Accessibility Professionals Association

Mark your calendars! The 2026 APA Spring Webinar is happening on May 20.

Join us for an intensive afternoon of technical learning led by industry experts. We’re diving deep into critical compliance topics:

-Accessible Means of Egress, APAC-BE 159 2 CEU, AIA/CES APA 345 2 LU|HSW, ADACC 2 Elective, ICC 51400 .20 CEU, Presented by Kimberly Paarlberg

- HUD’s Section 504 Design Requirements and Use of the 2010 ADA Standards under the “Deeming Notice,” APAC-BE 171 2 CEU, AIA/CES APA 357 2 LU/HSW, ADACC 2 Elective, ICC 51401 .20 CEU, Presented by William Hecker, Jr. and Rex Pace

When: May 20, 2026 | Noon – 4:15 PM CT
Where: Online via Zoom
Register here: https://members.apaaccess.org/apa-calendar/Details/2026-apa-spring-webinar-1642830?sourceTypeId=Hub

Meet the hosts of our next APAC-BE info session!

Barbara Arendt Padilla, AIA, RAS, APAC-BE - APAC Board, APAC-BE, AIA, RAS, LCM Architects

David Ercolano - APAC-BE, ADAC, ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner, Capital One

Want to find out more about the Accessibility in the Built Environment exam? Our free APAC-BE Exam Info Session is Thursday, May 7, 1:00 CT. Don't miss it!

Join us for a one-hour Q&A session to learn more about the APAC-BE exam.

Ask questions and learn how to get certified in the built environment through the ONLY national certification for accessibility professionals working in the built environment.

Visit APACExam.org to register (no charge) and get your Zoom link.















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APA Member Spotlight

We want to shine a spotlight on Alexis Tsourounakis, a Design Studio Architect at Lerch Bates | BECS: Building Envelope Consultants and Scientists. She leads design documentation for both restoration and new construction projects. Her professional focus is on the integration of building envelope systems, ADA compliance, and building code analysis to ensure long-term performance.

Read more about Alexis at https://members.apaaccess.org/public-facing-hire-a-professional/Details/alexis-tsourounakis-4132597

Alexis Tsourounakis Alexis Tsourounakis Back to Search Alexis Tsourounakis Categories APA Rocky Mountain Chapter Send Email About I'm an architectural designer with international experience across the U.S. and Australia, specializing in building envelope systems, accessibility compliance, and multidisciplinary project....

APA Texas Chapter Webinar: Exploring with Accessibility

Join us on Friday, May 15, at 9:00 AM CDT for an informative session taught by Marsha Godeaux from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). We will be diving into critical updates and standards, including:

- EV and RV Requirements
- Pools, Spas, and Resorts
- A Look Ahead at Upcoming Standards

Continuing Education Credits: 2 HR, APAC-BE 173 2 CEU, AIA/CES APA 349 2 LU|HSW, ADACC 2 Elective, ICC 48957 .20 CEU

Secure your spot now to stay ahead of the latest Texas standards!

Register here: https://members.apaaccess.org/apa-calendar/details/apa-texas-chapter-webinar-exploring-with-accessibility-1674225

Want to find out more about the Accessibility in the Built Environment exam? Our free APAC-BE Exam Info Session is Thursday, May 7, 1:00 CT.

Join us for a one-hour Q&A session to learn more about the APAC-BE exam.

Hosted by Barbara Arendt Padilla, APAC Board of Directors, Kim Ho**er, APAC-BE certificant, and Camille North, APAC Executive Director.

Ask questions and learn how to get certified in the built environment through the ONLY national certification for accessibility professionals working in the built environment.

Visit APACExam.org to register (no charge) and get your Zoom link.













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Are you up to speed on the latest residential accessibility standards?

Join the APA Rocky Mountain Chapter on April 7th for its next webinar: "Accessibility Update – Residential." Presented by Dominic Marinelli (United Spinal Association), this session is essential for design professionals, building officials, and developers navigating the complexities of multi-family housing.

