LINKS--RESOURCES

ADA Links -- Documents - Scroll Down

Brennan Consulting Inc.

Michael Brennan M.A.

ADA Consultant

7955 Biscayne Point Circle

Miami Beach, Florida 33141

Phone (305) 864-7070 Fax (305) 864-4140

Adaexpert@gmail.com 

Adaexpert.mysite.com

 

ADA Links -- Documents

1.     ADA Regulations and Technical Assistance Materials, Free ADA Materials from the Department of Justice

2.     ADA Requirements For Small Towns - Information relating to required compliance with the ADA by towns, small cities, school districts, water districts, special purpose districts, and other small local governments and instrumentalities.

3.     ADA Title I Technical Assistance Manual on the Employment Provisions - Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, January 1992

4.     ADA Title II Highlights - A summary of the ADA Title II provisions applicable to public entities.

5.     ADA Title II Technical Assistance Manual - U.S. Department of Justice technical assistance manual. Title II applies specifically to state and local government programs and services.

6.     ADA Title II Technical Assistance Manual, 1994 Supplement - This U.S. Department of Justice manual is a 1994 update for the above-mentioned Title II manual.

7.     ADA Title III Technical Assistance Manual - U.S. Department of Justice technical assistance manual. Title III applies to public accommodations and commercial facilities.

8.     ADA Title III Technical Assistance Manual, 1994 Supplement - This U.S. Department of Justice manual is a 1994 update for the above-mentioned Title III manual.

9.     The ADA: Your Responsibilities as an Employer - A brief discussion of personnel issues, such as reasonable accommodations and medical examinations, updated to reflect several the 1999 decisions of the Supreme Court's in Sutton v. United Airlines, Inc. 527 U.S.471, 119 S.Ct. 2139 (1999), and Murphy v. United Parcel Service, Inc., 527 U.S.516, 119 S.Ct. 2133 (1999).

10. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): Statutory Language and Recent Issues ( 239 KB) - The Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress has prepared a short explanation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and of the ten Supreme Court decisions issued or under consideration under that Act as of June 2001.

11. Americans with Disabilities Act, Questions and Answers - From the U.S. Department of Justice web site.

12. Commonly Asked Questions regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and Law Enforcement - A 13-page publication providing information for law enforcement agencies in a simple question and answer format.

13. Enforcement Guidance: Disability-Related Questions and Medical Examinations of Employees Under the ADA ( 54 KB) - (July 27, 2000 paper issued by the EEOC)

14. Selected Enforcement Guidances and Other Policy Documents on the ADA

15. Enforcement Guidance: Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) - How to provide reasonable accommodation to employees and potential employees from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

16. Fact Sheet on Obtaining and Using Employee Medical Information to Develop Emergency Evacuation Procedures - A fact sheet developed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, set out in question and answer format, to use in the development of procedures for the evacuation of employees from the workplace in times of emergency, including those who may have disabilities.

17. Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act - Paper prepared by the U.S. EEOC

18. Guidelines For Play Areas - Final guidelines providing a comprehensive set of criteria for access to play areas, covering the number of play components required to be accessible, accessible surfacing in play areas, ramp access and transfer system access to elevated structures, and access to soft contained play structures. The guidelines address play areas provided at schools, parks, child care facilities (except those based in the operator's home, which are exempt), and other facilities subject to the ADA.

19. Questions and Answers: The ADA and Hiring Police Officers - A 5-page publication providing information on ADA requirements for interviewing and hiring police officers.

20. Small Employers and Reasonable Accommodation - a fact sheet by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

21. Work at home/Telework as a reasonable accommodation  - a question and answer format discussing the possibility of an employer accommodating a disability by allowing a person with disabilities to work at home.

22. ADAWatch.org - News, articles, and resources provided by the ADA Watch and National Coalition for Disability Rights

23. Cities and Counties: First Steps Toward Solving Common ADA Problems - A short article, with useful photos, prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice.

24. Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities - Discussion and examples of how to design webpages in order to make them more accessible to persons with disabilities.

25. 2007 legislation that redefines the term "disability" under Washington law, chapter 317, Laws of 2007.

