ADA Live!: Recent Episodes
WADA Live
Ask your questions and learn about your rights and responsibilities on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Leaders in the field will share their knowledge, experience and success for practical methods and leading practices that advance disability inclusion within your communities and businesses.
Under Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), people with disabilities enjoy legal capacity — the capacity for rights and capacity to act — on an equal basis with others in all aspects of life. Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a framework that supports this right and helps individuals with disabilities make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people. Supported Decision-Making is an alternative to guardianship.
In this episode, thoughtful leaders Peter Blanck, Ph.D., J.D. and Jonathan Martinis, Esq., J.D. of the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University, will discuss recent court cases where rights were restored and Supported Decision-Making teams were established.
You can submit your questions, explore resources and view the complete program schedule and archived shows on www.adalive.org.
Speaker: Bobbie Holsclaw, Court Clerk and Chairwoman of Jefferson County Kentucky Board of Elections
Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. Yet for too long, many people with disabilities have been excluded from this core aspect of citizenship. Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. Yet for too long, many people with disabilities have been excluded from this core aspect of citizenship. The November mid-term elections will soon be upon us! Knowing our voting rights, including the right to accessible polling places, is critical to having our voices heard and participating fully in our communities. Please join us at 1:00 p.m. (ET) on August 1st for ADA Live! when our topic will be voting rights and access to polling places. This episode will feature Ms. Bobbie Holsclaw, a County Court Clerk and Chairwoman of the Jefferson County Board of Elections who will share with us her experiences in ensuring voting is accessible for all. . Learn more and submit your questions.
Back by popular demand just in time for summer, the Southeast ADA Center is rebroadcasting the "ADA Live!" Show: Beach Access. In this episode we will discuss how to make a beach accessible to people with disabilities. This episode will examine challenges such as beach and wildlife protections alterations to an existing beach (including upgrades to parking, circulation path, and restroom facilities) and what defines an accessible route.
Transcript (Text file) | Transcript (PDF file)
Speaker: Amy Rauworth, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Lakeshore Foundation & Associate Director of the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD)
Submit your questions for: Inclusive Healthy Communities and the ADA
The lack of participation in physical activity is a serious public health concern in the United States. It is of even greater concern for the almost 56 million people with disabilities who may face additional barriers to being physically active and are, therefore, at increased risk for developing serious health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity can provide individuals with disabilities the strength and stamina required to participate in all aspects of life actively and successfully.
Efforts to create inclusive, healthy communities will directly affect generations to come and will improve the quality of life for all community members. A truly facilitating community is one in which health promotion activities are as accessible to people with disabilities as they are to people without disabilities. All individuals have the right to conditions and resources that ensure optimal health. However, socioeconomic, structural, programmatic and attitudinal barriers within the community are now widely recognized as major contributors to health disparities experienced by people with disabilities.
In this episode, we will discuss promising practices and strategies for developing inclusive healthy communities, which include transportation policies and environmental changes to ensure streets are safe, accessible and convenient for all users.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 - 1:00 pm EDT
Speakers: Joe Caldwell, Director Long-Term Services - National Council on Aging (NCOA) Leslie Fried, Senior Director - Center for Benefits Access - National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Have a Question: Submit your questions for Disability and Aging: Medicare, Medicaid, and Benefits Enrollment Assistance
Each day over 10,000 individuals become eligible for Medicare due to age or disability. Learning about what Medicare covers and navigating the Medicare enrollment process can be challenging. During this episode, we’ll provide an overview of the parts of Medicare, when and how someone can enroll, and then discuss what services are and are not covered under Medicare. Then we’ll delve a little deeper and look at ways your clients can apply for assistance covering their Medicare costs, and how Medicare coordinates with other coverage, like Medicaid. Finally, you’ll learn where to go in your community to help your residents with complex Medicare questions.
Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2018 - 1:00 pm EDT Speaker:Stephen Kuusisto, poet and author of 'Have Dog, Will Travel' Professor in the Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies at Syracuse University Have a Question: Submit your questions for: Have Dog, Will Travel Description: In this episode of ADA Live!, Stephen Kuusisto will discuss his new memoir Have Dog, Will Travel: A Poet’s Journey. Kuusisto, a professor at Syracuse University, is a noted disability rights advocate and in his new book he describes the joys and intricacies of working with a professionally trained guide dog. He will also discuss many other topics including: What is a service animal? Who invented the guide dog? What can we learn from animal-human interactions? What can dogs do for people with disabilities?
Learn More At ADALive!
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 - 1:00 pm EST
Speaker(s):
Joe Caldwell, Director Long-Term Services - National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Leslie Fried, Senior Director - Center for Benefits Access - National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Have a Question:
Submit your questions for Disability and Aging: Community Living and Policy
Description:
Older adults and individuals with disabilities share desires to live independently in the community and age with dignity and respect. However, our current system of long-term services and supports (LTSS) forces individuals to impoverish themselves, places enormous burdens on unpaid family caregivers, and is based towards nursing homes and institutional services.
This epsiode is the first of a two-part conversation with the National Council on Aging.
More at ADALive.org
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - 1:00 pm EST
Speaker: Beth Milito, Senior Executive Counsel of the National Federation of Small Business
Have a Question:Submit your questions for: Small Business and the ADA
Description:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities under Title I of the Act. Title I only applies to businesses that have more than 15 employees. Title III of the ADA requires businesses, regardless of the number of employees, to make the goods and services they offer to the general public also available to customers and clients with disabilities.
In this episode of WADA ADALive!, Beth Milito, Senior Executive Counsel of the National Federation of Small Business, will discuss small business concerns, challenges, and best practices in accommodating both employees and customers. Topics include: Concerns small businesses have in accommodating their employees. How advocates can support small businesses in making their facilities accessible. Addressing the threat of "fly by" lawsuits. And future challenges small business may meet, including website accessibility and the aging workforce.
Learn more about ADALive!
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 - 1:00 pm EST
Speaker: Michael Morris - Executive Director of the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University, founder and Executive Director of the National Disability Institute (NDI)
Submit your questions for: ABLE Accounts
Adults with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who do not have a disability. ABLE accounts are a way for individuals with disabilities and their families to build wealth without jeopardizing means or resource tested benefits. Created by the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save money and continue eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. This episode of WADA ADA Live! features Michael Morris, Director of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University and founder and Executive Director of the National Disability Institute, discussing the opportunities ABLE accounts provide in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2017 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Speakers:
Cheri Hofmann - Distance Learning Coordinator / Information Specialist, Southeast ADA Center
Rebecca Williams - Information Specialist / Technical Assistance, Southeast ADA Center
Description:
Questions about service animals and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? There are numerous types of assistance/ service animals available to assist people with disabilities. Guide animals help individuals who are blind navigate their surroundings. Some service animals provide physical and/or psychological support to individuals with various disabilities. Federal laws governing the right to be accompanied by these animals in various settings can be confusing.
This episode of ADA Live! will review the definitions and differences between a service animal and an emotional support animal. We will overview the ADA regulations and policies for service animals and discuss access for individuals with disabilities using service animals in places of business and housing. We will also address common questions from businesses, such as “what am I allowed to ask a person with a service animal?” and "can a restaurant or hotel refuse to allow a service animal???“
Our guest speakers will be: Rebecca Williams, Information Specialist / Technical Assistance and Cheri Hofmann, Distance Learning Coordinator / Information Specialist from the Southeast ADA Center.?
More information about this episode >>
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This month’s episode of ADA Live! will talk about Customized Employment, a flexible process that personalizes the employment relationship by hiring a job seeker with a disability to meet the specific needs of an employer in a way that benefits both the employer and job seeker, regardless of pre-existing job descriptions. This episode will discuss the process of Customized Employment, including the job search, negotiations, and how this benefits businesses. We will also highlight resources that are available to help employers best implement Customized Employment.
