ADA Pipeline A Publication of the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center Volume 17, No. 2, 2008 A Project of the Burton Blatt Institute: Centers of Innovation on Disability at Syracuse University Inside 3 Tax Incentives Information 4 Making a Difference: Florida’s Local Business Leadership Network 6 Making a Difference: Georgia to Offer More Community Living Alternatives 10 Department of Justice Update 14 Our Regional Training Team Attends ADA Symposium 16 The “Fitting In” Factor If You Build It, We Will Come By DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center This is the story of how the Southeast DBTAC found its new home in a former office/warehouse, built in 1966, at 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, Georgia. When the current owner, Rob Jameson, bought it, the office/warehouse had been leased by the same tenant for the past 23 years. The warehouse is located next to Jameson’s business - Jump!, a broadcast design studio dedicated to creating lifestyle branding for clients. Jump! (www.jumphi.com) thrives on design driven concepts - bringing networks & brands to their fullest potential through the use of award winning motion graphics and editorial. Jameson bought the single story building with an eye to using it to expand his business when the time came, probably within the next 10 years. In the meantime, the building needed to be cleaned up and renovated, and a tenant needed to be found. It’s Not (Necessarily) Location…Location…Location Instead, it’s timing, timing, timing. At the same time that first-time landlord Jameson was beginning to look for tenants, the Southeast DBTAC was beginning to look for a new place to call home. With the shift to the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University as the administrator of the Southeast DBTAC project, it was time to find new office space. At the same time that the DBTAC began looking at potential properties, another disability-related organization, the Center for Financial Independence and Innovation (CFII), was also looking for space. Michael Morris, now the Chief Operating Officer at Burton Blatt Institute, made the connection, and the rest is history. Knowing that she had someone who would share office space, Shelley Kaplan, DBTAC Director, was able to look at a wider range of possible properties. She found and liked both the space— and the landlord—at 1419 Mayson Street, and the negotiations began. Jameson was looking for a tenant who had a good credit rating, a good lease history, and, above all, a tenant who was willing to work with him to efficiently reconfigure the space for their needs. The DBTAC needed a landlord who would recognize and honor the need for universal design, making the reconfigured space fully accessible to people with disabilities. Where to Begin The 3,000 square foot, single story building was zoned for office/warehouse. As Jameson describes it, “This property had the original single pane exterior doors and windows. There was a lot of wasted space and inefficiency that did not allow one to move easily from room to room. We took out a water fountain alcove and enlarged each of the bathrooms. We made sure one of bathrooms complied fully with ADA standards. We installed a sink and a toilet that met ADA standards along with the proper grab bars to assist someone in a wheelchair. The door to the bathroom was re-hung to swing out into the hallway to comply with the standard. We re-striped and added signs to the parking lot to make sure everyone had access to the building. I was fortunate that the building is at ground level, so we did not need to build an accessible ramp for the entrance. We did replace the entrance doors and door hardware to ensure easy access. The costs were minimal, and everything was bought from Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ikea. The only item we had to special order from Home Depot was the ADA bathroom sink. Everything else was an in-stock item, which was a relief.” Jameson worked with Shelley to understand and comply with the ADA standards, and he enlisted a friend who is architect to troubleshoot issues, such as clearances, as they came up. As they tore down walls and started to reconfigure spaces, they encountered the unexpected. Although the plans called for two accessible restrooms, they had to settle for one fully accessible restroom and one…that has a pole smack in the center of the space! The pole was not found until demolition began. It is load bearing support and would have been difficult to move due to the steel beam joined at that point. So the pole stayed and the restroom was configured around it. The pole is visible from the doorway—and to say that it is a conversation starter is an understatement! Universal Access Makes Good Business Sense In addition to being able to write off the deductions for ADA renovations [see box on page 3: Tax Incentives Information], Jameson was able to deduct the cost of the energy efficient exterior doors and windows that will help with future energy costs. Jameson also points out that renovating with universal access in mind now will avoid potentially costly retrofitting later: “At some point, I believe that ADA compliance will be required everywhere, and I figured while I was renovating, I might as well make the improvements.” A Happy Ending The end result of this mutually respectful negotiation is that Jameson got a tenant who offered to sign a four-year lease—something he had not been expecting—and the Southeast DBTAC found a universally designed space that meets their present and future needs—including a landlord who is willing to renovate additional office space in the building as needed. Jameson points out that, at the end of the negotiations and renovation, “I feel very fortunate to have found such a wonderful tenant. Their mission is to help educate and enable people with disabilities. We both share a common concern for our fellow man and feel everyone should be given the chance at the same opportunities in life. How can someone with a disability do this, if they can’t even get through the front door?” And Shelley Kaplan adds, “The ADA makes good business sense and is not as difficult as many people think. We now have accessible space, with free parking I might add, that can be used by the community for various meetings and conferences. Rob’s attitude about compliance was a breath of fresh air…and we didn’t even have to train him!” Tax Incentives Information U.S. Department of Justice Tax Incentives Packet on the Americans with Disabilities Act www.ada.gov/taxpack.htm Fact Sheet: Tax Incentives for Improving Accessibility www.ada.gov/taxpack.htm#anchor297649 (text version) www.ada.gov/taxpack.pdf (PDF file) IRS Form 8826 (tax credit) (Acrobat PDF version) www.ada.gov/f8826.pdf ADA and Tax Information Services from Federal Agencies www.ada.gov/taxpack.htm#anchor49850 Expanding Your Market: Tax Incentives for Business www.ada.gov/taxincent.htm Reaching Out to Customers with Disabilities: ADA Compliance Costs and Tax Incentives www.ada.gov/reachingout/lesson81.htm Tax Incentives: A Fact Sheet developed by the Job Accommodation Network www.jan.wvu.edu/media/tax.html Federal Tax Incentives to Encourage the Employment of People with Disabilities and to Promote the Accessibility of Public Accommodations www.eeoc.gov/ada/adahandbook.html#appendixa ADA Pipeline ADA Pipeline is published twice each year by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center (Southeast DBTAC). The Southeast DBTAC is authorized by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Grant #133A060094 to provide information, materials, and technical assistance to individuals with rights, as well as entities, that are covered by the ADA. The information, materials, and technical assistance are intended solely as informal guidance; this assistance does not serve as determination of your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA, nor is it binding on any agency with enforcement responsibilities under the ADA. ADA