News

E-Bulletin

Check out our semimonthly E-Bulletin to keep you up to date on disability related resources, news, and other items of interest.

The Center's ADA In Focus newsletter is published three times each year. Contact our office at (800) 949-4232 Voice/TTY to request a hard copy, accessible formats, or click here to read current or past newsletter issues online. Please note that old newsletter issues may contain inactive links or outdated information.

Importan Notice: Pools

On March 15, 2012 The U.S. Department of Justice issued a 60-day extention of compliance date for existing pools.

60 Day extention of compliance for Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities; Swimming Pools opens a new window

Other News

Changes in New ADA Regulations

U.S. Department of Justice's:
Revised ADA Requirements: Accessible Pools - Means of Entry and Exit opens a new window
Revised ADA Requirements: Accessible Pools - Means of Entry and Exit

DOJ's letter to the American Hotel and Lodging Association regarding accessible entry and exit for swimming pools and spas Link opens a new window
DOJ's letter to the American Hotel and Lodging Association regarding accessible entry and exit for swimming pools and spas

Additional Information on the new regulations:

ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal (New for 2010 Standards)

This checklist is based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It updates the original ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal which was based on the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The original checklist was issued in 1992 and revised in 1995.
Businesses and non-profit organizations removing barriers before March 15, 2012 have the choice of using either the 1991 Standards or the 2010 Standards. Businesses and non-profit organizations removing barriers on or after March 15, 2012 must use the 2010 Standards.

FCC Reinstates Rules Requiring Video Description for Television Programming. Full Compliance Required by 7/1/12

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a requirement under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 to use video description for certain television programming. Video description is narrated descriptions of a television program’s key visual elements that are inserted into pauses in the program's dialogue. These descriptions improve access to television for people who are blind or visually impaired. Full compliance with the rules is required by July 1, 2012. This link opens a PDF document. This information is also in text format.

ADA Anniversary Toolkit (2011)

Across the United States, progress has been made through implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Overview of ADA and ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA)
ADA - Findings, Purpose, and History
ADA from a Civil Rights Perspective
ADA Resources and Publications
ADA and Olmstead Resources
Statistics You Can Use
Tips on Writing a News Release
Sample Proclamation: ADA Anniversary
Regional Anniversary Supplements

Also, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) reflected on the 21st Anniversary of the ADA in the The Hill's Congress Blog. opens a new window

DOJ: ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a new technical assistance document designed to assist state and local officials to improve compliance with the ADA.

The Tool Kit is designed to teach state and local government officials how to identify and fix problems that prevent people with disabilities from gaining equal access to state and local government programs, services, and activities.

Videos

The videos below are all hosted on YouTube. We cannot be responsible for the accessibility of videos or the YouTube player, however we feel the extra information may be helpful to some of our users.