26. An ADA Guide for Local Governments Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities (2006)

27. Questions and Answers about Deafness and Hearing Impairments in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act

28. Definition of Disability is Expanded under Washington Law, by the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

29. List of 2008 legislative amendments to the ADA

30. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 - paper discussing amendments to the ADA, which go into effect January 1, 2009, prepared by the Southwest ADA Center

Reference Sources

31. ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments - The Tool Kit is designed to teach state and local government officials how to identify and fix problems that prevent people with disabilities from gaining equal access to state and local government programs, services, and activities. It will also teach state and local officials how to conduct accessibility surveys of their buildings and facilities to identify and remove architectural barriers to access.

32. Americans with Disabilities Document Center - Job Accomodation Network

33. ADA Information Center

34. ADA Standards of Accessible Design

35. Americans With Disabilities Act - Text of the federal statutes that comprise the ADA.

36. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services - U.S. Department of Justice final rule implementing Subtitle A of Title II of the ADA, Pub. L. 101-336, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities.

37. Sidewalks must be accessible under the ADA - A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in the case Barden v. City of Sacramento in 2001 that sidewalks installed and maintained by local governments must be accessible to persons with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). (The Ninth Circuit serves the state of Washington.) Under the decision, the city of Sacramento, California was advised that not only must it provide curb ramps at intersections on newly-constructed or remodeled roadways and walkways, it must have a program which will assure the accessibility of all its sidewalks between curb ramps. The ruling means that governments will be obligated to remove barriers from their sidewalks, such as benches, wires, cracks, breaks, and sign posts, if their presence poses a barrier to the accessibility of the sidewalk to, for example, persons using wheelchairs or those with sight impairments. The decision is based upon the court's holding that the operation of sidewalks is a municipal "service, program, or activity" under the ADA and that maintaining a public sidewalk is a "normal function of a governmental entity." The city appealed the decision to the United States Supreme Court which in June 2003 rejected the appeal without comment. Prior to the Courts action, however, the city agreed to settle the lawsuit. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Sacramento will assign twenty percent of its transportation funds for the next 30 years to improve sidewalks, crosswalks and curb ramps. The settlement also calls for the city to pay attorneys' fees and $10,000 to each of the eight named plaintiffs.

38. Selected MRSC Library Holdings - American with Disabilities Act (ADA) [Note: Clicking on this link will take you to a list of documents available on loan through the MRSC library.]

39. The Access Board - A federal agency devoted to accessible design; newsletter, resources, rules.

40. ADA Information Serivces - Prepared by the Department of Justice

41. Questions and Answers, Americans with Disabilities Act - Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunities Commission

42. ADA Document Portal - U. S. Department of Education; resource/link to over 7,000 ADA doocuments

43. ADA Technical Assistance Program - Resource for information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, accessible information technology, and more.

44. Matrix prepared by the International Code Council comparing ADA accessibility guidelines with  the 2006 International Building Code

45. ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (S. 3406), effective January 1, 2009

46. ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Summary and Resources, prepared by the Southeast DBTAC

47. ADAAA Highlights - A helpful article outlining the 2008 amendments to the ADA and their implication for Washington employers.  Published in the October 2008 AWC Personnel News and written by Kristin Anger, Summit Law Group.

48. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, addresses barriers to accessing the Web experienced by people 
with visual, auditory, physical, cognitive and neurological disabilities, and by older individuals.

Links

49. The ADA and City Governments: Common Problems - This document contains a sampling of common problems shared by city governments of all sizes that have been identified through the Department of Justice's ongoing enforcement efforts. The document provides examples of common deficiencies and explains how these problems affect persons with disabilities.

50. Americans With Disabilities Act Home Page - The U.S. Department of Justice ADA Home page.

51. Disability Resources Monthly - An excellent comprehensive newsletter prepared by Disability Resources, a nonprofit organization that provides information about resources for independent living. The newsletter provides great links to assistance available within the state of Washington.

52. Job Accommodation Network - The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor.

53. Jobs Accommodations Network, ADA Hotlinks and Document Center  

54. ADA Technical Assistance Program - A comprehensive resource for information on the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessible information technology.