Have a Question? Submit your questions to ADA Live! for: The Process of Customized Employment Web: adalive.org/submit_question
For more information Visit ADALive.org
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 - 1:00 pm EDT
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Newman, Executive Director of Academic Support Services, and ADA/504 Coordinator - Lesley University
A food allergy may be considered a disability under federal laws, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some individuals with food allergies have a disability, particularly those with more significant or severe responses to certain foods.
Join us as Dr. Daniel Newman is Executive Director of Academic Support Services, and ADA/504 Coordinator at Lesley University discusses how the settlement agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice and Lesley University in Massachusetts helped to increase awareness among higher education professionals that food allergies and celiac disease may qualify as a disability under the ADA. We will also discuss challenges and solutions to how Universities can accommodate and support students with specific allergens.
Have a Question: Submit your questions for Food Allergies and the ADA
Presenters Mary Morder, Materials Development Specialist at the Southeast ADA Center, Christine Woodell, ADA Trainer for LIFE of Mississippi, and Christy Dunaway, Disability Integration Coordinator with MEMA, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Emergency situations usually happen without any warning, so most of us are not prepared for them. Everyone – whether or not you have a disability – should be prepared for sudden emergencies.
An emergency can mean a flood, fire, earthquake, hurricane or other natural disaster. But an emergency can also be something like a natural gas leak or a sudden sinkhole in your neighborhood, or a tree falling on your house.
In this episode of WADA ADALive, the presenters will talk about what anyone should do in an emergency situation, but they will talk more specifically about what people with disabilities should do when an emergency or disaster happens and what they should do after the emergency.
Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 - 1:00 pm EDT
Speakers: Larry Logue, Ph.D., senior fellow at BBI and former professor of history at Mississippi College and William Myhill, Director of Legal Research and Writing at Burton Blatt Institute
Have a Question: Submit your questions for The History of Disability
Looking at the history of disability allows us to see the big picture and details of what has happened and to examine what society is capable of. The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has often been called a turning point in the history of people with disabilities. In this episode we will look at other turning points in the history of disability in America, including an examination of veterans of wars. Veterans are supposed to be outside the usual understanding of disability, but nonetheless, they have experienced distinctive psychological disorders and considerable racial/ethnic discrimination. What can veterans, and how they were perceived and treated over the years, teach us about disability today? Join Larry Logue, senior fellow at BBI and former professor of history at Mississippi College; and William Myhill, Director of Legal Research and Writing at Burton Blatt Institute as they discuss how the treatment of veterans has changed since wounded veterans of the Civil War camped in front of Lincoln's White Hous?e.
The goal of Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston is to support the creation of authentic, inclusive college experiences that lead not only to academic and social growth, but also integrated competitive employment outcomes for youth with intellectual disability. Students with intellectual disability who go to college are 26% more likely to leave vocational rehabilitation services with a paid job and earn a 73% higher weekly income. There are now over 260 colleges and university that have opened their doors to students with ID. As more students with intellectual disability express their desire to go continue their education, more colleges respond by creating opportunities for learning. Teachers need to learn about these opportunities so that they curb the low expectations that are too often placed upon children with intellectual disability. Families need to know about these options so that they can make help prepare their children for a different and better future. And most of all, youth and young adults with intellectual disabilities need to know that college is a realistic option for their future. One that can lead to increased knowledge, social connections and better employment outcomes. To support and expand this progress we need to increase public awareness about these college options, increase efforts to expand existing options, and targeted research to document the outcome that higher education can have on the lives of people with intellectual disability.
Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - 1:00 pm EDT
Speaker: Allison Wohl, Executive Director APSE (The Association of People Supporting Employment First)
Have a Question: Submit your questions for: Why Your Advocacy Matters
Allison will talk about major changes at the state and federal level that impact people with disabilities and the people who serve them. We will discuss the importance of grassroots advocacy in this environment and why it is more important than ever.
