CalCasp FAQs

1. Q. What does CASp stand for?

A: Certified Access Specialist Program. See: http://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Access/casp.htm

2. Q. Is CalCasp, Inc. a division of a state agency or the California Division of State Architect (DSA)?

A: No, CalCasp, Inc is a private corporation and in not a state agency or a division of the California Division of State Architect (DSA). CalCasp, Inc staff is CASp Certified by DSA under the Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp).

3. Q. Where can I find information regarding the costs and dates of the next CASp examination?

A: Certified Access Specialist Program. See: http://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Access/casp.htm

4. Q. Does CalCasp, Inc provide any test preparation classes for the CASp examination?

A: No, CalCasp, Inc does not offer any test preparation courses or classes. CalCasp, Inc does provide accessibility training and educational services for Architects, Building Officials, Contractors, and Corporations. Please see our calendar for upcoming offerings. For CASp registration and exam preparation, please visit DSA and the Certified Access Specialist Program web site at: http://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Access/casp.htm

5. Q. What services does CalCasp, Inc provide for Architects?

A: CalCasp, Inc Provides several services for Architects. These include:

	CASp disability access certificates for completed projects and facilities.
	Pre-project plan review and scoping for construction related accessibility standards.
	Training and education for CAB mandatory continuing education on disabled access requirements.

6. Q. How can a CASp evaluation from CalCasp, Inc help my business?

A: A CASp certification ensures your business is in compliance with access standards, codes and regulations. See our top 6 reasons to obtain a CASp report and certifications for your business.

7. Q. What if I have already been served with an ADA/access lawsuit, Can a CalCasp, Inc evaluation still help me?

A: Yes, most ADA/access lawsuits will now require this anyway. A full evaluation of your property is necessary to help determine which areas are out of compliance with access standards, codes and regulations, although you will not be eligible to request a 90-stay of the lawsuit or early evaluation conference under Senate Bill 1608.

8. Q. Is my business eligible for the 90-stay and early evaluation conference if I had an ADA evaluation completed but it was not done by a CASp certified inspector?

A: No, only those businesses and facilities that have obtained an evaluation from a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) will be eligible to request a 90-stay of the lawsuit and an early evaluation conference under Senate Bill 1608.

9. Q. How long will it take for CalCasp, Inc. to do the evaluation and issue the report?

A: In most cases CalCasp, Inc can complete the site evaluation within one to two weeks. This is dependent on the location, age and complexity of the facility. Expedited services are available.

10. Q. What are the fees for a CalCasp, Inc. evaluation report?

A: This is dependent on the location, age and complexity of the facility and the scheduling needs of the client. Contact CalCasp, Inc today for a customized service package that is tailored for your circumstances. Contact CalCasp, Inc Today!

11. Q. What areas of California does CalCasp, Inc. serve?

A: All areas of California.

12. Q. If the evaluation report finds corrections that need to be made, will CalCasp, Inc provide the design and construction services for those items?

A: No. CalCasp, Inc does not provide these services as to avoid a conflict of interest and the perception that we are “padding” or “creating or own work”. We will consult with our clients to help solicit and select contractors, designers and architects that do provide these services. CalCasp, Inc provides inspection and verification services of completed work prior to owner acceptance. This is a great way for business, property owners and architects to protect their investments prior to payment.

13. Q. Does a CalCasp, Inc. evaluation report guarantee that my business will never be served with an ADA/access; lawsuit?

A: No. It is important to note that there is nothing in Senate Bill 1608, the CASp program or a site evaluation report which would set up constraints on our important civil rights laws. There are no preconditions that a person with a disability or his or her attorney must meet in order to file a civil rights action for a disability access violation.

14. Q. If my business is served with an ADA/access lawsuit after I have obtained a CalCasp, Inc. evaluation report, will CalCasp, Inc. be available to assist and represent my business through the 90-day stay and Early Evaluation Conference? If so, are there additional fees for this service?

A: Yes. CalCasp, Inc will absolutely be available to assist and consult with you and your business through that process. We can meet with your attorney and go over the evaluation report and specifics of the lawsuit with you. Typically this will be at our hourly rate which is $150/hr.

15. Q. What happens if my business does not qualify for a CASp determination that my business meets all applicable construction related accessibility standards??

A: CalCasp, Inc will issue a State Disability Access Certificate with a CASp Determination Pending status. We will then need to help you with the development of a transition plan that includes all of the following:

1. An identification and description of the inspected structures and areas of the site.

2. A statement that, in the opinion of the CASp, the inspected structures and areas of the site need correction to meet construction-related accessibility standards. This statement shall clearly indicate whether the determination of the CASp includes an assessment of readily achievable barrier removal.

3. An identification and description of the structures or areas of the site that need correction and the correction needed.

4. A schedule of completion for each of the corrections within a reasonable timeframe.