TAS vs ADA — What’s the Difference?

Accessibility compliance can be confusing, especially when both TAS (Texas Accessibility Standards) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) apply to your project.

While both aim to make buildings accessible, they operate under different authorities and enforcement rules.

This guide explains how TAS and ADA compare, and why working with a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) ensures your project satisfies both.

The ADA — Federal Accessibility Law

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all public places.
The ADA sets minimum accessibility requirements for design and construction across the United States.

Key points about ADA:
  • Enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
  • Applies to all states for public and commercial facilities.
  • Focuses on equal access — not building code approval.


The TAS — Texas Accessibility Standards

Texas created the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) to implement the ADA within the state and add state-specific requirements.

TAS regulations are administered and enforced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Unlike the ADA, TAS requires:
  • Formal project registration with TDLR.
  • Plan review by a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS).
  • Final inspection before project close-out.

In short: TAS is Texas’s method of enforcing ADA compliance — but with more accountability and verification.


Key Differences Between TAS and ADA

ada

tas

authority

who enforces it

where it applies

review requirement

penalty for non-compliance

Federal Law US-DOJ

State Law TLDR- Texas

Federal Agencies

TDLR and Registered Accessibility Specialists

All U.S. states

Self-certification

Legal risk (lawsuits)

Texas only

Mandatory plan review and inspection

Project registration denial, penalties, delays, lawsuits

Do You Need to Meet Both ADA and TAS?

Yes — if your project is in Texas, you must comply with both.

The TAS is modeled after the ADA but enforces compliance at the state level, meaning that TAS compliance generally satisfies ADA requirements as well.

However, ignoring TAS can lead to project delays, denied occupancy, and compliance citations.

How a Registered Accessibility Specialist Helps

A Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) ensures your design complies with both TAS and ADA standards.

They perform:
  • Plan reviews to verify accessibility before construction
  • Inspections after completion
  • Compliance reports submitted to TDLR

Working with an experienced RAS early in your project helps prevent accessibility issues that could cost thousands to correct later.

💡 At Access Granted, our licensed RAS helps you achieve seamless TAS and ADA compliance statewide.

Work With a Licensed Registered Accessibility Specialist

TAS and ADA share the same goal — ensuring accessible, inclusive spaces for everyone.
 But in Texas, TAS compliance is the official path to ADA compliance.