Background:
Nick Kelley has dedicated nearly a decade of his career to accessibility consulting, where he’s forged strong connections with professionals across the industry. More importantly, he’s built lasting relationships with municipalities and the staff within them, ensuring accessibility is a priority in every community he touches. Nick has worked in various industries throughout his career but found his true calling in accessibility consulting when he was offered a unique opportunity to collect data for a renowned accessibility consulting firm. From that initial role, he quickly expanded his expertise, holding positions such as Field Supervisor, Data Analyst, Database Developer, Deputy Project Manager, Project Manager, and now, a proud co-owner of Accessibility Consulting Partners, Inc. (ACP).
With each position, Nick embraced challenges and discovered incredible opportunities to expand his knowledge. He is completing his Bachelor’s in Geospatial Science and holds certifications as a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) and Certified Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADAC). He also possesses a range of geospatial certifications, which he leverages to ensure that accessibility is enhanced in all his projects.
Expertise:
Nick specializes in managing accessibility consulting projects ranging from small private entities (Title III) to large-scale state and local government entities (Title II). His projects span from compliance audits and facility assessments to full-scale Self-Evaluation and Transition Plans. These include key components such as Policy-Practice Assessment, Staff Knowledge, Digital Assessment, Facility Assessment, PROW Assessment, Self-Evaluation Reports, Transition Plans, and Public Outreach.
What sets Nick apart from others in the industry is his deep, hands-on knowledge of every task within the accessibility process. Whether creating complex maps through GIS or conducting compliance assessments, Nick has done the work himself, allowing him to understand each role’s intricacies intimately. His specialties lie in geospatial science, where he crafts powerful cartographic visuals and practical, integrable data to help clients meet accessibility standards. Nick’s work is grounded in compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, ABA Accessibility Guidelines, Fair Housing Act, and more. This breadth of expertise allows him to seamlessly manage Public Right-of-Way (PROW) audits and ADA Self-Evaluation projects, ensuring a holistic approach to accessibility.
Personal Note:
Accessibility isn’t just a professional endeavor for me; it’s a personal mission. I’m often asked, “Why should I care about accessibility if I don’t have a disability?” My answer is simple: it’s a matter of time. As we age, we’re likely to experience some form of disability, whether temporary or permanent. We’ve all encountered barriers to accessing a service or facility at some point, and that frustration is a daily reality for individuals with disabilities.
On a personal level, I’ve kept this part of my story private, but I feel it’s important to share: I live with a rare neuromuscular disease, as well as small and large fiber neuropathy. These conditions have increasingly made daily activities challenging. I don’t mention this for sympathy but to underscore why I am passionate about this field. As my conditions progress, I’ve faced more barriers myself, which has only strengthened my resolve to co-found ACP and dedicate my career to creating accessible environments for all.
I believe that to make significant impacts, an organization like mine needs to have a deep, lived connection to accessibility or be fully immersed in the field. Accessibility can’t be just a side project for companies—it needs to be their focus. By specializing in this area, ACP is able to deliver more defined project approaches and solutions with the undivided attention of top experts who live and breathe accessibility every day.
Fun Fact:
There was a time in my life when I found joy in climbing the tallest mountains in Colorado, across the United States, and around the world. Since developing my disability, I’ve come to appreciate not just the beauty of nature but the simple act of exploring new places and experiences with my wife and two boys. While my days of climbing mountains may be behind me, I now climb different kinds of mountains—ones focused on breaking down barriers to accessibility.
