2010 LEGAL ISSUES WEBINAR SERIES: EMPLOYMENT AND THE ADA

When Congress passed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, it repudiated two of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ADA decisions. (Sutton and Williams) But what about the other ADA cases decided by the Supreme Court? These cases involved important issues including reasonable accommodation and seniority systems, the definition of employee and employer, pretext, the impact of qualifying for Social Security benefits, and direct threat. What impact have these cases had? This session will provide an in-depth review of lower court interpretations of the major Supreme Court ADA decisions that were not covered by the ADA Amendments Act and provide guidance for interpreting those issues in the future.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

Webinar and Audio Conference Series
Provided by the Access Board and the National Network of ADA Centers (DBTACs)

This session will provide an overview of the Board’s refresh of accessibility standards and guidelines for information and communication technologies under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Telecommunications Act. The Board is updating these requirements to address changing technologies and market trends. Board representatives will provide an update on this rulemaking and outline draft revisions to the standards and guidelines.

For more information:http://www.access-board.gov/webinars.htm

Presented by the Job Accommodation Network.

JAN Webcasts

Corporate Infrastructure: Diversity Initiatives that Promote the Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. [Eastern]
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. [Central]

The purpose of this webinar will be to learn from employers who have developed and implemented a wide range of diversity initiatives with the assistance of community partners that promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the workforce, marketplace and supply chain.

Participants will learn about specific corporate strategies related to:

• Strategic Recruitment and Outreach
• Developing an Employees with Disabilities Affinity Group
• Efforts to Include Disability-Owned Businesses into the Supply Chain

  Registration:
  DEADLINE: Febraury 8, 2010
  Limited to 250 sites!
  Employer Webinar Series
  

ADA AUDIO CONFERENCE SERIES

The aging workforce is likely to result in increasing numbers of workers with disabilities. By the year 2010, this group will account for nearly half (44%) of the working age population (20-64), and the number of people with disabilities between the ages of 50 and 65 is predicted to double. Disability management and accommodation policies and practices readily lend themselves to addressing the challenges employers will face with an aging workforce, and the increasing prevalence of disability that these demographics bring. Join this session for a discussion of the practices associated with maximizing the productivity of an aging workforce and contribute to aging worker retention.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

Holiday Inn Conference Center York, PA

The DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and Eastlake, Derry & Associates announce the Access to ADAAG training series for 2010! These workshops, presented by Mark Derry, will focus on the "new" Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).

Yes, the new ADAAG is coming! The U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted it, and the U.S. Department of Justice is not far behind!

Whether you are a novice or an "old hand," if you work in the areas of disability advocacy, accessibility, or architectural design, these workshops are for you!

The Level I Training will include these topics:

• Fundamentals of accessibility and usability
• Basics of ADA, ABA, and other laws
• The federal rulemaking process
• Guidelines, standards, and codes (oh, my!)
• Resources to find out what you don't know

For registration information: DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

Webinar and Audio Conference Series
Provided by the Access Board and the National Network of ADA Centers (DBTACs)

Whether you are responsible for a large project funded by the Recovery Act or the alteration of a Federal building, you need to know and follow the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards. This session will help familiarize you with the ABA standards and other applicable requirements with emphasis on those governing federally funded alteration and renovation projects.

For more information:http://www.access-board.gov/webinars.htm

San Antonio, Texas

“A Universal Approach to Interpretive Planning, Programs and Design” focuses on methods and techniques for developing programs and exhibits that benefit people of all abilities. The course is ideal for interpreters and interpretive planners, educators, accessibility coordinators, program coordinators, curators and exhibit planners, designers and fabricators. Training sessions will concentrate on the movement away from minimal accessibility standards and “specialized” design to the benefits of universal designs that can be utilized by people of all abilities. Participants will gain an understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and the application of the principles of Universal Design to interpretive sites, museums, zoos, aquariums, historic sites, nature centers and recreation areas. Sessions will highlight the evolving use of accessible technology for multi-media programs while addressing access to exhibits, audiovisual programs, museum and education programs, published materials and communications. Additional discussion will include considerations for developing contracts, scope of work and budgets for exhibit design and fabrication. Participants will also gain a greater understanding of the critical use of tactile methods with maps, exhibits and objects.

