Archives for 2012

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), one of the first laws passed by Congress addressing access for people with disabilities, requires that federally funded facilities be accessible according to established standards. The law applies to facilities designed, built or altered with Federal dollars or leased by Federal agencies. The ABA covers a wide range of government buildings, including post offices, social security offices, and Federal office buildings. It also applies to non-Federal buildings that are federally funded, such as schools, transit stations, local courthouses and jails, and public housing.

The Board enforces the accessibility standards of the ABA through the investigation of complaints from the public. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Board opens an investigation to determine whether the facility in question is covered by the ABA and if so, whether it meets the applicable accessibility standards. If a covered facility is not in compliance, the Board will pursue a corrective action plan and monitor the case until all necessary work is completed.

The new online submission form will make it easier and more convenient for the public to file ABA complaints with the Board. It also will improve how the Board monitors and tracks complaints. Members of the public are invited to view and try out the proposed complaint form which is available for comment until February 15. A published noticeprovides further details, including instructions on submitting feedback. The new form, which replaces an earlier one previously made available on the Board’s site, will be launched under procedures that Federal agencies must follow in collecting information from the public.

For further information, contact Lisa Fairhall, the Board’s Deputy General Counsel at fairhall@access-board.gov, (202)272-0046 (voice), (202) 272-0064 (TTY) or visit the Board’s website.

In light of the recent hurricane on the eastern seaboard, more employers may be considering developing emergency preparedness plans and need answers on how to include employees with disabilities.  A guide provided by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) can help businesses that are developing emergency evacuation plans.  Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employers’ Guide to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans addresses the legal requirements for emergency evacuation under the ADA and focuses on identifying people who may need accommodations in an emergency evacuation based on the EEOC guidance, common accommodations, and plan implementation and maintenance.

The Great Lakes ADA Center on behalf of the ADA National Network is pleased to announce an upcoming session in the ADA Audio Conference Series.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

In the 22 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we have made significant progress in giving all Americans the freedom to make of our lives what we will. Yet, in times of prosperity as well as challenge, people with disabilities have had fewer opportunities in our workplaces than those without. As we work to revitalize our economy, it is essential that each of us can bring our talents, expertise, and passion to bear in the marketplace. But a stronger economy is not enough; we must ensure not only full participation, but also full opportunity. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the indispensable contributions people with disabilities make in our economy and recommit to building a country where each of us can realize the full extent of our dreams.

Because America’s workforce should reflect the diversity of its people — including people with disabilities — my Administration remains committed to helping our businesses, schools, and communities support our entire workforce. To meet this challenge, the Federal Government must be a model employer. That is why I was proud to sign an Executive Order in 2010 that called on Federal agencies to increase recruitment, hiring, and retention of people with disabilities. In 2012, the Office of Personnel Management reported on our progress, revealing that we are moving toward meeting our goal of hiring an additional 100,000 people with disabilities into the Federal workforce over 5 years. Today, more people with disabilities work for the Federal Government than at any time in the past 20 years, and we are striving to make it easier to get and keep those jobs by improving compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

All Americans are entitled to an accessible workplace, a level playing field, and the same privileges, pursuits, and opportunities as any of their family, friends, and neighbors. This month, let us rededicate ourselves to bringing down barriers and raising up aspirations for all our people, regardless of disability, so we may share in a brighter future together.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to embrace the talents
and skills that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities and to promote the right to equal employment opportunity for all people.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

Barack Obama

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the official theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month: “A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?” The theme promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce that includes workers with disabilities, who represent a highly skilled talent pool.

“Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers — including those of us with disabilities — to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization’s success,” said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

Early announcement of the theme helps communities nationwide plan a series of announcements, events and meetings to begin in October, some of which will continue throughout the year. Such activities include proclamations, public awareness programs and job fairs that showcase the skills and talents of workers with disabilities.

As background, Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October each year as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” President Harry S. Truman designated the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to carry out the observance. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed from the week’s name to acknowledge the employment needs of all Americans with disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to “National Disability Awareness Month,” which eventually evolved to its current name. The Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy took over responsibility for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2001.

Members of the public with questions related to the 2012 theme should contact Carol Dunlap in ODEP at 202-693-7902. The media should contact Bennett Gamble using the information above.

ODEP’s mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related policies and practices to increase the employment of people with disabilities.

Source:  Department of Labor website

The Great Lakes ADA Center is hosting a viewing of the 2012 Accessibility Summit.

Gather with like minded professionals to take part in this opportunity. The 2012 Accessibility Summit event brings together some of the Web’s most notable experts for an all-new, one-day-only online conference. There are seven sessions, including accessibility of mobile devices, new iOS built-in options, and ARIA programing. The event is closed captioned. For complete session descriptions visit: http://environmentsforhumans.com/2012/accessibility-summit/

You are welcome to come and go as needed throughout the day, but per-registration is required due to space limitations of the room. Register here: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1029222/2012-Accessibility-Summit  You may share this announcement with interested colleagues.

The event is free to you. In addition to event registration, Great Lakes ADA Center will provide snacks and beverages for a morning and afternoon break. Lunch is on your own. Directions will be emailed to you after your registration is complete. We look forward to seeing you there!

Announcing the “Emergency Management and Preparedness – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Webinar Series”

Sponsored by the Pacific ADA Center and supported by the Great Lakes ADA Center.

We are pleased to announce the launch of this webinar series to address key strategies and approaches toward emergency management and preparedness and the inclusion of people with disabilities.    These free 90 minute webinars will be delivered using the ElluminateLive! webinar platform and all sessions will be closed captioned.

The first session is scheduled for August 22^nd

Title:                        The Federal Response to Emergencies and Disasters – How Disability Fits

Time:                       2pm ET/1pm CT/12pm MT/11am PT/8am Hawaii

Presenters:             Marcie Roth, Director, FEMA Office of Disability Integration & Coordination and William Lynch, Trial Attorney, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division US Department of Justice

Mark your calendar for the second session which is scheduled for September 13, 2012.  More information and details will be posted soon.

Title:                        The State, Local, and Community Response to Emergencies- How Disability Fits

Time:                       2pm ET/1pm CT/12pm MT/11am PT/8am Hawaii

Presenters:             TBA

Future sessions will be announced at a later date.

To register for these sessions go to www.adaconferences.org/Emergency

The Pacific and Great Lakes ADA Centers are both members of theADA National Network.

Questions regarding this series can be directed toadaconferences@adagreatlakes.org or by calling 877-232-1990(V/TTY)

Disability Disclosure for Employment and Community Integration

• Listen to experts explain what the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has to say about disability disclosure in the workplace.

• Hear employers, employees, and job developers and consumers talk about their experiences with this complex issue.

• Share your stories about disability disclosure. Was it helpful? Do you have advice for others?

Wednesday, June 27, 1-6 p.m.

Roseville Public Library
Community Program Room
2180 North Hamline Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55113
651-628-6803

Agenda: …

Come celebrate the 22nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Thursday, July 26, 2012
1-3:30 p.m

• U.S. Department of Justice attorneys will give updates on 2010 regulations & current implementation
• Motivational speaker Dana Zimmerman
• Entertainment by artists & performers with disabilities
• Light refreshments
• FREE to everyone!