Pipeline is available, free of charge, to subscribers in the eight southeastern states, and it is available upon request in large print, braille, audio cassette, and compact disk. Southeast DBTAC Project Staff • Peter Blanck, J.D., Ph.D Principal Investigator • Shelley Kaplan Project Director • Meera Adya, J.D., Ph.D Director of Research • Pamela Williamson Director of Training and Technical Assistance • Sally Weiss Director of Materials and Dissemination • Michael Morris, J.D. Chair, Business Leadership Council • Marsha Schwanke Web Developer • Mary Morder Help Desk Specialist/Newsletter Editor • Amy Oliveras Office Administration/Hispanic Outreach • Sarah Endicott Information Specialist • Cheri Hofmann Information Specialist/Distance Learning Coordinator • Linda Priest Information Specialist • Becky Williams Information Specialist • Christine Woodell Information Specialist Making a Difference Florida’s Local Business Leadership Network Employers Diversify Their Workforces to Include People with Disabilities Florida’s local Business Leadership Network (BLN) members are opening their doors to employees with disabilities, according to the 2007-2008 Pre- and Post-BLN Member Survey. Between 2006 and 2007, the percent of respondents saying that as a result of their “BLN involvement” they hired, mentored or provided internships to workers with disabilities rose from 46 to 62 percent, a 16 percent increase. Surveys were provided at local BLN meetings and sent to members electronically. The surveys were completed during the months of January, February and March 2008, following a full year of BLN participation in 2007. There were 138 respondents to the survey. As of the end of February 2008, there were 631 BLN members in the 10 BLNs working with Wilson Resources, Inc. (WRI). The result was a 22 percent response rate to the Pre- and Post-BLN Member Survey. BLN Member Survey Results The majority of respondents (41%) were in service related industry (e.g., bank, broker, cable TV, health organizations, hospital, hotel, legal, restaurant, security firm, transportation, utilities). •Approximately half of respondents (48%) were Human Resource Professionals. •Members of senior management with the responsibility for developing policies and practices related to employees with disabilities made up 41% of respondents. •Over half (62%) of the businesses have a formal policy for hiring persons with disabilities. •Almost half (47%) reported barriers to hiring people with disabilities. Moreover, respondents reported the following types of hiring barriers: >> Employee, C-Level executive, and Mid-Level manager attitudes/fears >> Customers’ attitudes/fears >> Company’s lack of information about disability employment issues >> Aligning individuals with a disability with the right job fit >> Do not know where to find qualified applicants with disabilities >> Limited pool of qualified applicants with disabilities >> Fears about costs – accommodations; insurance premiums >> Ability/know-how to make accommodations >> Fear about termination process. Suggestions for Removing Barriers Respondents indicated the need for the following types of activities to address the barriers that they may have faced in hiring people with disabilities. •Offer training in my community to dispel myths and change attitudes •Offer training and technical assistance at my worksite to dispel myths and change attitudes •Provide specialized training, such as legal issues related to the hiring and firing of employees with disabilities, including information on the cost of accommodations •Provide more opportunities for employers to share best practices on the employment of people with disabilities •Provide written and verbal presentations on where to find qualified people with disabilities •Provide more no-risk opportunities for employers and their employees to experience workers with disabilities at their worksites, e.g., internships or mentoring activities like Disability Mentoring Day •Conduct an Employer Awareness Campaign in my community, media, ads, etc. The Florida BLN’s full report of the Pre- and Post-BLN Member Survey can be read at www.abletrust.org/fbln/news/_doc/REPORT_2007-2008_REVISED_V2.pdf Making a Difference LIFE of Mississippi AmeriCorps Members Conduct ADA Site Surveys in Local Communities In October 2007, LIFE of Mississippi, the Southeast DBTAC’s Mississippi State Affiliate, provided training to their 2007-2008 AmeriCorps members that included an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and extensive information on the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Members were also trained in how to use the ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal to conduct site surveys in local communities. The AmeriCorps members at each LIFE office had a site survey kit purchased with Southeast DBTAC funds and a standard survey form, developed by the LIFE Americorps members. The members introduced themselves to pre-selected site survey facilities, provided information about the ADA, and obtained permission to conduct a site survey and follow-up. Local area businesses in both urban and rural locations were surveyed. Federal, state, city, and educational facilities were also surveyed. The targeted sites, both public and private, were those frequently used by people with disabilities, including those transitioning from nursing facilities back into the community. Seventy initial site surveys and follow-ups were completed across the state (20 in South Mississippi, 21 in Central Mississippi, and 29 in North Mississippi). Each AmeriCorps member completed 2-3 initial site surveys, provided recommendations to the appropriate person, and conducted follow-up surveys to determine if access had increased. Initial site surveys were completed by the end of January 2008, and the follow-up surveys were completed by the end of April 2008. [Editor’s Note: The paragraph below is a text translation of data and information that was originally displayed in a table format. The number and type of each survey site is followed by the facility area or areas that were examined at each of those sites. A total of 70 sites were examined.] [Table of data begins] Survey Sites: 12 Convenience Stores/Gas Stations Areas Examined: Entry/Bathrooms/Parking Survey Sites: 9 Restaurants Areas Examined: Bathrooms/Entrances Survey Sites: 2 Grocery Stores Areas Examined: Entrances/Check-Outs Survey Sites: 3 Pharmacies Areas Examined: Parking Survey Sites: 7 Discount and Retail Chain Stores Areas Examined: Parking/Entry/Bathrooms Survey Sites: 3 Hotels Areas Examined: All Guidelines/Bathrooms Survey Sites: 2 Tax Preparation Service Offices Areas Examined: Parking/Entry Survey Sites: 1 Shopping Center Areas Examined: Parking Survey Sites: 11 Other Commercial Facilities Areas Examined: Parking/Entry/Bathrooms Survey Sites: 2 Apartment Complexes Areas Examined: Entry Survey Sites: 2 Hospitals/Doctors’ Offices Areas Examined: Parking/Doorways Survey Sites: 4 Educational Institutions (including a community college and a public high school) Areas Examined: Parking/Entry/Bathrooms Survey Sites: 3 Office Buildings Areas Examined: Parking/Restrooms Survey Sites: 1 County Office Building Areas Examined: Parking/Restrooms Survey Sites: 1 State Government Office Areas Examined: Parking/Entry/Restroom Survey Sites: 1 Federal Government Office Areas Examined: All Guidelines Survey Sites: 2 City and State Parks Areas Examined: Parking/Sidewalks Survey Sites: 1 Historical Site Areas Examined: Entry/Lift Survey Sites: 3 Private Non-Profit Organizations Areas Examined: Entry/Parking/Restrooms [Table of data ends] Of the 70 locations where initial site surveys were conducted, nine facilities (or approximately 13%) were already in compliance with ADA Standards for the areas examined: 2 convenience stores/gas stations; 1 restaurant (met all Guidelines); 2 Discount and Retail Chain Stores; and 2 Hotels and 1 of the Other Commercial Facilities met all Guidelines. One of the Hospitals/Doctors Offices already complied, as