For registration information, visit the National Center on Accessibility website:
www.ncaonline.org

Presented by the Job Accommodation Network.

JAN Webcasts

ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY WEBINAR SERIES

Description: This webinar will focus on best practices for making documents accessible when they are going to be distributed electronically, including but not limited to PDF, Powerpoint, and Word documents. This session will be of interest to individuals who are involved in the development of documents for dissemination whether they be doing it as a website content manager or an HR Manager distributing information to potential candidates to an instructor preparing materials for posting on their course content pages or for distribution via email.

For more information and to register:
Accessible Technology Webinar Page

Corporate Strategy: Providing Accessibility for Employees and Customers

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. [Eastern]
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. [Central]

Three-quarters of people with disabilities are heads of household; nearly half (48 percent) of people with disabilities are the principal shoppers in their household. Capturing brand loyalty from these consumers is a solid strategy for increasing sales within this segment. The purpose of the webinar will be to highlight how businesses can create a competitive edge and avoid litigation by providing the same level of customer service to all customers including individuals with disabilities.

Registration - DEADLINE: March 9, 2010

Employer Webinar Series

In Rockville, Maryland

This session will feature speakers from the Job Accommodation Network and the DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center to review the employment provisions and discuss the implications of applicants and employees with mental health concerns.

For more information:
https://www.regonline.com/mentalhealth

ADA AUDIO CONFERENCE SERIES

What to measure, how to measure, who is qualified to do a survey and what tools are available to support this activity are commonly asked questions. This two-part series will explore the requirements to conduct accessibility surveys by business, government and educational institutions to ensure that they meet the requirements of the ADA. Topics to be covered include what to look for in an existing facility as well as a facility that has undergone renovation and/or was newly constructed since the implementation date of the ADA. Experts in the field will share their "lessons learned" and tricks of the trade.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

Webinar and Audio Conference Series
Provided by the Access Board and the National Network of ADA Centers (DBTACs)

The Board originally issued its ADA Accessibility Guidelines for transportation vehicles in 1991. New technologies and vehicles have been introduced into public transportation. This session will review proposed updates to the ADA guidelines for buses and vans. Subsequent rulemaking will be undertaken to update requirements for rail cars and other types of vehicles covered by the guidelines.

For more information:http://www.access-board.gov/webinars.htm

Holiday Inn Conference Center York, PA

The DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and Eastlake, Derry & Associates announce the Access to ADAAG training series for 2010! These workshops, presented by Mark Derry, will focus on the "new" Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).

Yes, the new ADAAG is coming! The U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted it, and the U.S. Department of Justice is not far behind!

Whether you are a novice or an "old hand," if you work in the areas of disability advocacy, accessibility, or architectural design, these workshops are for you!

The Level II Training will include these topics:

• Advanced level of accessibility and usability
• New ADAAG in depth
• Special spaces (medical facilities, courtrooms, etc.)
• Hands-on exercises with facility survey tools

For registration information: DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

2010 LEGAL ISSUES WEBINAR SERIES: EMPLOYMENT AND THE ADA

Reasonable accommodation issues continue to be one of the most frequently litigated ADA issues. This session will identify the major trends arising in reasonable accommodation cases and analyze recent court decisions interpreting the reasonable accommodation provisions of the ADA.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

Corporate Strategy: Understanding ADA and Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. [Eastern]
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. [Central]

The purpose of this webinar will be to learn about businesses and employer rights and responsibilities under the ADA and the recently enacted ADA Amendments Act. This brief but thorough overview of both Acts will inform you about what the ADA actually says and requires—and what it does not. For example, it is not an affirmative action law; it is a civil rights law that protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of their disability. You can fire an individual with a disability for failure to perform the essential functions of the job; if requested, you do need to provide a cost-effective, reasonable accommodation to their disability to enable them to perform those essential functions. Learn all this and more in this fast-paced and accurate overview of both laws.