55. Americans with Disabilities Act Information for Law Enforcement - Links to information prepared by the Department of Justice

56. Disability Rights online News - A bi-monthly update about the Civil Rights Division's activities in the area of disability rights

57. Federal Transit Administration - Links and information concerning the ADA and transit operations.

Guidelines and Standards

COMMUNICATION

• Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards (2000)
• Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines (1998)

ARCHITECTURE

• ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) (1991, as amended through 2002)
• Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) (1984)
• Revised ADA-ABA Guidelines (2004)

ADAAG supplements:
State and Local Government Facilities (1998)
Building Elements Designed for Children's Use (1998)
Play Areas (2000)
Recreation Facilities (2002)

• Outdoor Environments (upcoming)
• Public Rights-of-Way (upcoming)
• Emergency Transportable Housing (upcoming)

TRANSPORTATION

• ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for Transportation Vehicles (1991, amended 1998)

Passenger Vessels (upcoming)

 

ADA Quick References

• Guide to the ADA and ABA Standards
• Accessibility Guidelines HomePage
• ADA Basics: Statue and Regulations
• 10 MYTHS and FACTS regarding the ADA
• ADA- Q&A
• ADA Guide for Small Businesses
• ADA and City Government- Common Problems
• Curb Ramps and Pedestrian Crossings Under Title II of the ADA
• Curb Ramps- Chapter 7- Federal Highway Administration
• Common Problems Arising from Installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals

 

ADA-ABA Guidelines Homepage | Guidelines and Standards | Home

New standards are being issued under the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) according to updated guidelines previously issued by the Board.  Several different agencies are responsible for updating these standards, and action is still pending in some cases.  This page explains which standards are in effect at this time according to facility type.  Direct links to the standards and related information are included.

ADA Standards

The ADA applies to facilities in the private sector (places of public accommodation and commercial facilities) and to state and local government facilities.  Standards issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) apply to all ADA facilities except transportation facilities, which are subject to standards maintained by the Department of Transportation (DOT).  DOJ is in the process of adopting new ADA standards, and further information on this update is available on DOJ's website at www.ada.gov.  DOT has adopted new ADA standards which apply to bus stops, rail stations, and other transportation facilities.

ADA Standards
Facility		Standards to Follow
	Places of Public Accommodation and Commercial Facilities (private sector)	DOJ's ADA Standards (1991, revised 1994)  These standards are contained in DOJ's title III regulation (28 CFR Part 36) as Appendix A
	State and Local Government Facilities (except transportation facilities)	DOJ's ADA Standards or UFAS  DOJ's title II regulation (28 CFR Part 35) allows use of the original ADA standards (with some exceptions) or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
	Transportation Facilities	DOT's ADA Standards for Transportation Facilities (updated)  These standards took effect November 29, 2006, as indicated in a noticepublished by DOT

ABA Standards

The ABA applies to federally funded facilities. The General Services Administration (GSA) updated its ABA standards, which apply to most facilities covered by the ABA. Similar standards have been adopted by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for postal facilities and by the Department of Defense for military facilities. The Department of Housing (HUD) is in the processing of updating its ABA standards, which apply to federally funded residential facilities. 

ABA Standards
Facility		Standards to Follow
	Federal Facilities (other than postal, housing, and military facilities)	GSA's ABA Accessibility Standard (updated)  Effective May 8, 2006 (February 6, 2007 for leased facilities), as indicated in GSA's Federal Management Regulation (subpart c)
	Postal Facilities	USPS's ABA Accessibility Standard (updated, also known as the RE-4 Standards)       PDF version  Effective October 1, 2005, as indicated in a notice issued by USPS
	Military Facilities	DOD's ABA Accessibility Standard (updated)  Effective October 31, 2008, as indicated in a DOD policy memorandum
	Housing	UFAS  HUD to replace UFAS with updated ABA standards

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance on the ADA and ABA standards is available from the Board:

phone:  800-872-2253 (voice) or 800-993-2822 (TTY), weekdays 10 - 5:30 EST (Wed. 10 - 2) 
e-mail:  ta@access-board.gov 
fax:  202-272-008

Current text of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 incorporating the changes made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. (HTML) | (PDF)

 

Text showing the changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 with deleted language shown as strike through font and new language shown in bold font with coding for access by people who use screen readers. (HTML)http://www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08markscrdr.htm 

 