did 1 of the Educational Institutes, 2 of the City Offices/Buildings, one of which met all Guidelines as did Federal Government Office; 1 of the City/State Parks and 1 of the Private Non-Profits. The follow-up surveys revealed eight additional sites (or 11%) followed through with the AmeriCorps Member’s recommendations and are now in compliance with ADA Standards for the areas surveyed. As a result, currently 17 (or approximately 24%) of the 70 sites surveys are now in compliance. The follow-ups further revealed that another 11 sites (or approximately 16%) have either completed partial modifications, are in the process of making modifications, or re-locating to a more accessible facility. If the modifications are completed at these 11 sites, then 40% of the 70 sites surveyed will be in compliance. Looking at the facilities overall that have yet to take action to come into compliance, the greatest resistance to complying, for whatever reason, comes from Convenience Stores/Gas Stations (10 out of the 12 surveyed are still out of compliance) and Other Commercial Facilities (8 of the 11 surveyed have taken no action, although 2 have made improvements and 1 was already in compliance). Even without a great amount of change in these last two categories, the survey results overall represent a substantial improvement for individuals with disabilities across Mississippi in being able to access services and their community as a whole. Additional information about the AmeriCorps ADA Community project can be obtained by contacting: Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE) of Mississippi 1304 Vine Street Jackson, MS 39202 1-800-748-9398 (v/tty) [Mississippi Only] 601-969-4009 (v/tty) Fax: 601-969-1662 Email: lifeofms@aol.com Making a Difference Georgia to Offer More Community Living Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities HHS’ Office for Civil Rights and Georgia Reach Statewide Olmstead Settlement Agreement More than 2,300 individuals with disabilities currently institutionalized in Georgia’s eight public psychiatric hospitals and mental retardation facilities will have the opportunity to live in their communities with appropriate supports tailored to meet their individualized needs as a result of a settlement agreement between the state of Georgia and the HHS [Health and Human Services] Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Under the settlement, signed July 1, 2008, Georgia also will involve consumers and advocates in planning how best to provide adequate community services to meet the needs of all Georgians with disabilities who are either living in institutions or at risk of institutionalization without community supports. “Georgia’s commitment to improve its community services through this settlement furthers the President’s New Freedom Initiative by supporting independent living and individual choice,” HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. “This agreement provides persons with disabilities greater opportunities to live within their home communities and have full access to community life.” Georgia Follows Olmstead Ruling By enhancing community alternatives to institutionalization under the settlement, Georgia will promote individuals’ rights under the United States Supreme Court’s 1999 ruling in Olmstead v. L.C. that the unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with disabilities constitutes discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). “Every Georgian who faces mental illness or developmental disabilities has the right to be treated in a way that not only ensures the best outcome, but allows for the highest quality of life,” said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. “We’ve worked hard to make this agreement work, and the state of Georgia is committed to completing this effort.” The agreement settles statewide complaints filed with OCR by the Georgia Advocacy Office, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Georgia Legal Services Program, and the Disability Law and Policy Center of Georgia. The complaints alleged that, in violation of the ADA, Georgia has failed to treat individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs -- the setting that enables persons with disabilities to interact with people without disabilities to the fullest extent possible. “In this voluntary compliance agreement with the Federal Government, Georgia promises a serious effort to end the illegal segregation of its citizens with disabilities and to provide appropriate community alternatives,” said Sue Jamieson, the attorney with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, who originally filed the Olmstead case, which arose in Georgia. “If the agreement results in long overdue residential supports and other needed community services, it could finally begin to heal the wounds we have all suffered from institutionalizing people who should be our neighbors.” Demonstration Grant Awarded Georgia’s implementation of the settlement agreement will rely, in part, on a $44 million dollar Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Grant, which was awarded to the state by the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on June 30, 2008. This grant will allow Georgia to “rebalance” its Medicaid program away from long-term institutional care to one that offers individuals the option to live in the community. Experts from HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will also work with Georgia officials to develop its community mental health system to carry out the requirements of the agreement. “This settlement is a model for states in meeting their ADA obligations to eliminate unlawful institutionalization and provide adequate community alternatives,” said OCR Director Winston Wilkinson. “To combat ongoing disability discrimination, the HHS Office for Civil Rights will continue its enforcement efforts, along with promoting voluntary compliance and technical assistance to ensure states comply with the ADA and Olmstead decision.” A copy of the settlement agreement, along with more information about this settlement and OCR’s ADA and other civil rights enforcement activities can be found at www.hhs.gov/ocr Source: www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080702a.html Americans with Disabilities Act and Olmstead Resources Supreme Court Decision: Olmstead v. L.C. (98-536) http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/98-536.ZS.html Executive Order 13217: Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities (June 18, 2001) www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/06/20010619.html Atlanta Legal Aid Society Olmstead v. LC and EW Landmark Case Summary and Impact www.atlantalegalaid.org/impact.htm Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Olmstead Fact Sheet www.pacer.org/tatra/legislation/olmstead.asp UCP Report: Case for Inclusion 2008 www.ucp.org/medicaid This report ranks how well the states are providing community-based supports to Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities being served by Medicaid. National Center for Personal Assistance Services Report: Home and Community-Based Services: Introduction to Olmstead Lawsuits and Olmstead Plans www.pascenter.org/olmstead/index.php This report provides state-by-state information on the formal strategies that states developed in response to the Olmstead Ruling and a summary of community integration lawsuits related to Olmstead. