The Role of a Registered Accessibility Specialist and Why They Matter to Your Business
Ensuring your business is accessible to everyone is not just a legal requirement—it’s also a smart business move. Across the United States, accessibility consultants help businesses navigate federal, state, and local requirements for accessible design and construction.
In Texas, this role includes the specialized services of a Registered Accessibility Specialist, who is licensed to conduct the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) plan reviews and inspections required by state law. Whether your project is in Texas or elsewhere in the country, working with an experienced accessibility consultant can help you avoid costly construction changes, reduce the risk of delays, and ensure your facility is welcoming to all individuals, including those with disabilities.
What Is a Registered Accessibility Specialist?
A Registered Accessibility Specialist is certified to evaluate building plans and completed projects for compliance with accessibility standards. In Texas, this includes performing the mandatory TAS plan review before construction and conducting the on-site inspection after substantial completion.
Outside Texas, accessibility consultants perform similar services—reviewing plans, inspecting completed work, and advising on accessibility compliance under applicable state or local codes as well as federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Typical services from a Registered Accessibility Specialist or accessibility consultant include:
Reviewing construction documents for compliance with accessibility requirements
Conducting on-site inspections to verify compliance
Advising design teams on compliant, functional solutions
Helping owners resolve accessibility issues efficiently and cost-effectively
Why Accessibility Compliance Matters
Meeting accessibility standards is more than just following the law—it demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and equal access. Benefits of compliance include:
Avoiding legal penalties from state or federal agencies
Protecting reputation by serving all members of your community
Reducing costs by catching issues before they’re built
Expanding your customer base by ensuring full accessibility
The Value of Early Involvement
Whether you are in Texas working with a Registered Accessibility Specialist under TAS requirements, or in another state working with an accessibility consultant, engaging them early in the design process can:
Identify potential compliance concerns before permitting
Streamline project timelines by reducing rework
Ensure compliance is integrated seamlessly with the design vision
ACI works with clients nationwide to integrate accessibility compliance into every stage of their project. From preliminary design guidance to final inspections, we partner with your team to deliver compliant and functional spaces anywhere in the U.S.
Choosing the Right Accessibility Partner
When selecting a Registered Accessibility Specialist or accessibility consultant, consider the following:
Proper certification or licensing for your jurisdiction
Experience with your building type or occupancy
A track record of clear, solution-oriented communication
Up-to-date knowledge of current accessibility standards
Conclusion: Compliance That Works for You
Accessibility is both a legal and ethical priority. A skilled Registered Accessibility Specialist or accessibility consultant ensures your project complies with all applicable standards—state, federal, or both—while keeping your project on track.
ACI provides TAS plan reviews and inspections in Texas and full accessibility consulting, ADA compliance, and Fair Housing compliance services nationwide. Whether your project is in Houston or Honolulu, our team has the expertise to guide it from design through completion with accessibility compliance built in.