ADA Overview Presentation Notes

Presented by: Joe Zeske and Jen Perry from the Northeast ADA Center

Introduction

• Host: Rebecca Martin, Rutgers University Edward J. Blaustein School of Planning and Public Policy
• Purpose: ADA overview and training for grantees to improve program accessibility.

Housekeeping Notes

• Training is being recorded
• Captions are enabled
• ASL interpreters spotlighted
• Transcripts available for saving
• Q&A session at the end
• PDF of slides will be sent out
• Acknowledgements to Perry Neron and the NJ Division of Disability Services

Presenters

• Joe Zeske: Program Manager at Northeast ADA Center
• Jen Perry: Colleague from Northeast ADA Center

About Northeast ADA Center

• Affiliated with Cornell University
• Services: Training, technical assistance, research on ADA
• Region: Serves NY, NJ, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands
• Contact: 1-800-949-4232, northeastada.org

What is ADA?

Signed into Law:

• Date: July 26, 1990
• Purpose: Civil rights law to protect individuals with disabilities
• Goals: Equal opportunity, inclusion in the community

Titles of ADA:

1. Title I: Employment
   • Focus on private employers with 15+ employees
   • Enforced by the EEOC
2. Title II: State and Local Government
   • Access to programs and services
   • Enforced by the DOJ
3. Title III: Public Accommodations
   • Businesses and nonprofits
   • Enforced by the DOJ
4. Title IV: Telecommunications
   • Relay systems, equal access
5. Title V: Miscellaneous
   • Provisions applying across all titles, definitions

Definition of Disability

• Three prongs: physical/mental impairment, record of impairment, regarded as having impairment
• Includes conditions like cancer in remission, perceived disabilities
• Major Life Activities: Includes sensory functions, learning, performing manual tasks, etc.
• Flexibility and broad interpretation encouraged

Misunderstandings About ADA

• Not an agency, place, or covering every single situation
• Housing often not covered

Titles Explained

Title I: Employment

• Non-discrimination: Can’t discriminate based on disability
• Equal Opportunity: Equal access to benefits, job requirements, recruitment
• Reasonable Accommodations: Interactive process required
• Qualified Individual: Must meet job requirements
• Enforcement by EEOC: Complaint process through EEOC or NJ Division of Civil Rights

Title II: State and Local Governments

• Covered Entities: Public transport, courthouses, public schools, libraries, etc.
• Program Accessibility: Equal access to all services/activities
• Examples: Relocation of services, modifying policies, providing assistance
• Reasonable Modifications: Flexibility in policies

Title III: Public Accommodations

• Examples: Retail stores, restaurants, theaters, doctor’s offices, etc.
• Responsibilities: Remove barriers, modify policies, ensure access
• Service Animals: Must modify no-pet policies
• Enforcement by DOJ: Online complaint form, private lawsuits

Title IV: Telecommunications

• Access to telephone services, relay operators, closed captioning

Title V: Miscellaneous

• Protects against retaliation

Effective Communication

• Equal communication access for sensory-related disabilities
• Auxiliary Aids: Assistive tools and services, e.g., interpreters, captions, Braille
• Web Accessibility: Websites must be accessible, adhere to WCAG AA
• DOJ involvement and guidance

Questions and Answers

• Topics discussed: Volunteer process accommodation, court procedure modifications, defining disability regarding illegal drug use

Conclusion

• Acknowledgements and thanks
• Appreciation for ASL interpreters
• Reminder of upcoming webinars and resources