A hallmark of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the provision of reasonable accommodation to ensure equality in the workplace. In this episode of ADA Live, we will discuss what is and is not reasonable accommodation and how to request accommodation. When employers hear the word “disability,” they may become concerned with cost and legal liability. Often, employers do not understand that they too have rights under ADA. Employees generally do not know that they have responsibilities in disclosing disability and the need for accommodation.
This presentation will address the following questions: What is “Reasonable Accommodation?” What is not “Reasonable Accommodation?” When can someone get an accommodation? How do I ask for accommodation? What rights and responsibilities do I have as a person with a disability? What rights and responsibilities does an employer have? When is the “right time” to disclose a need for accommodation? What are the concerns people have when they disclose a disability and how are they protected?
Learn More at ADALive.org
A food allergy may be considered a disability under federal laws, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A disability as defined by the ADA is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, such as eating. Major life activities also include major bodily functions, such as the functions of the gastrointestinal system. Some individuals with food allergies have a disability as defined by ADA, particularly those with more significant or severe responses to certain foods.
Join us as Pamela Williamson shares her personal story regarding food allergies and provides recommendations regarding requesting accommodations. In addition, Corinne Gilliam, Disability Services Specialist at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, discusses how Vanderbilt University addresses food allergies and discusses how the settlement agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice and Lesley University in Massachusetts helped to increase awareness among higher education professionals that food allergies and celiac disease may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Learn more at ADALive.org
In this episode, Diana Foote, Executive Director of the Global Universal Design Commission, and Michael Rotella, Associate Director, will discuss Universal Design. They will define Universal Design and provide some examples. They will also talk about the benefits of Universal Design and identify how it benefits a wide range of people. They will also explain how Universal Design differs from building codes and the ADA.
Learn More about ADALive!
Back by popular demand, the "ADA Live!" Show: The School Year Has Started - And It's Not Going Well. What Can I Do? is being rebroadcast by the Southeast ADA Center. This session of WADA ADA Live! continues our conversation with Georgia Fruechtenicht. In this episode, Georgia will explain the options parents have when their child's school year is not going well. She will discuss writing emails and letters to express concerns and how to request a meeting. She will also discuss effective communication techniques parents can use to address their concerns, strengthen their partnership with the teacher, and get their children the support they need to be successful at school.
Learn More at ADALive
People with disabilities face many challenges in employment. Antidiscrimination laws are continually evolving and new issues are coming to the fore. Learning about, understanding, and applying information about these laws and changes is difficult, even for those trained in the language and the logic of the law.
Steven Mendelsohn - Attorney, Advocate, and Author of People with Disabilities and Employment Law: Recent Developments, Emerging Issues, And What They Mean In Everyday Life - will discuss how people with disabilities can benefit from information about key recent developments in the law and from analysis of their practical implications in everyday life.
This is a very exciting year with the Presidential election coming up in November. This episode is the continuation of a three part series on voting access. In this episode, Carol Francisco and Darren Jernigan, both of whom have been on the board of the Tennessee Disability Coalition will discuss why voting is so important for people with disabilities?
This session of WADA ADA Live! will explore what parents need to know to help their child’s school year get off to a good start. Topics include establishing a good relationship with your child’s teachers and staff; helping a child who is very anxious about going back to school; who decides when an IEP should be scheduled; how to prepare for the IEP or 504 meeting; ideas for following up after the IEP/504 meeting; and what students with disabilities going on to college or vocational training need to know.
Join Georgia Fruechtenicht, Special Education Parent Mentor for Coweta County School, as she answers some of the most common questions from parents about how to collaborate with teachers and staff to make the school year successful for their child.
ADA listening audience, you can submit your questions about IDEA, 504 and ADA at any time on ADAlive.org.
