Zack Kelley: A Journey of Passion, Resilience, and Accessibility
Zack Kelley is a passionate ADA consultant whose journey began at 18, driven by personal health challenges like Post-Chronic Concussion migraines. Now a Deputy Project Manager at Accessibility Consulting Partners, Inc. (ACP), he focuses on creating inclusive environments by applying his expertise in Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and ADA standards.
Zack goes beyond compliance, actively identifying barriers to empower individuals with disabilities. His background as a Lead Safety Officer enhances his commitment to safety and user experience. Outside work, he’s pursuing his EMT certification and enjoys playing music as a multi-instrumentalist. An avid Colorado Avalanche fan, Zack embodies how personal struggles fuel professional passion for accessibility.
Designing a Future for All: Philip Williams’ Path to Accessibility Consulting
With a foundation in liberal arts and architecture, Philip Williams brings a unique perspective to accessibility consulting. His journey began with understanding how environments shape human experiences, and his expertise has grown through years of work in ADA compliance. Philip’s experience conducting ADA site assessments, reviewing multifamily housing plans, and developing ADA Self-Evaluations ensures that every project he touches is both legally compliant and accessible to all.
At ACP, Philip combines his technical knowledge and deep empathy to design spaces that break down barriers, ensuring inclusivity from the planning stages to completion. His passion for creating welcoming environments for everyone stems from a belief that accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring equal opportunities to explore, engage, and experience the world around us.
Championing Accessibility: Nick Kelley’s Journey in Accessibility Consulting
Nick Kelley brings nearly a decade of experience in accessibility consulting, with a strong background in managing projects that range from small private entities (Title III) to large-scale government agencies (Title II). As co-owner of Accessibility Consulting Partners, Inc. (ACP), Nick specializes in ADA compliance audits, facility assessments, Self-Evaluation and Transition Plans, and Public Right-of-Way (PROW) audits. His extensive hands-on experience in the field, combined with his expertise in geospatial science and ADA standards, allows him to provide practical, integrable solutions for clients seeking to meet accessibility standards.
With certifications as a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) and ADA Coordinator (ADAC), Nick uses his geospatial expertise to create detailed maps and data that ensure accessibility improvements across various industries. His commitment to accessibility is both professional and personal, as he lives with a neuromuscular disease, further motivating his dedication to breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Title II – Risk Management: “Working” your ADA Self-Evaluation/Transition Plan
ACP partners with Risk Managers to simplify ADA compliance by prioritizing the most critical accessibility barriers across your municipality. Working closely with your ADA Coordinator and departmental leads, we ensure efficient allocation of resources and timely remediation of non-compliant findings. Our strategic approach not only helps streamline the remediation process but also mitigates risks, enhances community safety, and ensures compliance across facilities, public rights-of-way, and events. With ACP, managing ADA compliance becomes a proactive opportunity to improve accessibility and reduce risk exposure for your municipality.
How SETPs Benefit Municipalities
Self-evaluation and Transition Plans (SETPs) are essential for municipalities, enhancing compliance with the ADA while significantly improving community accessibility. By identifying and addressing barriers, SETPs ensure equal access to public spaces for all residents, fostering inclusion and participation in civic life.
They also enhance public services, improve staff awareness of ADA requirements, and bolster the municipality’s reputation, attracting residents and businesses. Ultimately, SETPs promote a thriving, inclusive community where everyone can succeed.
Responsibility vs. Power Struggles: Navigating the Challenges of ADA Compliance
ADA Coordinators (ADACs) hold the crucial responsibility of ensuring organizations adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. They oversee accessibility strategies, manage accommodation requests, and advocate for inclusivity. However, ADACs often face a significant challenge: they are tasked with immense responsibility without the corresponding authority to implement changes. This imbalance can lead to power struggles, as ADACs may identify issues but lack the decision-making power or budget approval to address them. Building collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and leveraging external resources are vital strategies ADACs can use to bridge the gap between responsibility and authority, ensuring effective ADA compliance throughout the organization.
ADAG & Service Animals
Service animals play a vital role in assisting individuals with disabilities, as outlined by the ADA. However, understanding where they are allowed, what qualifies as a service animal, and the rules surrounding them can be complex. This blog breaks down the basics of service animals, their rights, and guidelines to help clarify these often misunderstood regulations. Learn how to navigate service animal policies with ease and ensure compliance.
Partnering for Accessibility: How ACP Collaborates with Municipalities
At Accessibility Consulting Partners (ACP), collaboration is key to achieving lasting accessibility, driving our mission to improve access across municipalities through partnerships with local governments and community organizations. By working together, we ensure public spaces are accessible to everyone, creating inclusive environments that reflect the needs of all community members.
34 Years of ADA: Landmark Achievements and Ongoing Challenges (1990-2024)
July marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed by President George H.W. Bush. This landmark law, driven by advocacy and events like the 1990 “Capital Crawl,” aimed to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The ADA has led to significant improvements in accessibility and inclusivity, impacting workplaces, public spaces, and technology. Despite progress, the journey toward full inclusion continues, with organizations like Accessibility Consulting Partners Inc. (ACP) playing a crucial role.
ACP’s Commitment: From Assessments to Implementation (We’ve Got You Covered)
At Accessibility Consulting Partners, Inc. (ACP), our team is committed to providing comprehensive accessibility solutions, regardless of project size or timeline. Recently, we demonstrated our dedication by working extensive hours on the road to help a client complete a small but urgent project. This week, we are addressing a small town’s ADA concerns, showcasing our unwavering commitment to empowering access and advancing compliance. Every project, big or small, receives our highest level of attention and care, making a real difference in the lives of individuals who rely on accessible environments.