Michael A. Whipple
Principal Consultant


Michael founded ADA Resource Associates, Inc. in April 2004 after working for the City of Sacramento as its first Public Works ADA Coordinator. While there he assisted in establishing new curb ramp standards and introduced the concept of building curb ramps by using different elements that met ADA and California Title 24 curb ramp guidelines/regulations. He also assisted the City with establishing sidewalk café guidelines making it easier for persons with disabilities to travel throughout the City. One of Michael's proudest accomplishments was establishing the ADA Advisory Committee and getting the City to recognize its value and contributions to City planning and having that Committee changed to a Commission.

In 2004 Michael was asked to represent Cal Expo as an expert witness in an ADA lawsuit which was brought against them for multiple violations of the ADA and California Title 24 access guidelines/regulations. The suit was settled in the fall of 2005 with a Work Plan that was mediated by Michael. This Work Plan was also used to settle another suit brought against Cal Expo.

After this achievement, Michael continues to work as an expert witness but has decided to establish ARA Training Institute to offer trainings, workshops, seminiars to assist businesses in understanding their responsibilities for being compliant under the ADA and CA Title 24 access guidelines/regulations.

Michael is an individual who did not give up after a motorcycle accident left him a T4 paraplegic 29 years ago, and caused him to rely on a wheelchair for mobility. He returned to San Jose State University and did graduate work in Disability Studies in the Recreation Therapy Department. He was asked to be a fellow in the program and lectured throughout the region, state and various locations across the United States about people with disabilities, advocacy and mainstreaming. Today we would call this inclusion. He is now using this information and skills to assist the business community.
 

EDUCATION

  • Graduate Studies, San Jose State University, 1980-1984
     

  • Major Areas of Study: Inclusion, Mainstreaming, Advocacy, Disability Groups and Programs, Regulations, Guidelines and Community Issues
     

  • Awards and Activities: San Jose State University's First Outstanding Disabled Student 1981-1982, California Parks and Recreation Society Scholarship Award 1982-1983, Alta Sims Bunker Scholarship Award 1982-1983
     

  • Member of teaching staff, 1981-1984
     

  • Bachelor of Science, Recreation, San Jose State University, 1974
     

  • Major Areas of Study: Administration, Handicapped Studies, Psychology
     

  • Awards and Activities; Outstanding Administrative Student 1973, Handicap Appreciation Award 1972


EXPERIENCE

  • 2004 - present ADA Resource Associates, Inc., Sacramento, CA, Principal Consultant: Litigation, Survey review, analysis and reports, Lecturer for ADA Access Guidelines, California Title 24 Access Regulations, Disability Issues and Advocacy.
     

  • 1999 - 2004 City of Sacramento, Public Works ADA Coordinator, Coordinated ADA work in the public rights-of-way, reviewed plans for compliance, conducted facility & building audits and provided technical support to City staff for ADA and California Title 24 compliance. Represented the City of Sacramento on disability issues and was the liaison between the City and the Disability Community.
     

  • 1991 - 1997 United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento, Program Director, Independent & Supported Living, Advocate for People with Disabilities, ADA Advisor to the Agency.

 

Lectures, Trainings and other Speaking Engagements

  • California Parks and Recreation Society State Conferences

  • American Planning Association Conference

  • United State Access Board

  • Institute of Transportation Engineers

  • Armor-Tile

  • Engineered Plastics Inc.

  • Disneyland & Imagineering

  • City of Elk Grove