ADA HEADLINER - December 2007
In This Issue
Published by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center (Southeast DBTAC)
December 2007
Welcome to this issue of the ADA HEADLINER, your monthly newsletter with the latest information and important issues on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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Index
- National Current News
- DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center News
- News Around the Southeast Region
- Enforcement Update: ADA
- Technology Accessibility Highlights
- Publications and Promising Directions
- Courses and Tutorials Online
- Videos, Podcasts, PSAs, & Media
- Bookmark for Future Reference
- Technical Assistance
- Articles of Interest
- Statistics
- Mark Your Calendars
- Notable Quotes
- Training Tools
- Contact for Email List, Questions, & Comments
- Credits & Acknowledgements
Alternate formats are available upon request.
Materials are provided in various formats; some need certain software to view.
: use download: Adobe PDF Reader.
: opens in a web browser, or designated program, i.e. Notepad.
,
: use word processing software, i.e. download: Word Viewer.
NATIONAL CURRENT NEWS
New State Disability Disaster Coordinator Named for Florida
Source: www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071105/NEWS01/71105021
Information Alert on ADA Transportation Bill: Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007
Source: www.aapd-dc.org/News/adainthe/071106dredf.htm
CVS Caremark and Department of Labor Sign Disability Employment Agreement
Source: www.aapd.com/News/empissues/071106pbn.htm
Get More News Feed by Individual State
Source: onlineconferencingsystems.com/sedbtac_1/customized_newsfeeds_by_state.htm
DBTAC: SOUTHEAST ADA CENTER NEWS
Please update your address book with the Contact Information for DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center!
Sources: www.sedbtac.org/about/contact.php#content; www.sedbtac.org/ta/index.php#TAform
DBTAC Launches 8-Week Moderated Online Course
Our popular self-paced ADA Basics webcourse is now being offered as an 8-week moderated Basic ADA webcourse for 14 CRCC and 1.5 CEU credit. To learn more review the Basic ADA webcourse Description and Syllabus, or to get on the reservation list, please send your request to sedbtacproject@law.syr.edu.
Sources: www.adabasics.org; www.sedbtac.org/ada/training/register.php
Get More News on ADA
Source: www.sedbtac.org/news.php
NEWS FROM AROUND THE SOUTHEAST REGION
University of Florida to Track Disability Info with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Grant
The CDC has given researchers at the University of Florida(UF) a $1.6 million grant to establish the Office on Disability and Health, the state's first centralized program to coordinate its disability programs and services.
Source: Jacksonville Business Journal - www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2007/08/13/daily10.html?b=1186977600%5E1505963
State of Florida Settles Disability Access Issue Lawsuit: Paves the Way for Accommodations for All Lawyers Who Are Deaf
Source: www.floridabar.org/DIVCOM/JN/JNNews01.nsf/8c9f13012b96736985256aa900624829/c74ae46aa855fcbb8525738b006674c2?OpenDocument
Get More News on ADA
Source: www.sedbtac.org/news.php
ENFORCEMENT UPDATE: ADA
Settlement Agreement: Consolidated City of Jacksonville, Florida
Source: www.ada.gov/jacksonvillefla.htm
Madison Square Garden to Settle Civil Rights Lawsuit
Source: www.associatedcontent.com/article/435105/madison_square_garden_to_settle_civil.html
Justice Department Intervenes in Lawsuit to Make the University of Michigan Football Stadium Accessible
Source: www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/November/07_crt_937.html
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Illegal Medical Inquiries Must Stop - EEOC Sues Delphi Corporation
The (EEOC) filed suit in U.S. District Court in Buffalo, New York, against the auto parts supplier, Delphi Corp., for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit alleges that since 2004 Delphi has illegally asked their employees returning from sick leave to sign a release giving the company access to their medical files. The suit also alleges that employees who have refused to sign the release have experienced retaliation.
Source: www.reuters.com/article/tnBasicIndustries-SP/idUSN0132605120071002
Ensuring the Availability of Accessible Restrooms at Baltimore Social Security Administration (SSA) Office
Source: www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ar.federal28sep28,0,5661683.story
ADA Legal Issues & Case Law Briefs posted on Southeast DBTAC website
Try the added feature to Search ADA Case Law by Topic, Court, and/or Audience; Word and Text file versions of each Case Law Brief are available to download.
- Woodward v. City of Paris
- Smith v. TransCor America
- Sheely v. MRI Radiology Network
- Bryson v. Regis Corp.