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services New Freedom Initiative www.cms.hhs.gov/NewFreedomInitiative/ The initiative is a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people of all ages with disabilities and long-term illnesses. The States’ Response to the Olmstead Decision: How Are States Complying? www.ncsl.org/programs/health/forum/olmsreport.htm Eight Years After Olmstead www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/archive/2008/01-02-CC.html This webcast reviews the Olmstead decision and its importance in interpreting the ADA and its effects on federal and state policy. It highlights promising practices implemented around the country and barriers that remain. Updated Data on Home and Community Based Services www.statehealthfacts.org/comparemaptable.jsp?ind=240&cat=4 This web site contains updated data on Medicare and Medicaid Services practices, home and community based services waivers, waiting list data for each state, and information on home health and personal care service expenditures and participants. More information and resources on the ADA and Olmstead are available at www.sedbtac.org/publications.php?idpg=35#resourcelist. Making a Difference South Carolina DVD Promotes Recruitment of Employees with Disabilities The South Carolina Employment Security Commission (SCESC), the Southeast DBTAC’s South Carolina State Affiliate, developed an educational DVD for employers to increase awareness of the ADA and promote the recruitment and hiring of individuals with disabilities. The DVD highlighted the success story of the Walgreen’s Distribution Center located in Anderson, South Carolina. The video shows how Walgreen’s worked in collaboration with the SCESC One Stop Career Centers, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the SC Developmental Disabilities and Special Needs office to recruit and train people with disabilities to work in the distribution center. The DVD also provides information about the partnerships and resources available to employers to assist them in successfully recruiting and hiring persons with disabilities. The SCESC and the SC Employer Council distributed the DVD to over 700 employers. Results of Employer Survey A follow up online survey was sent to all employers who received the DVD to determine if their knowledge of the ADA and resources had increased, if attitudes about hiring people with disabilities had changed, if policies and procedures were in place to promote recruitment of individuals with disabilities, and to gauge the employer’s feelings about hiring people with disabilities. The SCESC received 64 responses to the 700 distributed surveys. These results indicated that: •83% of employers agreed that the DVD increased his/her knowledge of the resources and services available in South Carolina; •42% of employers noted that they have specific plans to use the information or take action as a result of the DVD; •55% of employers indicated that his/her attitude has changed about hiring people with disabilities; •66% of employers indicated that their company has policies and procedures in place on recruiting people with disabilities; •33% of employers indicated that they would definitely hire a person with a disability in the future; and 67% of employers indicated that they might consider hiring a person with a disability if he/she has the skills needed for the position. For more information about the DVD or the survey results, please contact: Camille Fallaw State ADA Affiliate South Carolina Employment Security Commission 800-436-8190 (toll free) 803-737-0391 (voice/TTY) www.sces.org (web site) cfallaw@sces.org (e-mail). ADA Training and Technical Assistance Tools You Can Use ADA Training Resource Center www.adacourse.org This new website, offered by the National Network of DBTAC ADA Centers, is your One-Stop Resource for Courses, Events & Tools on the ADA, including a new Podcast Series. Check often for TOOLS YOU CAN USE to learn more about the ADA and to help design your training events. ADA News Feeds by State http://onlineconferencingsystems.com/sedbtac_1/customized_newsfeeds_by_state.htm Legal Updates & Issues www.sedbtac.org/legalissues.php?idpg=14 Check this link often to learn about legal and policy developments relevant to civil rights protections and the impact of court decisions in the Southeast Region under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We also highlight U.S. Courts information and legal issues on technology accessibility. TIPS: Technical Information Perspectives and Solutions www.sedbtac.org/ada/training/trainingTemplate.php?ref=FS Developed by the Southeast DBTAC, this new resource provides accurate information and is designed to help others achieve effective compliance with the ADA. ADA Audio Conference Series www.ada-audio.org A monthly distance learning program about regulations and trends under the ADA. Archived sessions are available at www.ada-audio.org/Archives/ Making a Difference The Research Report: A Tale of Two Cities — Savannah and Athens, Georgia The first year has just ended for the DBTAC research project: Examining the Civic, Social and Economic Participation of Persons with Disabilities. The research project, which is directed by our research partners at the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, is looking at the actual impact that a U.S. Department of Justice project—Project Civic Access—had on the improving access for people with disabilities in 160 different cities throughout the United States. In Project Civic Access, the Department of Justice visited different cities, identified barriers to access, and reached signed agreements with these communities to remove barriers and come into compliance with Title II of the ADA. In the DBTAC project, we are looking at public accessibility in two cities in each of the eight Southeast States—one city will have a signed Project Civic Access agreement, the other similar city will not have been examined by Project Civic Access. One question to be answered is whether or not the cities with signed settlement agreements are more accessible than the cities that do not have those agreements. The research project involves the leadership of the SE DBTAC affiliate in each state, as well as a team of people with disabilities, who will survey both cities, looking at three major areas: •Physical and programmatic accessibility of public facilities – for example, how accessible are the city hall, the civic center, parks and the public library? Is information available in alternative formats? Are web sites accessible? Is their staff trained to serve all citizens? •Policy change – for example, is there an ADA coordinator and a complaint mechanism in the community? Are people with disabilities involved in committees and decision making regarding accessibility issues? •Actual participation of people with disability – In what extent do people in communities with and without signed agreements visit and participate in public programs, facilities and activities in their community? In the first year of research, Nancy Duncan, DBTAC Network Administrator for Georgia, and two teams of individuals with and without disabilities surveyed five facilities in Savannah (which has signed an agreement) and Athens (with no agreement). In these two cities, the research teams visited and evaluated the accessibility of information, the physical accessibility of and the services provided at the City Hall, a library, a civic center, and a park. They also evaluated the ability of the police to provide information about emergency evacuation services as well as the accessibility of public transportation services. Information from these two surveys is being analyzed. The site surveys will be followed by a telephone survey of individuals with disabilities in Savannah and Athens, asking about where, how, and how often they take part in public programs and activities or visit public agencies in their city. Information from Year One will be added to information gained from surveys in the other Southeastern states in Years Two and Three. Results from this research will guide people with disabilities, other advocates and policymakers in proposing policy changes that could lead to greater social, civic, and economic participation by people with disabilities. A Report from the Survey Team One of the best things about this research experience was the camaraderie that arose instantly among the five researchers. One person has a visual impairment, one a hearing impairment, another a mobility impairment, and two people don not have disabilities. Perhaps the saddest finding is that many city and county agencies have accessible services and programs, but the front line people do not know about them. For example, when searching for accommodations at the Police Department, we were referred to the Victims Unit. Pretty sad. Another awareness from our experience is how anxiety-producing it is to call or visit organizations in order to ask pointed questions like ’Do you have any services for people with my disability?’ A third significant discovery is that organizations frequently have knowledgeable employees concerning disability but these people are not in a department that has any contact with the disability community. For example, at one city library, we (accidentally!) came to the genealogy department. The woman working there was a former rehabilitation teacher for people with visual impairments but she was not working in the reference area of the library that has talking computers. As a result, her expertise in serving people with visual impairments is never called upon. And in one city park, we realized that what is accessible on paper is NOT accessible in reality. For more information about the project, visit the ADA in Action section of our web site at www.sedbtac.org/ada/ada_in_action/ada_in_actionTemplate.php?ref=28&ptitle=292 Department of Justice Update Enforcing the ADA: A Status Report from the Department of Justice This update is excerpted from Disability Rights Online News, a bi-monthly update about the Civil Rights Division activities in the area of disability rights. It highlights ADA activities of the Department of Justice in the Southeast Region from August 2007 - February 2008. The full reports are available through the Department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov/disabilitynews.htm. Florida Taxi Company Agrees to Transport People Who Use Service Animals — On February 21, 2008, the owner and operator of Golden Cab Corporation in West Palm Beach, Florida, entered into a settlement agreement with the Department resolving a complaint alleging that the company had refused to provide a taxi ride to a passenger because she was accompanied by her service animal. The Office of the State Attorney, 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which had referred the complaint to the Department of Justice, was also a party to the settlement. In the agreement, Golden Cab agreed to adopt a series of written policies which include the following: •Golden Cab’s drivers may not refuse to transport a person with a disability because that person is accompanied by a service animal or charge that person an additional fee because of the presence of a service animal; •Golden Cab will distribute the new policies in writing to all present and future reservation call-takers, dispatchers, cab drivers, and other employees or contractors whose duties involve contact with Golden Cab’s customers; •Golden Cab will provide training in the new policies to all present and future reservation call-takers, dispatchers, cab drivers, and other employees or contractors whose duties involve contact with Golden Cab’s customers; •Golden Cab will require that all if its dispatched cab drivers and all other individuals using vehicles owned or leased by Golden Cab post a sign stating that people with disabilities who are accompanied by service animals are welcome in all Golden Cabs (the posting must be printed in 26 or greater point font and be posted in a location on the inside or outside of each taxi where it can be seen readily by potential passengers; •Golden Cab will require full compliance with this new service animal policy in the terms of any new, amended, or renewed contract between Golden Cab and any driver who is dispatched by Golden Cab and/or any other person using a vehicle owned or leased by Golden Cab; •Golden Cab will promptly investigate each oral or written complaint it receives which alleges inappropriate treatment of a person with a disability who is accompanied by a service animal; and •Golden Cab will impose sanctions for violation(s) of its new service animal policy and, if there is a violation, will provide $1,000 in compensation to the complainant as well as pay $1,000 in civil penalties to the government. Mediation The ADA Mediation Program is a Department of Justice-sponsored initiative intended to resolve ADA complaints in an efficient, voluntary manner. Mediation cases are initiated upon referral by the Department when both the complainant and the respondent agree to participate. Over 78% of all complaints mediated have been resolved successfully. Below are highlights from the Southeast Region. In Tennessee, an individual who is deaf alleged that a package shipping company refused to accept his calls placed through the telephone relay system. The company changed its policy to accept relay calls and agreed to have the policy tested by the complainant. In North Carolina, a person who is deaf complained that an architecture firm’s receptionist refused to communicate with him through note writing as he requested. The office changed its policy and agreed to communicate by exchanging written notes when it is the customer’s preferred method of communicating, and paid $500 to the complainant. In Florida, a person who is deaf complained that a State professional association to which she belonged refused to provide effective communication at its annual convention and also at its local county meetings. The board of directors of the association adopted a policy to provide sign language interpreters at its annual state conventions and local meetings when requested. In Florida, a couple who is hard of hearing complained that a movie theater did not have enough assistive listening devices and those they had often did not work. The theater complex, located in an area with a large elderly population, agreed to provide more than 40 assistive listening devices and to implement a policy to ensure they are operable. A person with a mobility disability alleged that a Florida doctor’s office would not provide services while her service animal was present. The office established a written policy allowing full access for all patients who use service animals, provided staff training on the policy, and gave the complainant a 50 percent discount for future visits. In South Carolina, a person with a mobility disability was denied access to a restaurant and forced to eat outside because she uses a service animal. The restaurant developed a written policy regarding service animals and added it to the employee manual, trained all managers on ADA requirements, and placed “Service Dogs Welcome” signs in the windows of all three of the respondent’s restaurants. An individual who is deaf and has low vision complained that a North Carolina doctor’s office refused to allow his service animal to accompany him into treatment areas. The office modified its policy to allow service animals in all areas of the practice and adopted a comprehensive policy to provide effective communication for patients. The owner of the practice apologized to the complainant and volunteered to apply these policies in 23 other office locations, posted signs about the new policies, and trained staff at all locations. In Florida, a person who uses a wheelchair and a service animal complained that she was asked questions about her disability and asked to provide identification for her dog while shopping at a department store. The respondent agreed to provide disability awareness training to staff and management at the store, to post a large sign saying “Service Animals Welcome,” and to provide a formal written apology and a payment of $2,500. Southeast Region Legal Updates The Southeast DBTAC DOES NOT provide direct legal services to individuals. However, we do keep people informed about legal issues that take place in our courts about ADA decisions. Our Legal Team, headed by William Myhill, J.D., analyzes legal and policy developments relevant to civil rights protections and the impact of court decisions in the Southeast Region’s 5 Circuit