For more information:

Employer Webinar Series

Synergy: Together We Act

The International Pacific Rim Conference (Pac Rim) on Disabilities has been widely recognized over the past 25 years as one of the most diverse gatherings in the world. The event encourages and respects voices from diverse perspective across numerous areas, including: voices from persons representing all disability areas; experiences of family members and supporters across all disability areas; responsiveness to diverse cultural and language differences; evidence of researchers and academics studying disability; stories of persons providing powerful lessons; examples of program providers, natural supports and allies of persons with disabilities and; action plans to meet human and social needs in a globalized world.

Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities

Presented by the Job Accommodation Network.

JAN Webcasts

ADA AUDIO CONFERENCE SERIES

This is the conclusion of the two-part series that explore the requirements to conduct accessibility surveys by business, government and educational institutions to ensure that they meet the requirements of the ADA. Topics to be covered include what to look for in an existing facility as well as a facility that has undergone renovation and/or was newly constructed since the implementation date of the ADA. Experts in the field will share their "lessons learned" and tricks of the trade.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

Bradford Woods
Martinsville, Indiana

Whether it’s a hike along a historic battery, ocean vista, fishing pond, protected wetland, geyser or lava field, every trail provides a unique recreational experience. This course will focus on creating the accessible recreational experience for people with disabilities and their companions through the planning, design, construction and maintenance processes. The 2-day seminar will introduce the draft final accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas and provide an overview of the scoping and technical provisions for trails. Use of GIS/GPS and the trail assessment process will be discussed. Participants will have an opportunity to look at various types of trail surfaces, materials and soil stabilizing products. Discussions will also include the application of the program access standard to the trail experience. The picturesque course setting is that of Bradford Woods, the 2,400 acre outdoor education center of Indiana University, nationally recognized for its camp and environmental education programming, and internationally recognized for its universally designed outdoor amphitheater.

For registration information, visit the National Center on Accessibility website:
www.ncaonline.org

Webinar and Audio Conference Series
Provided by the Access Board and the National Network of ADA Centers (DBTACs)

Access to toilet and bathing facilities is the subject of many technical inquiries received by the Board. This session will review scoping and technical requirements for toilet and bathrooms. Illustrations and diagrams will be used to explain how various specifications apply and relate, including those for clear floor space, required clearances and fixtures and doors, and turning space.

For more information:http://www.access-board.gov/webinars.htm

Presented by the Job Accommodation Network.

JAN Webcasts

ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY WEBINAR SERIES

Description: This webinar session is an overview of accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, specifically Assistive Technology. It will highlight how assistive and accessible technology work together to create a successful working environment for people with disabilities.

Speaker: David Dikter, Executive Director of the Assistive Technology Industry Foundation Mr. Dikter is the executive director of the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) and manages the overall mission of ATIA to bring assistive technology to people with disabilities. He is responsible for all aspects of the ATIA annual conference, public awareness, government education and work on national policy issues as it relates to assistive and accessible technologies. Dikter sits on the W3C-Web Accessibility Initiative Steering Council and works with diverse groups to promote AT and the needs of individuals with disabilities.

For more information and to register:
Accessible Technology Webinar Page

ADA AUDIO CONFERENCE SERIES

Customers with disabilities are a growing market in the hospitality industry. Millions of people with disabilities regularly travel, shop, and eat out with family and friends. According to Census 2000, approximately 20.9 million families in this country have at least one member with a disability. An Open Doors Organization study estimated in 2003 that diners with disabilities would spend $35 billion in restaurants that year and the number was expected to grow and it has. The study also found that more than 75% of people with disabilities report that they eat out at restaurants at least once a week. Furthermore, The New York Times reported that spending by travelers with disabilities exceeds $13.6 billion annually. These statistics alone make the business case for ensuring access for customers with disabilities. Join this session to hear more about what the hospitality industry is doing to serve this market and their experiences doing so.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