In this episode, Jim Dickson, the Co-Chair of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Voting Rights Committee, will be discussing the disability vote and the importance full political participation for Americans with disabilities. This is a very exciting year with the Presidential election coming up in November. In addition, July 11- 15 is National Voter Registration Week. This episode focuses on the importance of the disability vote and how the disability voting behavior compares to the general population and other minority groups; changes in the process of voting and what the future of voting may look like; voting accessibility and what to do when issues arise and ; what people and communities with a strong interest in disability issues can do to improve voting access.?
Learn More at ADALive!
Melanie Jane Bull; Public Policy Director, Tennessee Disability Coalition
Donna DeStefano; Assistant Director, Tennessee Disability Coalition
Have a Question: Submit your questions for: Episode 33: Voting Access
Description: People with disabilities tend to vote about 10-20% less than those without disabilities, making it easier to dismiss the disability population. Although a study by Rutgers University shows that the vast majority of voters with disabilities are able to cast their votes privately and independently, the perception among these voters persists that they will encounters barriers at their polling place. In this episode we will discuss the laws affecting access to voting, voters' rights to access, and what poll workers need to know in order to provide full access to voting, and the resources to help them do just that.
Christy Dunaway was recently hired by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to serve as the Disability Integration Advisor. Mississippi is only the third state in the country to develop this position within their emergency management system. In her position, Christy will ensure that all programs and services related to emergency management, preparedness, response and recovery, are fully accessible for residents with disabilities living in Mississippi. Christy will talk about her recent experiences covering her first disaster in this new position and lessons learned.
For more information, resources, program schedule and archived shows including transcripts, explore www.adalive.org. Note: Real-time captioning available on day of broadcast.
Jonathan Martinis' appearance on the October 7th edition of ADALive, discussing The Interplay between Guardianship and the ADA and Supported Decision-Making was one of our most popular. Because so many people had questions and comments, we're having him back to answer some of the most "Frequently Asked Questions" about Supported Decision-Making. We'll discuss how Supported Decision-Making can help people with disabilities make their own decisions and direct their own lives without the "need" for a guardian and ways to access appropriate supports and services to make that happen"
For More information visit ADALive!
The Fair Housing Act provides rights and protections to persons with disabilities living in multi-family housing. In this episode Kathy Gips, Director of Training at the New England ADA Center, will discuss the Fair Housing Act and how it relates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the key requirements in the Fair Housing Act, requesting an accommodation or modification, service animals and parking.?
For more information visit ADALive!
Wednesday – Febraury 3 from 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Eastern) and 12:00 Noon-12:30 PM. (Central).
The second part of the series, Post-Secondary Education and Students with Disabilities
Decription:
Many young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are leaving high school and considering post secondary education programs. Until recently, there were not many opportunities for students with ID to have access to post secondary education. What began through the efforts of a few individuals and institutes of higher education has developed into a movement of many who share the belief that all students should have access to post secondary education opportunities that lead to employment and independent living opportunities. ?
This episode is a continuation of our series on Post Secondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. In this episode we will discuss the definition of inclusion, the stimulus behind the spark of inclusion in higher education, post secondary education Comprehensive Transition Programs, accommodations in Comprehensive Transition Programs, support for students with intellectual disabilities in higher education, and anticipated outcomes for students with disabilities attending post secondary education.
No registration is required. You can submit your questions, explore resources and the complete program schedule and connect to archived shows on www.adalive.org.
Wednesday – January 6 from 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Eastern) and 12:00 Noon-12:30 PM. (Central).
Back by popular demand, the "ADA Live!" Show: Post-Secondary Education and Students with Disabilities is being rebroadcast by the Southeast ADA. Students with disabilities, including those who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, don’t usually know about their opportunities in higher education, what accommodations are available, and how to request them. This episode discusses what students with disabilities and their families need to know about access to higher education and the kinds of supports and services that are available to them when they enter college or university, and also recommended resources to get you started in learning more about higher education and students with disabilities.
