Dr. Harding with Elaine Chao, the 24th U. S. Secretary of Labor who served from 2001-2009.

Dr. Harding with former U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao.

Nearly one in every five people in the United States has a disability — this equals 57 million Americans. It is important, and it is the law, that your businesses and buildings are accessible, programmatically inclusive and sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities. If your business is not accessible, you are essentially excluding 20% of both potential customers and prospective employees. People like to shop where they feel comfortable and get an added value. Dr. Harding helps clients navigate through the unfamiliar landscape of persons with disabilities and offers up-to-date disability rights information and resources. With over 30 years of experience developing and implementing accessibility standards, he is the source for guidance on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for universal accessible design – for corporations, businesses, industries, community developers, architects and residential and commercial builders. Dr. Harding brings a functional understanding of these standards due to living, working and traveling with a significant disability for 33 years. He has a keen understanding of barrier removal, best practices for new construction and renovations and transition planning.

Dr. Harding also offers life coaching for persons with disabilities wanting to be more independent and gainfully employed. For example, he can assist with the transition from high school to college or the start of a new job in the workplace. Dr. Harding has the personal experience and expertise to be able to provide valuable guidance and tips for these important life moments which can be challenging.

Click here to view Dr. Harding’s fee schedule.

Expert Witness and Consulting Experience

  • June, 2015: Case No. 15-10097-CIV-KING: Howard Cohan vs. Banyan Resort Realty, Inc., the Banyan Tree Key West Condominiums and Owner Association. Expert Witness for Defense and facilitated settlement agreement.
  • March, 2015: Patrick Dunn vs. T.G.I. Friday’s: Royal American, LLC subsidiary in Dothan, Alabama. Expert Witness for Defense and facilitated settlement agreement without going to court.
  • March, 2014: Pawnshop, Key West, Florida. Expert Witness for Defense and facilitated settlement agreement to handle the vertical access requirements that are unique within the state of Florida.
  • July, 2013: Key West Botanical Garden Society. Expert Witness for Defense and facilitated successful resolution without going to court or having a settlement agreement.
  • June, 2012: The College of Charleston, South Carolina. Served as team member for a comprehensive ADA site inspection and a facilitator for community forums; led development of the Transition Plan.
  • January, 2012: Case No. 11-CV-24353-DLG: The Association for Disabled Americans, Inc. vs. Hilton Worldwide, Inc. Expert Witness for Defense and facilitated settlement agreement.
  • June, 2011: Case No. 4:11-CV-10016-MARTINEZ/BROWN: Florence Ireton and The Association for Disabled Americans vs. Thai Island Restaurant LCC & Others Unknown. Expert Witness for settlement agreement.

  • December, 2011: Case No. 11 CV-24353-DLG: The Association For Disabled Americans, Inc., and Daniel Ruiz vs. Hilton Worldwide, Inc., et al. Expert Witness for settlement arrangement.
  • April, 2011: Case No. 4:11-CV-10016-JEM: Association for the Disabled Americans, Inc., and Michelle Wisniewski vs. Thai Island Restaurant, LLC. Expert Witness for Defense and facilitated settlement agreement.
  • March, 2010: Case No. 2:09-CV-07500-JCZ-DEK: David Price vs. Mr. Camper, LLC. Expert Witness for Defense and facilitated settlement agreement.
  • March, 2010: Case No. 8:10 CV 351-T 23 EAJ: A. Joseph Raetano vs. Ulmerton Enterprises, Inc. Expert Witness for Defense and facilitated settlement agreement without going to court.
  • June, 2009: Case No. 4:08-CV-306-SPM-WCS: Lowe vs. Cross Creek Center, LLC and S & M Associates, Ltd. Expert Witness for settlement agreement.
  • August, 2006: Case No. C306-108516: Upright v. Flea Market of Tallahassee. Expert Witness for settlement agreement.
  • June, 2006: Clear Channel Mars Amphitheater, West Palm Beach, FL.  Facilitated settlement agreement and drafted transition plan.
  • March, 2005: Case No: 01-03-CA-3218: The First Gainesville Corporation vs. Pyro’s Grill, Inc. and Michael Curcio. Expert Witness; deposition provided led to judge ruling in favor of the plaintiff.
  • June, 2003: Case No. 5:04 CV 215-MCR/MD: United States District Court Northern District of Florida, Panama City DivisionEquality Access for All, Inc. and Joe Houston vs. Motel One, LTD. Expert Witness for settlement agreement.