Close-Ups: What's New

ADA National Network Fact Sheet Series on 2010 Regulations

English and Spanish Versions Available

The ADA National Network has published a series of brief, user-friendly fact sheets to provide guidance on some of the significant changes to the regulations issued in 2010 for Title II (state and local governments) and Title III (public accommodations and commercial facilities). The ten fact sheets include:

• Overview of Revised Title II and Title III Regulations, which summarizes main points of the other nine fact sheets;
• Effective Communication, which describes updates related to the provision of auxiliary aids and services (such as sign language interpreter services), as well as new requirements related to telecommunication systems;
• Examinations and Courses, which addresses the management of reasonable modifications for classes and tests;
• Places of Lodging, which examines new requirements related to reservation systems;
• Service Animals, which discusses updated provisions related to service dogs, as well as when and where it may be appropriate to admit miniature horses trained to work for people with disabilities;
• Ticketing, which reviews the new requirements related to managing ticket sales and accessible seating for assigned-seat events such as plays, sporting events, and concerts;
• Wheelchairs and Other Power Driven Mobility Devices, which outlines the factors that determine when and where it is appropriate to permit the use of non-traditional mobility devices in facilities;
• Detention and Correctional Facilities, which discusses operational and programming issues, as well as design, construction, and alteration requirements related to jails and prisons;
• Accessible Parking, which outlines the new scoping provisions and technical specifications for accessible parking spaces; and
• Overview of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, which lists some of the major spaces and elements affected by revisions or additions to the new facility standards.

Check out the ADA National Network Fact Sheet Series.

Video Description: Listen for It Coming Soon to a TV Set Near You!

New rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement the video description requirements of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 took effect on July 1 of this year.

Video descriptions are brief narrations of visual elements of a program, provided through a “secondary audio” feature (often identified as “SAP” or “secondary audio program”). Individuals who are blind or have low vision can select this secondary audio track to enhance the accessibility of the program.

Local TV station affiliates of the top four broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, as of this writing) located in the top 25 TV markets will provide about 4 hours per week of video-described prime time and/or children’s programming. The top markets are generally large cities and surrounding areas, ranging from New York City to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and including the Mid-Atlantic cities of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Washington, DC area.

The top 5 non-broadcast networks (currently the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, TBS, TNT, and USA) must also provide about 4 hours per week of video-described prime time and/or children’s programming.

For more details, visit the FCC’s Video Description Guide.

Updated Q & A on HIV/AIDS

The Department of Justice issued an updated publication on discrimination against people with HIV or AIDS. Questions and Answers: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Persons with HIV/AIDS outlines the provisions of the ADA that address employment, state and local government programs, and the goods and services offered by a variety of private businesses. Additionally, the document includes information about the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carriers Access Act, which also protect people with HIV or AIDS, as well as contact information for enforcement agencies and other resources.

Family and Medical Leave Act Employee Guide

The Department of Labor published a 16-page, plain language booklet designed to answer common questions about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The guide provides information for workers about what employers are covered, when and why employees may be eligible to take leave under the Act, how to communicate with employers and manage requests, notifications, medical certifications, and return to work issues, and file complaints if necessary.

On Anniversary of Olmstead, Obama Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Assist Americans with Disabilities

The Supreme Court ruled on June 22, 1999 in the case of Olmstead v L.C. that the unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The White House issued a press release highlighting the efforts of various federal agencies to promote and enforce the implementation of the Olmstead decision, including collaborative programs from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to increase affordable, integrated housing options.

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