- Aguirre v. City of Miami
- Kilgo v. Cingular Wireless
Source: www.sedbtac.org/legalissues.php?idpg=54
ADA Briefs from the U.S. Department of Justice
Source: www.ada.gov/briefs/adabrief.htm
New Settlement Agreements Posted to U.S. Department of Justice Website
Source: www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/new.htm
New Project Access Settlement Agreements Posted to U.S. Department of Justice Website
Sources: www.ada.gov/civicac.htm
TECHNOLOGY ACCESS HIGHLIGHTS
Materials Available Online from 2007 Postsecondary Leadership Academy on Accessibility
Twenty-two people from eight colleges and universities participated in a Leadership Academy sponsored by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center to learn more about accessible information technology (IT) and to develop partnerships with others who share a similar vision. The goal was for each participant to return to their institution as a team and implement policies and procedures that will benefit all people, including those with disabilities. All materials from the Leadership Academy are posted online under the topics of: Introduction, Video, Web Design, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, IT Policy, and Review & Evaluation.
Source: www.catea.org/training/ela/index.php
Want more on Technology Accessibility?
Check out our Technology Access Resources at www.sedbtac.org/ed/.
PUBLICATIONS AND PROMISING DIRECTIONS
Technical Information Perspectives and Solutions (TIPS) Sheets available from the Southeast DBTAC
Source: www.sedbtac.org/ada/training/trainingTemplate.php?ref=FS
DBTAC:National Network of ADA Center Launch ADA Training Resource Center
Your One-Stop for Courses, Events & Tools on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Find a wealth of ADA training materials including audioconferences, case law updates, case studies, courses, handouts, statistics & quotes, TIPS, webcasts, and solutions pages for targeted audiences.
Source: www.adacourse.org
National Council on Disability (NCD) Report - Empowerment for Americans with Disabilities: Breaking Barriers to Careers and Full Employment
Source: www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2007/NCDEmployment_20071001.htm
Medical Care Often Inaccessible to Disabled Patients - Finding Accessible Care
Source: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14362338#content
ADA accolades for Casa Grande Ruins
Source: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19020093&BRD=1817&PAG=461&dept_id=222071&rfi=6#TOP
New Guidance to Improve Emergency Preparedness in Schools
Source: www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/safeschools
Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Provision of Disaster Mass Care, Housing and Human Services
Source: www.fema.gov/oer/reference/index.shtm
Accommodating People with Disabilities in Disasters: A Reference Guide to Federal Law
Source: www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=3899
ADA Tool Kit Addresses Emergency Preparation and Response
The Department of Justice has released the seventh chapter in its 'ADA Best Practices Toolkit,' focusing on informing state and local governments how to protect their citizens with disabilities in disaster and emergency situations under Title II of the ADA. Addendums provide Emergency Management and Sheltering information with checklists to ensure proper procedures.
Source: ada.gov/pcatoolkit/toolkitmain.htm
Institute on Community Integration Publication on Disaster Preparedness and People with Disabilities
Source: ici.umn.edu/products/impact/201/default.html
Want more Publications?
Check out the Publications List and Publications on ADA at www.sedbtac.org/publications.php.
COURSES & TUTORIALS ONLINE
ADA Title II Tutorial from the DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers
$FREE tutorial on the requirements applicable to State and Local government under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Approved for 0.3 continuing education units (CEU) and 3 CRCC hours for Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
Source: www.adacourse.org/title2/
$FREE CEU and CRCC credit for two courses from the DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers
- Course: At Your Service: Welcoming Customers with Disabilities (0.5 CEU; 5 CRCC)
- Course: ADA Basic Building Blocks (0.5 CEU; 3.5 CRCC)
Sources: www.adabasics.org; www.wiawebcourse.org
Reaching Out to Customers with Disabilities
An online course developed by the U.S. Department of Justice that explains how the ADA applies to businesses. Putting these lessons into practice will allow you to comply with the ADA and welcome a whole new group of customers to purchase your goods, products, and services.
Source: www.ada.gov/reachingout/intro1.htm
VIDEOS, PODCASTS, PSAs, & MEDIA
Videos to Help Persons with Disabilities Prepare for Disaster offered by Homeland Security
Source: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hurricane Protection Public Service Announcements (PSA) and Podcasts Available in American Sign Language (ASL)
Source: www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/psa.aspl
Ready Campaign Public Service Advertisements
Developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Advertising Council.
Source: www.ready.gov/america/about/instructional.html
BOOKMARK FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Hospitality Initiative from the DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
This broad-based Hospitality Initiative will include promotional brochures, resource sheets and posters featured on a new webpage, which lists all of DOJ’s dedicated materials for the hospitality industry, as well as other resources of interest.