Courts under the ADA. Also highlighted are legal terminology and policy developments relevant to information technology (I T) accessibility. Visit www.sedbtac.org/legalissues.php?idpg=54&&audience=All#CLresults to view 37 Alerts arranged alphabetically by name and much more! Professor Myhill is Adjunct Professor of Law at Syracuse University and Senior Research Associate with the Burton Blatt Institute. Department of Justice Update: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Proposal to Revise ADA Regulations under Title II and Title III On Friday, May 30, 2008, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey signed proposed regulations to revise the Department’s ADA regulations, including its ADA Standards for Accessible Design. On Tuesday, June 17, 2008, the proposed regulations were published in the Federal Register. The proposed regulations consist of a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the ADA regulation for State and local governments, a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the ADA regulation for public accommodations and commercial facilities, a Regulatory Impact Analysis, and two supporting appendices. A public hearing on the proposed regulations was held in Washington, DC on July 15, 2008. Public comments can be viewed at www.regulations.gov. To view the comments, go to www.regulations.gov and then enter ADA in the box under “Search Documents.” To further narrow the search after the ADA search, click on “DOJ” in the left column. The public comment period for the proposed regulations ended on August 18, 2008. These proposals are part of the Department’s comprehensive review of its regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. On September 30, 2004, the Department issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking announcing its intention to adopt design standards that are consistent with the revised ADA Accessibility Guidelines published by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also known as the Access Board) on July 23, 2004. The ADA requires the Department to publish regulations that include accessibility standards that are consistent with the Access Board’s guidelines. Until the Department’s rulemaking is complete, the revised ADA Guidelines are effective only as guidance to the Department and the public. The Department must follow-up with a finalized notice after the comment period. In the interim, the existing ADA Standards for Accessible Design are to be followed until the new standards take effect as established in the final notice. Up-to-date information can be found at www.ada.gov/NPRM2008/ADAnprm08.htm and www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/standards-update.htm. Enhance Your ADA Library: New Publications and Videos Questions and Answers: Promoting Employment of Individuals with Disabilities in the Federal Workforce www.eeoc.gov/federal/qanda-employment-with-disabilities.html The Americans with Disabilities Act: Applying Performance and Conduct Standards to Employees with Disabilities www.eeoc.gov/facts/performance-conduct.html Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities and the ADA: A Guide for Employers www.eeoc.gov/facts/veterans-disabilities-employers.html Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities in the Workplace and the ADA www.eeoc.gov/facts/veterans-disabilities.html Department of Justice ADA Technical Assistance CD-ROM (Updated) www.ada.gov/cdorderform/adatacd1.htm My Country Online Streaming Video www.ada.gov/videogallery.htm#my_country National Credit Reporting Companies to Provide Accessible Online Reports Braille and Other Formats Also to Be Made Available The nation’s three major consumer credit reporting companies unveiled a comprehensive program to provide improved access to important credit information for people who are blind or visually impaired. The initiative, crafted with the American Council of the Blind, its California affiliate and several individual members of the blindness community, will help protect the credit information of individuals who cannot read a standard print credit report. Under the plan, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion have begun working to make online credit reports and related information accessible through their jointly operated website, AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site to help consumers obtain free credit reports. Accessible credit reports for people with visual impairments will be available online by October 31, 2008. By the end of the year, the companies will also make credit reports available in braille and other formats at no charge to qualified individuals who cannot access print information. “We are thrilled with the commitment of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to provide credit information in accessible formats,” said Melanie Brunson, Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind. “The initiative being announced today will help people with visual impairments fight identity theft by independently monitoring and reviewing their credit reports as all members of the public should.” Web Site Access The initiative includes a commitment to design online credit reports and related web pages in accordance with guidelines issued by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) (www.w3.org/wai). The guidelines, which do not affect the content or look and feel of a web site, ensure that web sites are accessible to people with visual disabilities. Additional information can be read at www.acb.org/press-pr-credit-report-080423.html. National Federation of the Blind and Target Agree to Class Action Settlement Target Will Ensure That Web Site Remains Accessible to Guests Who Use Assistive Technologies The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and Target have settled a class action lawsuit regarding access to the Target.com Web site by blind people. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “Access to Web sites is critical to the full and equal participation of blind people in all aspects of modern life. The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to have reached a settlement with Target that is good for all blind consumers, and we recognize that Target has already taken action to make certain that its Web site is accessible to everyone. We look forward to working with Target in the coming months to help make additional improvements that will enhance the experience of blind visitors to Target.com. It is our sincere hope that other businesses providing goods and services over the Internet will follow Target’s example and take affirmative steps to provide full access to their Web sites by blind consumers.” Steve Eastman, president of Target.com, said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the National Federation of the Blind regarding the accessibility of Target.com for individuals who use assistive technologies and will work with the NFB on further refinements to our Web site.” As part of the settlement, Target will establish a $6 million fund from which members of the California settlement class can make claims. In addition, the National Federation of the Blind will certify the Target Web site through its Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification program once agreed upon improvements are completed in early 2009. Target and NFB have agreed to a three-year relationship during which NFB will perform accessibility testing of the Target Web site. For more information, visit www.nfbtargetlawsuit.com. Source: www.nfb.org. Our Regional Training Team Attends the National ADA Symposium in St. Louis Building Expertise and Enhancing Our Skills By Mary Morder, Help Desk Specialist, Southeast DBTAC The National ADA Symposium, held each spring, is considered by many to be the most comprehensive national training on the ADA. This year 15 members of our the Southeast DBTAC’s Regional Training and Technical Assistance Teams attended the Symposium, with the intention of enhancing their professional knowledge