No registration is required. You can submit your questions, explore resources and the complete program schedule and connect to archived shows on www.adalive.org.
Back by popular demand, the Southeast ADA Center is rebroadcasting the "ADA Live!" Show: Employment and Reasonable Accommodations. This episode will address the legal and practical issues surrounding reasonable accommodations in employment under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). Topics to be discussed include: definition of disability, the legal rights and responsibilities of employees and employers, and the process of requesting reasonable accommodations.
This episode of WADA ADALive! addresses issues facing veterans and their families as they leave the military and rejoin civilian life. The presenter is James Schmeling, J.D., co-founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University and Programs Mission Director for IVMF’s innovative transition, employment, education and training programs targeted to veterans and military families. These include the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV); the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans-Families (EBV-F); the Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP), (over 35 industry-certified career paths); the Transition Assistance Program: Boots to Business Program; Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (VWISE); and, VetNet.
Jonathan Martinis, the Legal Director for Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities and the Project Director, National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making will discuss the relationship between guardianship and the ADA. He has over 20 years’ experience representing people with disabilities in cases under the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Social Security Act and other civil rights laws. In 2013, he represented Margaret "Jenny" Hatch in the "Justice for Jenny" case, which held that Ms. Hatch has a right to use Supported Decision-Making instead of being subjected to a permanent, plenary guardianship. He also represented the plaintiffs in Brinn, et al. v. Tidewater Regional Transportation District, the first case to hold that people with disabilities have a right to paratransit transportation on a next-day basis, and Winborne, et al. v. Virginia Lottery, which held that the Lottery must ensure that premises selling Lottery tickets, including private businesses, are accessible to people with disabilities.
Quality Trust is an independent, non-profit advocacy organization focused on improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families. Quality Trust works with individuals and family members to solve problems, identify opportunities for learning and contribution and find creative ways to minimize "differences" and make the most of each person's abilities.
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2015 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EDT
Speaker(s): Nancy Horton, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
This show is a continuation of our discussion with Nancy Horton regarding the top 5 ADA questions regarding reasonable accommodations. A diversified workforce is a win-win situation for everyone. It is often easier to accommodate an employee with a disability than employers may think. This session of ADA Live! will explore the most frequent workplace accommodation requests and possible solutions. The topics for reasonable accommodations to be covered will include: Leave, Reassignment to Another Position, Accessible or Reserved Parking, Service Animals, and Reasonable Accommodation for Job-Related Testing or Training. For the first part of the discussion listen to ADA Live! Episode 21: Part 1 - Top 5 ADA Topics.
Description:
A diversified workforce is a win-win situation for everyone. It is often easier to accommodate an employee with a disability than employers may think. This session ofADA Live! will explore the most frequent workplace accommodation requests and possible solutions. The topics for reasonable accommodations to be covered will include: Leave, Reassignment to Another Position, Accessible or Reserved Parking, Service Animals, and Reasonable Accommodation for Job-Related Testing or Training.
Join Nancy Horton, Technical Assistance Specialist at the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, as she answers some of the most common questions from employers and workers with disabilities that are received by ADA Specialists at the 10 Regional ADA Centers in the ADA National Network.
More information about ADALive!
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2015 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Speaker: Rebecca Williams, Southeast ADA Center
Host: Cheri Hofmann, Southeast ADA Center
Description: Under the ADA, facilities are required to be accessible so that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy the goods, services and programs that businesses, nonprofits and state and local government offer to the general public. Some people think that only new construction and alterations need to be accessible and that older facilities are “grandfathered in,” but that’s not true.
Join this episode of ADA Live! to learn more about making sure your business or facility is accessible as we continue the discussion from the March 4th show, When Attorneys Come Knocking: How Accessible Is Your Business?
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast.
For more information visit adalive.org.