Source: www.adainfo.org/hospitality
United Nations Handbook on Disability Treaty - Now Available
Source: www.ipu.org/PDF/publications/disabilities-e.pdf
Empowerment for Americans with Disabilities: Breaking Barriers to Careers and Full Employment
This report was released by the National Council on Disability; at 349-pages it is probably the most comprehensive coverage on this issue that has been produced in years. Key topic areas are covered thoroughly and include references to current "best practices" across the U.S. In addition, each topic is covered even more comprehensively in "Issue Briefs" that are included in the Appendices.
Source: www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2007/NCDEmployment_20071001.htm
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Featured Practices: State Employment Specialists in Vocational Education
Source: www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/vrpractices/busdev.html
DisabilityNation Offers Audio News and Stories About People with Disabilities
This audio magazine is developed by and for people with disabilities. Written transcripts are also available in PDF and Word file formats.
Source: www.disabilitynation.net
Twelve Considerations for Accessible Emergency Communications
This document by the RERC's Wireless Emergency Communications development project explores a variety of factors that could potentially help meet the needs of people with disabilities during an emergency.
Source: www.wirelessrerc.org/publications/policy-briefs/twelve-considerations-for-accessible-emergency-communications/view
Access Currents
A free newsletter issued by the U.S. Access Board every other month by mail and email.
Source: www.access-board.gov/news/Access%20Currents/General.cfm
Disability Rights Online News
A bi-monthly update about the Civil Rights Division's activities in the area of disability rights.
Source: www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/disabilitynews.htm.
Want more Web Resources?
Check out the wealth of disability related links in Web Resources on ADA and accessible information technology at www.sedbtac.org/resources.php.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Chicago TV Station Captions Its Internet Video Clip
Chicago's ABC Channel 7 television station recently ran a story about accessibility at a local restaurant chain. The reporter, Karen Miers, who is deaf, discusses the system used by the restaurant's drive through window to meet the consumer needs of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. When the TV news report was put on the Internet, it was also captioned. This story is an example of how businesses can make their services to the public fully accessible using effective communication.
Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjW1eWopbZU
Heightened Job Requirements May Violate ADA
Source: hr.cch.com/hhrlib/issues-answers/Heightened-job-requirements-may-violate-ADA.asp?date=November-19-2007
EEOC Asks Public to be Patient During Transition to In-House Phone System
Source: www.eeoc.gov/press/11-7-07.html
ADA Legal Issues & Updates
Analysis of various legal and policy developments relevant to ADA civil rights protections and federal decisions from the relevant federal circuits that cover the eight-state geographic area - try the added feature to Search ADA Case Law by Topic, Court, and/or Audience. Word and Text file versions of each Case Law Brief , and additional resources are available to download including:
- Federal Court Concepts Training Module
- Guide to Terms and Issues in ADA Enforcement |
- Effect of Supreme Court's Decisions on Americans with Disabilities |
- ADA Restoration Overview and Resources |
Sources: www.sedbtac.org/legalissues.php?idpg=14; www.sedbtac.org/ada/publications/guide_terms_issues_ADA_enforcement.doc; www.sedbtac.org/ada/publications/legal/guide_terms_issues_ADA_enforcement.txt; www.ada-audio.org/Archives/Materials/FY2007/2007-05-15_ADA_Stories.pdf; www.sedbtac.org/ada/publications/legal/effect_supremecourt_decisions_ADA.txt ; www.sedbtac.org/ada/publications/ada_anniversary/ADA_Restoration_Article-FINAL.doc; www.sedbtac.org/ada/publications/ada_anniversary/ADA_Restoration_Article-FINAL.txt
ADA Document Portal
Please change your bookmark as this website has moved to a new location. Search thousands of resources and documents for several federal laws in addition to the ADA.
Source: www.dbtac.vcu.edu/adaportal/
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Developer to Build Orlando-Area Vacation Homes with Features for People with Disabilities
Source: www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disabled1407nov14,0,1647606.story?track=rss
Blinded By War: Injuries Send Troops Into Darkness
Source: www.usatoday.com/news/military/2007-11-13-eyeinjuries_N.htm
Disney Sued by Patrons with Disabilities Over Segway Ban
Source: www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/11/10/disney_sued_by_disabled_group_over_segway_ban.html
Okaloosa County ADA Case Delays Criticized
Source: www.nwfdailynews.com/article/9884
Employment Gap Between Working-Age People With and Without Disabilities Continues
Source: www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/11-07-2007/0004699460&EDATE
STATISTICS YOU CAN USE
Disability Statistics Update
Cornell University has updated this website with information from the 2005 American Community Survey, as well as a link to the 2006 State-of-the-Science conference proceedings.