26th Annual Employment, Training & Education Conference:

Building a Sustainable Workforce

The Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA

Pennsylvania Partners website

2010 LEGAL ISSUES WEBINAR SERIES: EMPLOYMENT AND THE ADA

When someone does not have a visible disability, such as diabetes, epilepsy, chemical sensitivity, asthma, mental illness and HIV/AIDS, it frequently can raise unique issues for both the employer and the employee. This session will review the legal issues and court decisions when "invisible" disabilities are at issue, including pre-employment inquiries and medical examinations, workplace disclosure, reasonable accommodation issues (such as leave and modified schedules), and confidentiality.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

Presented by the Job Accommodation Network.

JAN Webcasts

This session for ADA coordinators will discuss the challenging problems facing government coordinators and draw on the groups' experience and guidance of Sally Conway, U.S. Department of Justice.

More information will be available later at:
DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

ADA AUDIO CONFERENCE SERIES

Where does the 54 million Americans living with a disability number come from? Where can I get more information about disability data sources? Why are there different numbers out there about the unemployment rate of people with disabilities? These are just a few of the questions that are frequently asked about disability statistics. Join this session as we explore the various sources of statistics related to disability, how to use them and interpret them and what can we expect to learn about disability from the 2010 US Census.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

The Network of DBTAC-ADA Centers will host the 2010 National ADA Symposium: A 20th Anniversary Celebration, in Denver, Colorado.

As session details, activities and registration options develop, they will be posted on the National ADA Symposium website: ADA Symposium Website So be sure to bookmark the page and check back often!

National ADA Symposium Coordinators
Lisa Hamburg, Events Coordinator hamburgl@missouri.edu
Mike Edwards, Session Coordinator edwardsmic@missouri.edu
DBTAC-Great Plains ADA Center
100 Corporate Lake Drive
Columbia, MO 65203
573-882-3600 (V/TTY)

Portland, Oregon

A comprehensive accessibility management program is the key to success for park and recreation agencies. This NCA training course is designed to give accessibility coordinators in parks and recreation a broad perspective and foundation for implementing an accessibility management program. This course is ideal for professionals with newly appointed responsibilities and for those looking to brush up on the latest information for accessibility compliance. Sessions will include discussions of the characteristics and needs of people with disabilities, legislative mandates and litigation, accessibility standards and common errors, the application of universal design to park and recreation environments, program access, considerations for conducting accessibility assessments, visitor use and marketing, and comprehensive planning. Examples and best practices in accessibility management will be presented throughout the sessions. A field exercise will give participants an opportunity to practice conducting an accessibility assessment along with discussing considerations for prioritization of physical and programmatic barrier removal.

For registration information, visit the National Center on Accessibility website:
www.ncaonline.org

Presented by the Job Accommodation Network.

JAN Webcasts

ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY WEBINAR SERIES

Description: This session will discuss the myths surrounding accessibility and demonstrate how accessibility benefits a wide range of people. Participants will be able to make a business case for the investment of accessibility.

Speaker: Frances West, Director of the IBM Human Ability & Accessibility Center Frances is Director of the IBM Human Ability & Accessibility Center. The Center’s mission is to enable human capability through innovation, so all people can reach their potential, regardless of age or ability. She is charged with the worldwide responsibility of establishing IBM market leadership by promoting IBM advanced research technology, products, services and solutions in the area of human ability and accessibility. Prior to this assignment, Frances was Director, Channels, Alliances and Business Development for the Lotus Software Group. She recruited and managed IBM Business Partners globally that specialize in Lotus software. In addition, Frances was Director, Financial Services Sector Solutions in the IBM Global Services organization. She managed investment funding and executed financial services solution plans for banking, insurance and financial markets globally. In 2005, Frances was nominated to be on the Board of Directors of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and of the Assistive Technology Industry Association. She also was invited to testified, on behalf of the IT industry, at a US Senate hearing on the impact of accessibility open standards on the European Union. In 2006, she spoke at the UN e-Accessibility Conference in New York City, an UN International Day of Disabled Persons event.