It’s been 25 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. What steps have you taken to assure that your business is accessible to customers with disabilities? Graham Sisson, ADA Coordinator for the State of Alabama, and Dan Kessler, Executive Director of Disability Rights and Resources in Birmingham, Alabama, will explain how you can make sure that your business is accessible and that you don't discriminate against customers with disabilities in your policies and procedures. They will also talk about how local disability organizations can help you understand the how's and why's of voluntary ADA compliance.
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast. Learn more atADALive.org
Date:
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Speakers:
John Robinson, Managing Partner and CEO, Our Ability
Description:
For the past 22 years, the annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons with aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The theme of this year's observance is “Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology."
The emergence of information and communications technologies (ICTs) have dramatically increased connectivity between people and their access to information, and further raised living standards. ICTs have changed the way people live, work and play. However, not all people benefit from the advances of technology and the higher standards of living. This is mainly because not all people have access to new technologies.
Today, there are over 1 billion people living in the world with some form of disability. Persons with disabilities not only face physical barriers but also social, economic and attitudinal barriers. In spite of being the world’s largest minority group, persons with disabilities and the issue of disability has remained largely invisible in the mainstream development frameworks and its processes.
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast. For more information visit adalive.org.
Date:
Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Speakers:
Rebecca Williams, Southeast ADA Center
and Cheri Hofmann, Southeast ADA Center
Description:
In this episode, we will discuss: What is the definition of a service animal? Is a service animal the same as a companion animal, psychiatric animal or therapy pet? Does a business have to serve a customer who has two service animals? We will discuss some of the issues involving access for individuals with disabilities using service animals in places of business and in housing.
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast. For more information visit adalive.org.
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EDT
Speakers:
Rebecca Salon, Project Director - LEAD Center
Elizabeth Jennings, Assistant Project Director - LEAD Center
Description:
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this episode focuses on the Workforce Innovation and Employment Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA is designed to modernize and improve existing federal workforce development programs. Dr. Rebecca Salon and Elizabeth Jennings of the National Disability Institute’s LEAD Center will discuss the changes created by WIOA and the opportunities it presents for individuals with disabilities.
Featured Organization:
The LEAD Center - known formally as the National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities—is a collaborative of disability, workforce and economic empowerment agencies. A project of the National Disability Institute with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, the LEAD Center has a single mission:
Advancing sustainable individual and systems level change to improve competitive, integrated employment and economic self-sufficiency for all people across the spectrum of disability.
The National Disability Institute is the first national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to building a better economic future for people with disabilities. To contact the LEAD Center, go to www.leadcenter.org.
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EDT
Description:
Web access is not just making a website available to the public. It includes making that website accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. Discover the “big picture” of what accessibility is, why accessibility is important, and the tools and resources to get you started on the path to a making an accessible website for you and all your visitors.
Speakers: Celestia Ohrazda, Burton Blatt Institute; Marsha Schwanke, Southeast ADA Center
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast. For more information visit adalive.org.
Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EDT
Description:
Students with disabilities don’t usually know about other college students with disabilities, their opportunities in higher education, or what accommodations are available and and how to request them. This espidode discusses recommended resources to get you started in learning more about higher education and students with disabilities.
Speakers: Diana Katovitch, Taishoff Center on Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast. For more information visit adalive.org.
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EDT
Description:
In this episode we will discuss how to make a beach accessible to people with disabilities. This episode will examine challenges such as beach and wildlife protections alterations to an existing beach (including upgrades to parking, circulation path, and restroom facilities) and what defines an accessible route.
Speakers: Jack Humburg, Boley Centers, Inc.; Cheri Hofmann, Southeast ADA Center
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast. For more information visit adalive.org.
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EDT
Description:
Playgrounds with accessible components included throughout the play areas make it possible for children with and without disabilities to choose where and how they want to play with each other. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design went into effect on March 15, 2012. The Standards contain specific technical requirements for new or altered play areas, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately owned and funded. Join us on June 4, 2014 as Bill Botten of the U.S. Access Board explains the new requirements and answers your questions about making play areas accessible to all children.