Topics include:

-What Accessibility Standards Are Applicable & When
-Differences in 2017 vs. 2009 A117.1 Standards & "Safe Harbor" Rules
-Recognizing Typical Accessibility Issues Identified in Legal Complaints
-Changes in 2026 A117.1 Impacting Residential Occupancies
-How Accessibility Requirements Impact Existing Residential Projects

Credits: 2 HR, APAC APA 172 2 CEU, ADACC 2 Electives, AIA/CES APA 358 2 LU|HSW, ICC 51131 .20 CEU

Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM CDT
Format: Virtual (Zoom)

Don't miss this opportunity to earn continuing education credits and stay compliant.

Registration is open to everyone. APA Members and Rocky Mountain Chapter Members, make sure you are logged in before registering to get your member discount!

Register here: https://members.apaaccess.org/ap/Events/Register/EqF5MjwhgC6C9



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Join us for the Spring APAC Academy! SAVE $30 when you register for both days. APACexam.org.

If you’re planning to take the APAC-BE exam, these courses might just be the refreshers you need! Jim Safranek RA, CBO, CASp, RAS, Joshua Klyber

Tuesday, March 24:

- 12:00-2:00 CT: "Incorporating Access: Conflicts, Tolerances, Critical Dimensions, and Limited Exceptions," by Mark Hulme

- 2:15-4:15 CT: "Applicable Standards for State and Federal Public Funding of Affordable Housing," by Joshua Klyber

Thursday, March 26:

- 12:00-2:00 CT: "FHA at Units: Basic Requirements and Common Issues," by Jim Safranek

The APAC Program is offering this ongoing series of courses designed to help you prepare for the APAC-BE exam.

The APAC-BE exam is the only national certification for accessibility in the built environment.













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Registration is open for the Spring APAC Academy! SAVE $30 when you register for both days. APACexam.org.

If you’re planning to take the APAC-BE exam and are looking for refresher courses, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Tuesday, March 24:

- Incorporating Access: Conflicts, Tolerances, Critical Dimensions, and Limited Exceptions, by Mark Hulme

- Applicable Standards for State and Federal Public Funding of Affordable Housing, by Joshua Klyber

Thursday, March 26:

- FHA at Units: Basic Requirements and Common Issues, by Jim Safranek

The APAC Program is offering this ongoing series of courses designed to help you prepare for the APAC-BE exam.

The APAC-BE exam is the only national certification for accessibility in the built environment.













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Don't miss the March 2026 APA Newsletter! Dive in to find out about:

- 2026 APA National Conference Recap
- 2026 APA Elections Results
- 2025 APA President's Award
- And more!

Read the full issue here: https://www.apaaccess.org/202603-apa-newsletter/

202603 APA Newsletter 96

Welcome Barbara Arendt Padilla, AIA, RAS, APAC-BE to the APAC Board!

The APAC Program is delighted to welcome Barbara to the Board. We’re excited to work with her in the coming years.

Registration is open for the Spring APAC Academy. Register for both days and save $30. Email [email protected] to get your discount code.

The APAC-BE exam is the only national certification for accessibility in the built environment.

For more information about the APAC program, visit APACExam.org.











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Thinking of becoming a Texas Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS)? Looking for a refresher course on the Texas Accessibility Standards?

Join us for the highly interactive, two-day Texas Accessibility Academy (virtual), hosted by APA and the Texas Chapter of APA. Master the Texas Architectural Barriers Act (TABA), Architectural Barriers Administrative Rules, and the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS).

Speakers: Taught by Marsha Godeaux, Jamie Hill, & Jonathan Sparks from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, this live Zoom webinar offers ample time for Q&A, making it perfect for a refresher or must-have core knowledge.

When: Tuesday & Thursday, March 10 & 12, 2026 (8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT each day)

Don't miss out! Online registration closes on March 8. Find out more and REGISTER TODAY at APAaccess.org









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