and expertise as well as building relationships, sharing ideas, and exploring new strategies for success with their national colleagues. In addition to in-depth presentations on key disability-related issues, the Symposium provided the opportunity to be briefed by representatives from the Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Access Board and Department of Transportation. Our team members were able to forge relationships, exchange ideas and discuss emerging issues with policy makers and representatives from these key enforcement agencies. The conference also allows diverse groups to come together and focus on some of our most important national concerns – housing, employment, voting, emergency preparedness, transportation and community access — aiding our team members in creating change at the community and state level. Comments About the ADA Symposium from Members of the Southeast DBTAC Network [quote begins] I always learn something new, and refresh what I already know. I also learn training techniques that I incorporate into my work. Also, the networking with others who do similar work is invaluable to me. There are few people in my normal circle of contact with whom I can discuss complex ADA issues and benefit professionally. [quote ends] Christine Woodell (Mississippi) [quote begins] [I can] make connections with other professionals in the field and can use them as resources when providing technical assistance. [quote ends] Becky Williams (North Carolina) [quote begins] As someone new to the world of disability and accessibility, the Symposium was very important for me to learn more about ADA law, issues and implementation. I gained confidence and a deeper desire to help our organization’s consumers with technical assistance. [quote ends] Katie Weaver (Georgia) [quote begins] My attendance enhances my capacity to continue to share current, accurate information on the ADA with others in my state – those involved in our ADA Network, the Tennessee Disability Coalition member agencies, and ADA partners. Having up-to-date resources and information is critical in ever-changing areas related to the ADA, including changes in rules and regulations and building and accessibility codes. [quote ends] Donna De Stefano (Tennessee) Attendees from the Southeast Region are sharing what they learned with activists in their local communities and working together to create change. Here’s how some of them have put what they learned at the Symposium into practice: Emergency Preparedness During the Symposium, the North Carolina ADA Network Administrator contacted a representative of the Disability and Elderly Emergency Management (DEEM) Task Force in North Carolina to discuss how NC ADA Network local affiliates can be involved in DEEM efforts. As a result, the NC ADA Network is now working with the NC DEEM Task Force – attending task force meetings, giving input on ADA issues and helping the DEEM Task Force recruit participants with disabilities for the fall Emergency Management State Plan workshops in September 2008. The North Carolina ADA Network will also pursue strategies for involving people with disabilities in pre-disaster planning. Result: Funding was approved by the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities for a $45,000 award in FY 2008-09. Accessible Voting The North Carolina ADA Network Local Affiliates met as a group during the Symposium and agreed that affiliate representatives with disabilities will attend all five upcoming NC Board of Elections “Accessible Voting Public Forums.” During these forums, Local Affiliate representatives will introduce themselves as a representative of the NC ADA Network and make comments on voting accessibility issues in their local communities. Upon her return home, the North Carolina ADA Network Administrator met with the NC Board of Elections and submitted a Request for Funding Proposal to involve NC ADA Network Local Affiliates in accessible voting issues. Implementing New ABA/ADA Guidelines The Florida ADA Network Administrator is a member of the Florida Building Code Commission (FBCC), Technical Advisory Committee and Waiver Board. Using information received at the Symposium in a presentation by the U.S. Access Board, he will begin the process of coordinating the eventual implementation of the new ABA/ADA Guidelines by modifying the existing Florida state code (which was previously certified by the Department of Justice) to mirror the new standards, a process that may take several years. The Tennessee ADA Network Administrator made copies of the handouts and her notes from both sessions dealing with State Building Code implementation and sent them to individuals in the State of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, State Fire Marshal’s Office, Codes Enforcement Section. These officials told her that they found the materials helpful and shared the information with others in their Departments who are in policy-making positions. The local Center for Independent Living staff and the Tennessee ADA Network Administrator will continue to follow up as changes are made to state codes. Job Accommodation Strategies One of the Southeast ADA Center’s Local Affiliates attended a session on workplace accommodation strategies conducted by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). She thought some of the strategies were particularly innovative, so she requested permission to use JAN materials during an upcoming training on “Employing Persons with Disabilities: Legal and Practical Advice for Employers.” Written evaluations and feedback from the training will provide data on whether attendees increased their knowledge about job accommodations. The Southeast Region’s Technical Assistance and Training Teams are committed to providing accurate and meaningful information on the ADA and related laws, as well as referrals to services and resources for persons with disabilities. Training events like the DBTAC’s National ADA Symposium are an important part of their ongoing efforts to build better communities where everyone can fully participate. The “Fitting In” Factor By Nancy Duncan, Director, Disability Resource Group Last autumn, the Disability Resource Group conducted three informal focus groups made up of employers asking about hiring standards. These employers included small business owners, metro county managers, and high level corporate Human Resource representatives. The standard that everyone agreed on was the need for the applicant to fit in with the office culture. We asked the participants to specifically define “fit in.” “Fitting in” is a subtle distinction that means the applicant is: flexible; in the middle of the road in most aspects – religion, politics, other social issues; similar to the other people in the office, or if not, able to go along with the group; willing to help others in the group; generally pleasant; not a show off but a team player; dresses like everyone else in the office; has the same work ethic as the managers; etc. Qualifications are important according to these employers, but being able to fit in is the most important qualification. As I listened to the discussions and mulled them over, I concluded that this “fitting in” qualification is often the thing that keeps people with disabilities from getting jobs for which they are highly qualified. People with disabilities have often been more isolated and less involved in a variety of social settings. We have seldom played on a team and are all too often the recipient of help rather than a helper. Many of us have to be very goal oriented in order to succeed in school or work and so don’t develop many social contacts. For those of us who are visually impaired or have mental impairments, we are at a disadvantage in reading facial expressions or body language. By definition people with disabilities are different. It requires imagination and faith in one’s co-workers to envision people with disabilities fitting in. In a 30-minute interview for a job for which 100 people have applied, the