Speaker: William Botten, U.S. Access Board
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast. For more information visit adalive.org.
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EDT
Description:
Planning for and responding to emergencies can be overwhelming. The key is preparation. This episode discusses what emergency managers and shelter operators need to know in order to prepare for housing people with disabilities and also talks about what people with disabilities need to do to preparate for emergency evacuations.
Speaker(s): Marilyn Self, Regional Director, Disaster Support Functions for the American Red Cross - Georgia Region and Cheri Hofmann, Distance Learning Coordinator and Technical Assistance Specialist for the Southeast ADA Center; and the moderator is Mary Morder, Southeast ADA Center.
Note: Real-time captioning is available for this broadcast. For more information visit adalive.org.
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EDT Speakers: Barry Whaley, University of Kentucky - Human Development Institute Donna DeStefano, Tennessee Disability Coalition Description: Following the passage of the ADA, people with disabilities waited over 20 years to gain access to swimming pools and spas at hotels, water parks, and more. We will discuss the 2010 ADA Standards for accessible entry and exit to newly constructed and existing swimming pools, wading pools, and spas - and who is required to comply. More Information adalive.org
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Speaker: Nancy Duncan, disability consultant, former Southeast ADA Center Network Administrator for the state of Georgia
Description:
Voting is a fundamental right. In 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This legislation is aimed at improving the general election process and sets forth new requirements for state election officials to follow. This episode will focus on the requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and HAVA to make polling places accessible to people with disabilities. We will discuss accessible registration, effective communication, and voting aids for people with disabilities.
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Speakers: Sally Weiss, Southeast ADA Center
Description:
What is the definition of a service animal? Is a service animal the same as a companion animal, psychiatric animal or therapy pet? Does a business have to serve a customer who has two service animals? We will discuss some of the issues involving access for individuals with disabilities using service animals in places of business and in housing.
More information about this episode >>
Date: Wednesday, January 8, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST Speaker: Julia Sain, Disability Rights and Resources Description: The Department of Justice has investigated hundreds of complaints about the failure to provide effective communication. Historically, they have received more complaints about failure to provide effective communication than any other issues they have dealt with. Join this episode to learn about the obligations of medical providers, lawyers, tax preparers, local and state government agencies, employers and social service providers, etc. to ensure that their customers are able to communicate effectively with them. More information about this episode >>
Equal access to meetings, conferences and events is one part of ADA compliance but this requirement is often overlooked or misunderstood. Join us for this episode where we will discuss issues that should be part of planning and hosting temporary events, such as conferences and workshops.
Speaker:
Karen Hamilton, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
For More information visit ADA Live: Episode 3: Accessible Meetings and Events
Since 2001, about 2.5 million men and women have served in the U.S. military. One-third of these service members served more than once. About half of all returning veterans have some level of service-connected disability. For many veterans, the transition to civilian life means leraning to life with a disability. Today’s “yellow ribbon” spirit has resulted in better services, protections and treatments for wounded warriors. However, many veterans, especially those with disabilities, still face significant barriers in their transition to civilian life. For veterans, work is not just about a paycheck. It’s about identity, pride and human connection. It’s also about healing because those who are employed have better physical and mental health. During this episode, we will focus on several key issues for returning wounded warriors to their work. Speaker: Wendy Strobel Gower, Northeast ADA Center – Cornell University More information about episode and realtime captioning:ADA Live Episode 2: Beyond Yellow Ribbons: Veterans/Wounded Warriors and Their Return to Work
This episode will address the legal and practical issues surrounding reasonable accommodations in the employment arena (Title I) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). Topics to be discussed include: definition of disability, the legal rights and responsibilities of employees and employers, and the process of requesting reasonable accommodations. Speakers: Jack Humburg, Boley Centers, Inc.Cheri Hofmann, Southeast ADA Center More information about episode and realtime captioning:ADA Live Episode 1: Employment and Reasonable Accommodations