This year, CASI is offering an optional group activity "Where History Meets Access". Presented by Ranger Richard De La O, this is your chance to tour the historic landmark, Alcatraz, and observe how the path of travel was altered to both maintain historic significance and also provide access for everyone! This optional tour will be specific to our group for a limited number of attendees on a first-come registration basis - so plan to register early!

Janis Kent, Architect, FAIA, CASp © April , 2024

There are instances where there is something specifically stated in the California Building Code, and then at a later date it disappears. So do you use the former code as guidance or forget it ever existed?

Now of course this depends. I would not forget it exists, but one needs to look along a rabbit trail of where it could possible be located now, or whether it was actually deleted, or even actually in the code, but rather in an advisory somewhere. The example I am thinking of is the California Tow Away sign. It currently states under 11B-502.8.2 Lettering.

“Unauthorized vehicles parked in designated accessible spaces not displaying distinguishing placards or special license plates issued for persons with disabilities will be towed away at the owner’s expense. Towed vehicles may be reclaimed at: _________________________ or by telephoning _______________________.”

Blank spaces shall be filled in with appropriate information as a permanent part of the sign.   

At one point, whether in the CBC advisory manuals or elsewhere, it stated the “…at:________…” should have the towing address infilled, but that disappeared. What I have been seeing over the last few years is that the “..at:________…” is being in-filled with the towing company name, not actually an address.

Sometimes, more information is located in the statutes that did not actually make it into the CBC. An item to note, regarding the CA tow-away sign, if you look at the CA Vehicle Code Section 22511.8 (3)(e), it specifically states the address, even though it is no longer in the CBC, and that the phone number is the local law enforcement agency’s number.

Except as provided in Section 22511.9, the posting required for an offstreet parking facility owned or operated either privately or by a local authority shall consist of a sign not less than 17 by 22 inches in size with lettering not less than one inch in height which clearly and conspicuously states the following: “Unauthorized vehicles parked in designated accessible spaces not displaying distinguishing placards or special license plates issued for persons with disabilities will be towed away at the owner’s expense. 

Towed vehicles may be reclaimed at: ____________(Address)

or by telephoning: ____________(Telephone number of local law enforcement agency)

So, the “…at:____________” is to be an address, although not specifically stated what address. And the telephone number is to be the local law enforcement, not the towing company. It definitely is not the towing company name. Here is the link for the State Vehicle Section.

The other item that is of interest, is in the same section, but under (c) of the Section, is that if the offstreet parking facility is privately owned, the owner or person responsible for the facility is to notify the police or sheriff’s department and then ‘may cause the removal of a vehicle from the designated space…to the nearest public garage…’. The same is true under section (d) for parking in a publicly owned offstreet garage. And be aware, that this is only applicable to off-street parking, whether public or private. It will be interesting to see what happens to accessible on-street parking, since that has been determined to be a program of a public entity and accessible spaces are to be provided as well.

So with all of this said, be aware of state statutes as well, even if not in the building code. And one other item to note – per CA Government Code Section 4452, if something is non-compliant, then it has to be rectified within 90 days of discovery.

Be aware that your local City or County may have additional requirements that are more restrictive than the State or Federal requirements. Also, this article is an interpretation and opinion of the writer. It is meant as a summary – current original regulations should always be reviewed when making any decisions.

© Janis Kent, Architect, FAIA, CASp April, 2024

Introduction:

In the realm of accessibility and design, ADA inspectors and architects are the vanguards, ensuring that built environments are inclusive and empowering for individuals of all abilities. Rooted in the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), their collaborative efforts strive to create spaces where everyone can thrive. This article sheds light on a groundbreaking discovery that not only enhances aesthetics but also advances accessibility standards.

A Breakthrough in Rubber Colorization:

Rubber molded products, often derived from waste tires, have historically posed challenges for colorization due to inherent paraffins and oils from the tire manufacturing process. Despite attempts with conventional methods like iron oxide or colored urethanes, achieving desired color outcomes remained elusive—until now.

In response to this challenge, Safe Path, led by CEO Timothy Vanderheiden, has patent pending a revolutionary colorization process. This innovation promises exceptional consistency in colorization across various materials while addressing critical durability concerns. Notably, the technology boasts high UV protection, wear resistance, and remarkable elongation properties—essential for ensuring longevity in architectural applications.

The Significance for ADA Inspectors and Architects:

For ADA inspectors and architects, this breakthrough holds immense promise. Rubber colorization is integral to various architectural elements, from tactile pathways to signage. Safe Path's technology offers a solution that not only meets stringent accessibility standards but also enhances aesthetic appeal.

Key Features and Benefits:

Safe Path's patent pending process encapsulates existing materials within recycled tire waste, preventing off-gassing and ensuring the production of safe, enduring products. Moreover, its specialized application equipment enables consistent results unparalleled by single-step methods. The thinness of the colorant coating, ranging from 0.5mm to 0.10mm, surpasses industry standards in abrasion testing, making it ideal for architectural applications.