For more information and to register:
Accessible Technology Webinar Page

NCIL Annual Conference 2010

20 Years of the ADA: The Fight Goes On!

Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C.

NCIL 2010 Annual Conference

ADA AUDIO CONFERENCE SERIES

Mark the historic 20th anniversary of the ADA by joining this audio conference as we listen to representatives of the Federal Agencies present an update on their litigation, technical assistance and enforcement efforts over the past year, including highlights of accomplishments over the past 20 years. Participants will have an opportunity to pose questions to the presenters regarding issues in their own workplace or community.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

ADA 1990–2010 Retrospective and Future Policy Directions

Hosted by the National Council on Disability

Renaissance Hotel, Washington, D.C.

(NCD), this Summit commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a reception, an ADA retrospective and a series of working meetings. The results of the meetings will help shape disability policy and programs for the next decade. Topics for discussion include the following 10 tracks:

2010 LEGAL ISSUES WEBINAR SERIES: EMPLOYMENT AND THE ADA

Employers and people with disabilities frequently have questions about the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s role in interpreting and enforcing Title I of the ADA. This session will provide participants with a clear understanding of the EEOC’s administrative process, including work share agreements, mediation, investigations, and case selection, as well as an update on the EEOC's ADA litigation.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

Presented by the Job Accommodation Network.

JAN Webcasts

Chris Kuczynski, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, will present the latest information on the ADA Amendments Act regulations as well as other employment issues.

More information will be available later at:
DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

ADA AUDIO CONFERENCE SERIES

Parents of children with disabilities are often faced with limited choices when it comes to locating appropriate after school and daycare programs to meet the needs of their children. Many daycare and after school providers are reticent about accepting children with disabilities into their programs based on the fear that they are not able to provide the child with the services that they need, they don't have the "specialized " staff that may be needed, unfounded fear that the cost of serving a child with a disability is too great or a general bias against serving individuals with disabilities. Join our speakers as they discuss best practices in day care and after school programs for serving children with disabilities and resources that are available to assist providers and parents.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY WEBINAR SERIES

Description: Video has become a common means of sharing information about everyday activities and events. Yet, this technology remains largely inaccessible to people with sensory impairments. While there are tools available to facilitate the creation of accessible video content the availability and use of these tools is not widely known and/or understood. This session will review the key features of an accessible video, steps to consider when planning and developing accessible video content and demonstrate how it can be utilized.

Speaker: Marsha Swanke, Web Developer Marsha S. Schwanke, Web Developer, CTRS, has eight years experience designing, programming, testing and managing content-rich, database-driven web applications that maximize accessibility and usability based on “best practices” research and established guidelines, such as the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508. She is currently responsible for the development, content management, and support of five webcourses and the web projects of the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center – A Project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University. Marsha has a Bachelors Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Ohio University and a Masters Degree in Information Technology from American Intercontinental University. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with over twenty years experience as a manager and practitioner working with children and adults with disabilities in hospital and community settings. Since 1995, she has authored and facilitated numerous trainings on disability awareness, web accessibility, and assistive technology.

For more information and to register:
Accessible Technology Webinar Page

ADA AUDIO CONFERENCE SERIES

Studies show that a large number of individuals within the prison system are people with disabilities. The literature discusses how the various systems serving incarcerated individuals have historically treated people with disabilities as second class citizens and ignored their rights to equal access whether it be access to medical care, the removal of physical barriers or provision of effective communication. This session will explore the strides that have been made and strategies implemented within the corrections community to address the rights of individuals with disabilities while retaining it's focus on imposing punishment.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org

2010 LEGAL ISSUES WEBINAR SERIES: EMPLOYMENT AND THE ADA

The passage of the ADA Amendments Act sought to change the narrow interpretations by courts of the definition of disability. But what has been the real impact of the ADAAA? This session will analyze the initial case decisions interpreting the provisions of the ADAAA and its regulations, and identify any emerging trends.

For more information:
http://www.ada-audio.org