1.
The Division of the State Architect (DSA) is in the process of finalizing a new certification program for access specialists. The program is known as the
"Certified Access Specialist Program" ("CASp").
2.
A "Certified Access Specialist" will be a person who is certified by the State of California to review plans or inspect properties to ensure conformance with the accessibility provisions of the building codes, Title 24 and the ADA.
3.
The current proposal is to create two (2) different categories for Certified Access Specialists. One category is "Access Architect" which will be available exclusively for licensed architects and licensed
landscape architects. The other category is "Access Investigator" for all others who qualify and pass their required examination.
4.
Only "Access Architects" will be able to act as "prime design
professional with direct contractual relationship with a facility owner or operator" and be "professionally responsible for providing accessibility".
This means that Certified Interior Designers (CID's) , licensed Structural
Engineers and others qualified in the planning, design and construction industry will be EXCLUDED from holding the primary role as an access expert; and relegated, instead, to a secondary role as an "Access
Investigator".
5. If you would like to have the opportunity to become a "Certified Access Specialist" without exclusion and/or continue to develop space plans covering disabled access
without requiring an architect's stamp,
PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY:
6. The CASp program is in the FINAL STAGES of preparing for rule-making.
The program, as
it is now being formed, will require that your client hire an "Access Architect" to review and stamp your design plans setting back the interior design profession 20 years in California. It will add
unnecessary cost and time delay for your clients projects and is one step away from your clients being required to hire a licensed architect to either prepare or review and stamp any or all of your design plans
.
Implications for a CID's practice are completely unknown under this program and could seriously affect your commercial or residential practice.
7. The DSA is holding two public workshops to receive stake holder and public comment on this
program.
The first workshop is on Friday, March 31, 2006
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hilton San Diego/Del Mar Hotel
15575 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Del Mar, CA 92104
Tel. 858-792-5200
The second workshop is on Tuesday, April 4, 2006
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
California Community Colleges
1102 'Q' Street, 3rd Floor Conference. Rooms A/B/C
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel. 916-445-8100
8. If you want to reserve your right to become a "Certified Access Specialist" and/or
you have questions or comments how this program may impact your design practice, YOU NEED TO ATTEND one of these public workshops and let the DSA know your thoughts.
PROTECT YOUR RIGHT TO PRACTICE and your
right to become a "Certified Access Specialist" without exclusion.
A CLCID
REPRESENTATIVE WILL ATTEND the workshops to help protect your rights, but cannot do it alone. WE NEED YOUR PRESENCE!
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