Applications and Opportunities:

The versatility of Safe Path's technology extends beyond aesthetics. Its incorporation of long-lasting visual cues enhances safety and accessibility, making it suitable for applications ranging from wall systems to traffic warnings. Furthermore, the technology's compatibility with sensitive environments, such as clean rooms, makes it a viable option for a wide array of architectural projects and user sensitivities.

Environmental Implications and Sustainability:

Beyond its technical merits, Safe Path's innovation aligns with sustainability principles, contributing to the reduction of tire waste and environmental footprint. By providing a desirable solution for recycling waste tire material, the technology supports circular economy initiatives and environmental stewardship.

Looking Ahead:

As ADA inspectors and architects embrace this new frontier in rubber colorization, collaboration and innovation will drive further advancements in accessibility and design. By leveraging Safe Path's breakthrough technology, professionals can continue to create inclusive, welcoming environments that uphold the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Conclusion:

Safe Path's groundbreaking colorization technology represents a significant step forward in the intersection of accessibility and design. For ADA inspectors and architects, it opens up new possibilities for creating vibrant, durable, and inclusive spaces. By integrating this innovative solution into their projects, professionals can continue to push the boundaries of accessibility and design excellence, ultimately shaping a more equitable and inclusive society for all. (Certain images in this article have been retouched for demonstration purposes only).

U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Expand Protections for Airline Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs

February 29, 2024

Passengers who use wheelchairs often face accessibility barriers during air travel. In fact, more than 10,000 wheelchairs and other mobility devices are mishandled or damaged every year during air travel. In response to this, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would dramatically expand the rights and protections of airline passengers who use wheelchairs.

The NPRM, entitled Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs, is designed to strengthen DOT’s rule implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Among other standards, the Department of Transportation is proposing to:

1. Mandate annual, hands-on training for airline staff and contractors who physically assist passengers and who handle passengers’ wheelchairs.
2. Allow passengers to choose the company that will repair or replace their wheelchair if it’s mishandled with the airline covering the costs.
3. Clarify that airlines must provide prompt, safe, and dignified assistance to all passengers with disabilities.

If airlines fall short of any of these standards or mishandle a passenger’s wheelchair, the proposal – if finalized – would make it easier for DOT to hold airlines accountable for failing passengers who use a wheelchair. The proposed rule also clarifies that damaging or delaying the return of a wheelchair is an automatic violation of the ACAA.

Comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking must be received within 60 days of the date it is published in the Federal Register. Comments can be filed on www.regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2022-0144.

Other News:

• Justice Department Sues Arkansas School District for Denying Temporary Remote Work as Reasonable Accommodation
  
  
• U.S. Access Board Releases Videos Explaining Work of the Agency
  
  
• Justice Department Files Statement In Case Alleging Unnecessary Institutionalization Of Georgia Children With Behavioral Health Disabilities
  
  
• Justice Department Finds Nebraska Violates Federal Civil Rights Laws by Unnecessarily Institutionalizing People with Serious Mental Illness

Upcoming Events

• The June CASp exam is coming up on June 12th. The project type for the open-book portion of the exam will be “To be announced two months prior to examination date”. Reference materials and registration information can be found on the CASp Account Login and the Apply and Maintain CASp Certification sites.
  
  
• Look for the DSA Code Discussion Groups to resume soon. CASI will keep you up to date for the return we’ve all been anticipating, and DSA will do the same.
  
  
• DSA is planning to have a public workshop to hear proposals for code change for the 2025 CBC – stay tuned for more info to come on that as well.
  

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Sign in to your account by using the “Member Login” link at the top right of the CASI website. Then the dashboard button can be found at the top right of any page.

Other resource that can be found on your CASI Dashboard include:

• Job Board - Are you hiring or looking to change jobs? You can add a job listing or check out what’s available on your Dashboard
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• Post article(s) and blog(s) to CASI's Member News Section
• Advertise and promote your product(s) to CASI's website
• Communicate quickly and easily with fellow CASI Professional and Associate with CASI Members Listserv
• Access to Corada's Accessibility Specialist Level Subscription (Includes access to ADA Standards and Regulations and 2013, 2016, and 2019 CBC Accessibility Standards, among other things and the opportunity to create your own Accessibility Specialist profile to advertise your services.) 

Newsletter submission can be directed to info@casinstitute.org.

Your contributions are also encouraged by completing the CASI Central Article Interest Survey.

The articles herein are submitted by a CASp or other interested person for inclusion in the CASI Newsletter for informational purposes only.. The content of any article in the CASI Newsletter contains the opinions of the author, which are not to be taken as the opinion or position of CASI on any issue that involves access for people with disabilities. The articles included in the newsletter are not legal advice nor should they be relied on in forming or taking any legal position regarding issues that involved access for people with disabilities.