Source: www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/disabilitystatistics/
National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), located within the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences, is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education. Search “disability” for information regarding students with disabilities.
Source: nces.ed.gov/index.asp
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Audio Conference Schedule for 2007-2008
Mark your calendars for this important series of upcoming sessions and check out archives for those you missed.
- Next Audioconference: Disability Law and Policy, Present and Future - December 18, 2007
- Next Audioconference: Best Practices in Design: Balancing local, State and Federal Requirements to Ensure Accessibility - January 15, 2008
Sources: www.ada-audio.org; www.ada-audio.org/Archives/; www.dlrp.org/html/Training/archives.html
Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion, and Disability Conference
April 22-23, 2008
Pfahl Executive Education and Conference Center ,
The Ohio State University,
Columbus, Ohio
Web: ada.osu.edu/conferences.htm
Save the Date! 
The most comprehensive conference available on the ADA and related issues!
May 12-14, 2008
America's Center
St. Louis, Missouri
Web: www.adasymposium.org
On-line registration will begin January 7, 2008. If you wish to reserve an on-line registration, email the ADA Symposium Coordinator at ada@missouri.edu.
Seeking More ADA Training Events?
Check out the Training Calendar of ADA Events at www.sedbtac.org/training.php#calendar.
NOTABLE QUOTABLES
Find Notable Quotables for use in your speeches and presentations at www.sedbtac.org/ada/training/trainingTemplate.php?ref=NQ.
TRAINING TOOLS
ADA Training Resource Center
Your One-Stop for Courses, Events & Tools on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Find wealth of ADA training materials including audioconferences, case law updates, case studies, courses, handouts, statistics & quotes, TIPS, and solutions pages for targeted audiences.
Source: www.adacourse.org
UNTIL NEXT MONTH ...
Wishing you success in your ADA activities from your DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center!
Let us know what you think ...
The DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center is Your Regional Resource Center on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Email: sedbtacproject@law.syr.edu Phone: 800-949-4232 (v/tty) or 404-541-9001 (v/tty).
Credits & Acknowledgements
The contents of this electronic newsletter were developed under Grant #H133A060094 from the Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education or NIDRR, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government.
Principal Investigator: Peter Blanck, J.D., Ph.D.
Project Director/Editor: Shelley Kaplan
Director of Training & Technical Assistance: Pamela Williamson
Director of Research: Meera Adya, , J.D., Ph.D.
Help Desk Specialist: Mary Morder
Materials Development Specialist: Sally Weiss
Legal Issues: William Myhill, J.D.
Business Leadership Council: Michael Morris, J.D.
Information Specialists: Sarah Endicott, Becky Williams, Christine Woodell, Cheri Hofmann, Linda Priest
Web Manager: Marsha Schwanke
Contact For More Information:
DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center (Southeast DBTAC)
1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: 800-949-4232 (v/tty) or 404-541-9001 (v/tty)
Fax: 404-541-9002
Email: sedbtacproject@law.syr.edu
Web: www.sedbtac.org
UNTIL NEXT MONTH ...
Wishing you success in your ADA activities from your DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center!
Help, Questions, & Comments
DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center
Email: sedbtacproject@law.syr.edu
Fax: 404-541-9002
Phone: 800-949-4232 (v/tty) or 404-541-9001 (v/tty)
File Formats
Alternate formats are available upon request.
Files are provided in various formats;
some need certain software to view.
: use download: Adobe PDF Reader.
: opens in a web browser, or designated program, i.e. Notepad.
,
: use word processing software,
i.e. download: Word Viewer.
Credits & Acknowledgements
- Principal Investigator:
Peter Blanck, J.D., Ph.D. - Project Director/Editor:
Shelley Kaplan - Director of Training & Technical Assistance: Pamela Williamson
- Director of Research:
Meera Adya, J.D., Ph.D. - Help Desk Specialist: Mary Morder
- Multicultural Outreach Coordinator: Amy Oliveras
- Distance Learning Coordinator:
Cheri Hofmann - Materials Development Specialist:
Sally Weiss - Legal Issues:
William Myhill, J.D.; Eve Hill, Esq. - Business Leadership Council:
Michael Morris, J.D. - Information Specialists:
Sarah Endicott; Becky Williams;
Christine Woodell; Linda Priest - Web Manager: Marsha Schwanke
About This Newsletter
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