employer may not take time to analyze if his/her employees can assimilate a person with a disability. Practical Strategies So what can be done? I have identified several practical steps that might improve employment chances for individuals with disabilities. Share your ideas via email a adaexchange@bellsouth.net. The information will be posted on the Disability Resource website at www.disabilityresourcegroup.org. • Employment placement organizations, disability organizations, and schools should make concerted efforts to help everyone with a disability to have a variety of social experiences with non-disabled peers. Individualized Education Plans, 504 Accommodation Plans, ISP’s transition plans, and treatment plans should include concrete steps and the required supports such as transportation, that help people with disabilities be involved in their communities. • People with disabilities should have volunteer experience in a variety of settings. Support groups and job coaches should help the individual process what goes on in the volunteer setting, especially in terms of personal interactions. These volunteer experiences should start in middle school. Everyone has gifts to offer their community and the community is richer for knowing all its members. I want to be clear here that I am talking about people with all types of disabilities, both developmental and otherwise. Students who have disabilities, but are not in special education, often have less experience in the community than students who have at least participated in community-based education. My first volunteer job was during the summer before my junior year in college. I found my first paying job during the summer before my senior year. A wonderful creative educator hired me, a blind college student with no real work experience, to teach reading to ten sighted fourth graders who were significantly behind in language arts. I, of course, had no job coach or any job support. I paid my nine year old sister to help me translate the materials into Braille and help me with visual aids. The job lasted only eight weeks but it was great for my self-confidence and my resume. • Before we apply for a job or go to an interview, we must do research on the culture of the company or organization to which we are applying. Asking questions of someone who already works for the employer could be helpful. For example: “What are the general dress standards? Do people stay a long time in each job or move around a lot? Do people eat lunch together? Are most of the people single, married, older, etc.? Is there are serious atmosphere or lots of conversation? What level of education have most of the people achieved? What are the main topics of conversation in the break room? The answers to these types of questions may help the applicant know how to present himself/herself so that the fit seems more likely. • I think almost everyone with a disability needs some support person on any new job for about a month. This may cut down on the high rate of job failure among people with disabilities. The support person can help the new employee set up his/her work station to accommodate the particular disability. The support person can also observe office politics and help strategize on the means of fitting in better. There are many groups who are not open to people with any differences. Most of us have run into our fair share of people who just wanted to avoid us. Books such as How to Win Friends and Influence People and Seven Habits of Highly Effective People may help you learn to get along with a variety of people. Support groups of people with and without disabilities are vital in that they help us figure out if our difficulties are a result of our disability or the inflexibility of others. If you are still confused about the “fitting in” thing, this true story may illustrate the problem best. M is a very bright woman in her thirties. She has advanced degrees and ten years of experience in her field. She works for a disability organization where the majority of employees are not disabled. She is witty, friendly, and hard working. She has been very successful in her job for the past two years. Each day she goes out for lunch alone or eats at her desk. She is never invited out by fellow employees. In the break room, she is often ignored and left out of conversations. She is certain that her manager wants to find a reason to fire her. The manager’s only real complaint is that M just does not “fit in.” So far, no one has been able to help M figure out how to turn the situation around. M is worried, lonely, angry, and feels very helpless. She has no clue as to why she does not “fit in.” Until all of the players in the disability employment arena address the “fitting in” factor, I don’t believe that we will successfully budge that 70% unemployment rate among people with disabilities. Editor’s Note: Nancy Duncan is the Executive Director of the Disability Resource Group. She serves on the Southeast DBTAC Affiliate Leadership Council and helps promote voluntary compliance with the ADA across Georgia. These Employer Focus Groups were funded by the Southeast DBTAC. Department Of Labor and Major League Baseball Launch ‘PITCH’ Campaign to Encourage Businesses to Hire People with Disabilities Former Major Leaguer Jim Abbott to Serve as Campaign Spokesman The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), in cooperation with Major League Baseball, has launched the PITCH (Proving Individuals with Talent Can Help) campaign to encourage businesses to hire individuals with disabilities. Former Major League pitcher Jim Abbott will serve as the campaign’s spokesman. The campaign will include radio public service announcements, media awareness activities and appearances at the Little League World Series as well as Major League ballparks during September and October. For more information about the PITCH campaign, visit www.ability.dol.gov. Abbott, born without a right hand, was an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1988. In 1993, while pitching for the New York Yankees, he tossed a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. He pitched 10 seasons in the major leagues with the California Angels, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers. Neil Romano, assistant secretary of labor for ODEP, said, “We are thrilled to have the support of Major League Baseball for this significant campaign. Jim succeeded based on his talent. The goal of this campaign and of our office is to have all businesses consider the great talent that people with disabilities can bring to their organizations.” Abbott added, “This is something that is very important to me. I am honored to be working with the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. I will do all that I can to bring attention to this issue and encourage businesses to look towards people with disabilities when they are hiring for their team.” According to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, in 2006, the employment rate for people with disabilities was 37.7 percent, compared to an employment rate of 79.7 percent for people without disabilities, a 42 percent difference. People with disabilities represent a severely underutilized talent pool. The Office of Disability Employment Policy provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing the use of evidence-based disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities. More information is available at www.dol.gov/odep. City of Birmingham Expands Access to Public Building and Installs Automatic Doors at Entrance Pictured left to right: Miriam Witherspoon, Birmingham City Councilwoman, Charles Priest, Executive Director of the Alabama Head Injury Foundation, Ron Talley, Disability Specialist, Assistech, Stephen Hoyt, Birmingham City Councilman. Linda F. Coleman, ADA Program Director City of Birmingham /Mayor’s Office on the Americans with Disabilities, Bob McKenna, Mayor’s Office Representative, Cameraman, Birmingham Public Works Department [end of document]