What do we mean by ensuring access for people with disabilities? ___According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), “the term ‘disability’ means an individual has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of his/her major life activities or there is a record of such an impairment or an individual is regarded as having such an impairment.” Types of disabilities include: ___Physical ___Neurological ___Developmental ___Psychological ___Alcoholism Types of access include: ___Physical access ___Access to communication and information ___Access to services ___Access to employment ___Access to education Why try to ensure access for people with disabilities? ___In many countries, it’s the law ___It’s a matter of fairness and respect ___Failing to do so wastes talent and energy ___It makes good business and economic sense ___Many people with disabilities already have a difficult life ___People with disabilities add to the diversity of the community, and that diversity makes everyone’s life richer ___Access for people with disabilities improves access for everyone When should you try to ensure access for people with disabilities? ___When new public facilities are being designed and/or built ___When there’s an addition, renovation, or repair made to a public facility ___When a historic building is rehabilitated for a public use ___When a community group is working on improving or rehabilitating a public facility or space ___When an organization, institution, or agency that provides services or education is moving or renovating its facility ___When there are complaints about lack of access Who should ensure access for people with disabilities? ___People with disabilities themselves ___Organizations concerned with disability rights ___Legislators other public officials ___Enforcing agencies ___Employers ___Educators ___Organizations that provide services ___The court system, when necessary ___Architects and planners ___Developers How do you ensure access for people with disabilities? ___Changing attitudes and educating the public, as well as policymakers, architects and planners, and others about the realities, needs, and rights of people with disabilities may be the most important step ___Demand reasonable accommodation for all types of access ___Tax credits can help make accommodations affordable ___Physical access means access to: Public facilities Federal, state, and local government facilities Outdoor spaces Public ways Public transportation ___Know the design features that constitute physical access ___Access to communication and information means making accessible or providing Signs, posters, and other similar features Announcements Telephones ASL interpretation Readers Internet Television Concerts and theater performances ___In the U.S., people with disabilities cannot be denied access to services for which they’re eligible ___Reasonable accommodations must result in a service that’s equivalent to that which is offered to other eligible participants, although it doesn’t have to be exactly the same in all respects ___Employers cannot refuse to hire someone because of a disability if that person is the best-qualified for a job, except where the disability would make it impossible for the person to do the job ___An employer may fire someone with a disability because of poor job performance if other employees in the same situation would be treated the same way ___Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act guarantees every child ages 6-21 the right to a free public education that meets his needs in the least restrictive environment possible ___In both public and private post-secondary institutions, ADA requires non-discrimination in admissions and accommodation for admitted undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities Advocate for the rights and needs of people with disabilities: ___Demand enforcement of existing laws and regulations ___Work with legislators, and their aides to pass laws that guarantee equality of access and opportunity to people with disabilities ___Work with architects, planners, developers, and interior designers to make them aware of the concerns and needs of people with disabilities ___Enlist the media to help change attitudes and expectations ___Call attention to lack of access whether you have a disability or not ___Keep at it indefinitely
