1. Ensuring Accessibility at ADRCs February 5, 2009

2. © Ingenix, Inc. 2 Agenda Introductions  Panelist Discussion: Accessibility  Web/internet accessibility  Legal considerations regarding accessibility  Accessibility in programmatic and public activities of AAAs/ ADRCs/CILs  Participant Discussion: Q & A  Review of Selected ADA Websites  Resources  Contact Information

3. © Ingenix, Inc. 3 Why is Accessibility Important?  It’s the law!  It’s good business!  It’s affecting increasing numbers of people!  Populations of people who are who are aging and people with disabilities are increasing. Accessibility to programs and services is critical as they seek services that: – meet their unique needs, – maximize their independence, – Provide opportunities for full participation in civic life in their communities (including employment, volunteerism and recreation)  Its not on our radar!

4. © Ingenix, Inc. 4 There is a long way to go…  “Only 46% of U.S. communities have even begun any planning efforts to prepare for their aging population.” (n4a, Maturing of America Survey, 2007)  “In many areas, the ADA remains unimplemented, and gaps in information, knowledge, and interest in complying with the ADA still exist.” (NDC, Implementation of the ADA, Best Practices, Challenges and New Opportunities, July 26, 2007)

5. © Ingenix, Inc. 5 What is “accessibility”?  Accessibility The degree to which services, environments, program materials and tools are able to be accessed by as many individuals as possible (Wikipedia) -- Ability to access the benefits and functionalities of products, services and facilities by all who desire to use them -- Includes concepts of universal design and assistive technology

6. © Ingenix, Inc. 6  Universal Design Broad-spectrum design of buildings, dwellings, communication systems and community infrastructure that enables all people to perform tasks and move about with ease in daily life without the need for adaptation or specialized design. -Ron Mace, University of Buffalo  Assistive Technology Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. -IDEA 2004 (§ 602)

7. © Ingenix, Inc. 7  Internet Accessibility Elissa Schley (MN) Mary Chilvers (MN)

8. © Ingenix, Inc. 8  Legal Considerations: Accessibility and the Law Deborah Lisi-Baker(VT) Janet Dermody (VT) Vermont Center for Independent Living

9. © Ingenix, Inc. 9 Accessibility in Public Activities and Programs Paul Lanzikos (MA) North Shore Elder Services

10. © Ingenix, Inc. 10 In the News: Assistive Technology  NPR Link http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId =100029415 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId =100029415

11. © Ingenix, Inc. 11 Accessibility Resources  ADA & Accessibility http://www.ada.gov http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-ada.html http://www.hhs.gov/od/ http://www.ncd.gov  Sect. 508 and 504 of Rehab Act http://www.Section508.gov http://www.Section504.gov

12. © Ingenix, Inc. 12 Enforcement of the ADA Equal Employment Opportunity Commission http://www.eeoc.gov/ Department of Transportation http://www.dot.gov/http://www.dot.gov/  Citizen Services Federal Communications Commission http://www.fcc.gov/http://www.fcc.gov/  Bureaus and Offices  Enforcement Department of Justice http://www.usdoj.govhttp://www.usdoj.gov  Uphold Disability rights  Governing public Accommodations & state and local government services Department of Labor http://www.dol.govhttp://www.dol.gov  Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Civil Rights Center

13. © Ingenix, Inc. 13 Other Resources  United States Access Board Issues guidance to ensure that buildings, facilities and transit vehicles are accessible and usable by people with disabilities http://www.access-board.gov  Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTAC) Provides technical assistance and training regarding accessibility via a national network of 10 regional offices http://www.adata.org  Training, i.e, Program Development Resources http://www.disabilitytraining.com/index.html/http://www.disabilitytraining.com/index.html/  Assistive Technology http://www.abledata.com/

14. © Ingenix, Inc. 14 Resource Documents -- Accessibility  Guide to Disability Rights Law  Healthcare Program Access for People with Disabilities  Starting Points: Access to Community Programs  Making Websites More Accessible (TAE Issue Brief)  ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities

15. © Ingenix, Inc. 15 Panelist contact information—Accessibility  Legal Considerations Deborah Lisi-Bakerdeborah2@vcil.orgdeborah2@vcil.org Janet Dermodydermodyj@vcil.orgdermodyj@vcil.org  Programs and Activities Paul Lanzikosplanzikos@nselder.orgplanzikos@nselder.org  Websites Elissa Schley elissa.j.schley@state.mn.uselissa.j.schley@state.mn.us Mary Chilvers mary.a.chilvers@state.mn.usmary.a.chilvers@state.mn.us