Fall 2011 Newsletter

Volume 15, Number 2
Fall 2011

ADA IN FOCUS is published three times yearly by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. It is also available by request in large print, Braille, audio CD, and computer disk. To obtain copies other formats, contact us.

ADA In Focus is intended for use by individuals, state and local governments, businesses, legal entities, and others interested in developments in the Americans with Disabilities Act. This publication is intended solely as an informal guidance and should not be construed as legally binding. ADA In Focus does not serve as determination of the legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA for any individual, business or entity. About the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

In this issue:

ADA Issues

• New ADA Regulations and Effective Communication
• Definitions
• Video-Remote Interpreting
• Communication and Companions
• Automated Telephone Systems

Training News & Events  

Affiliate News

• ADA Training for Hospitality Industry
• ADA Title II & III Training

What’s New

• National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
• New Publications Provide Guidance on 2010 Regulations
• New topic-focused areas in DOJ’s ADA website

From DOJ’s Website

• Wells Fargo Agrees to Comprehensive Settlement of ADA Issues
• Law School Admission Council Will Make Its Electronic Services Accessible
• Agreement Signed to Ensure Civic Access for People with Disabilities in Maryland

Cool Websites

GOOD NEWS

TransCen Inc. Awarded 2011-2016 ADA Center Grant We’re pleased to announce that TransCen Inc. was chosen as the recipient of the Mid- Atlantic ADA Center (CFDA 84.133A) grant award by the National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). We are once again charged with providing information, training and technical assistance to employers, people with disabilities, and other entities with rights & responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The grant began October 1, 2011 and is scheduled to run through September 30, 2016.

Message from the Director

by Marian Vessels, Director, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

This newsletter’s focus is on the ADA’s emphasis on providing accessible communication. It is no surprise to you that communication is an important aspect in all areas of the ADA. In employment, communication is critical in requesting accommodations and making sure that workplace changes are effective. State and local government needs to communicate to all citizens their willingness to provide accessible government services. Business needs to communicate their willingness to accommodate their customers with disabilities to purchase goods and services.

Technology continues to provide all of us with enhanced ways to communicate. At the signing of the ADA we never would have envisioned being able to talk or sign to each other face to face via the internet. We continue to learn better ways to assure that our websites are fully accessible to all individuals. Check out our newly revised and fully accessible website (as determined by Section 508 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). You can follow the Center on Facebook and on Twitter. You can sign up for our twice a month e-bulletin, a free communication that provides you with the latest information on cases, news items, resources and trainings.

In an effort to support our environment by “going green” and due to budget constraints, this will be our last newsletter in print unless you need a hard copy for accessibility. We look forward to all of you joining us in the clouds to obtain ADA in Focus!

Ms. Vessels is Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. Serving in this role since 1996, among her primary areas of expertise are training and technical assistance on the ADA as it relates to employment, state and local government issues and the hospitality industry. She is in considerable demand as a speaker and trainer.

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