General ADA Enforcement. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Public Access Section.  If negotiations to settle a dispute under ADA have failed, then the Department of Justice may file lawsuits in federal court to enforce the ADA, and courts may order compensatory damages and back pay to remedy discrimination if the Department prevails. This site provides information on ADA enforcement and links to status reports on selected ADA activities by the Department of Justice. ADA Home Page. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice.  This web site, by the U.S. Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section, provides information and technical assistance on the ADA.  ADA Hot Links and Document Center. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Labor. Job Accommodation Network.  The Job Accommodation Network is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor.  Its mission is to facilitate the employment and retention of workers with disabilities by providing employers, employment providers, people with disabilities, their family members, and other interested parties with information on job accommodations, self-employment, small-business opportunities, and related subjects. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. www.ada.gov.  This link provides the current text of the ADA, as amended. Archive ADA: The Path to Equality. Georgetown University Law School.  This site serves as a comprehensive, online archive of documents and history related to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA).  Here you can find the text of the law, legislative history, congressional hearings, Supreme Court cases, federal regulations, policy and advocacy documents and additional information related to the passage of the original ADA and the ADAAA.  Disability Rights Online News. U.S. Department of Justice.  Disability Rights Online News is a bi-monthly update about the Civil Rights Division's activities in the area of disability rights. The Division enforces laws prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment, housing, access to businesses serving the public, access to government programs and services including voting and public transportation, and unconstitutional conditions in institutions of confinement. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Job Accommodation Network.  The Job Accommodation Network is a service provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and it has provided this resource that details the recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Effective January 1, 2009, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008 goes into effect, making some major changes to the way the definition of disability has been interpreted in the past. The changes apply to both the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. Accessible Information Exchange: Meeting on a Level Playing Field. U.S. Department of Justice. Disability Rights Section (April 2009). Three components are key to presenting meetings that are accessible to people with disabilities: where the meeting is held, how the meeting room furniture is arranged, and how the meeting information is communicated.  This guide provides suggestions on promoting greater collaboration to customers and others with disabilities. Long, Alex B. Introducing the New and Improved Americans with Disabilities Act: Assessing the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.Northwestern University Law Review 103 p. 217-229 (2008).  This article (accessed from the Social Science Research Network) discusses the effect of the 2008 amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Among the issues discussed is the changing definition of "disability," additions to the list of "major life activities," and accommodation to those regarded as having a disability. Goren, William D. Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act. Chicago: American Bar Association, Solo and Small Firm Section. (2006).  "This book, written from the perspective of a lawyer with a disability (the author is hearing impaired), demonstrates that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not just a law, but a way of life. It also discusses preventive lawyering with regards to the ADA."  The book also includes recent court decisions concerning this act.  (KF480 .G67 2006) A Guide to Disability Rights Law. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (September 2005).  This guide provides an overview of federal civil-rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities. To find out more about how these laws may apply to you, contact the agencies and organizations listed within. Cohen, Judy, with illustrations by Yvette Silver. Disability Etiquette: Tips on Interacting with People with Disabilities. Jackson Heights, NY: United Spinal Association (2003).  This illustrated guide provides useful tips and proper etiquette for interacting with persons with disabilities.  Making Accessibility Real: A Guide to Planning Meetings, Conferences and Gatherings. Chestnut Hill, Mass.: Home and Community-Based Resource Network (2003).  This guide provides suggestions  and strategies for making your meeting or gathering more accessible to persons with disabilities.  The appendices contain sample forms and a feedback questionnaire. ADA Guide for Small Towns: A Guide for Small Local Governments Including Towns, Townships, and Rural Counties. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section (2000).  "This guide presents an informal overview of some basic ADA requirements and provides cost-effective tips on how small towns can comply with the ADA"--Intro. The guide discusses program accessibility, existing construction, and new construction and provides numerous examples. Barrier Free Design: The Law, Selected Federal Laws, and Regulations: Including the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Guidelines (ADAAG). Jackson Heights, NY: Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (1996).  "This edition includes the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), U.S. Department of Justice regulations for state and local governments (Title II) and for public accommodations by private entities (Title III). It also includes the Design Guidelines for Accessible/Adaptable Dwellings published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development"--Foreword. (KF480 .A35 B37) Ward & Associates. Explaining the ADA . Washington, D.C.: Access Video Fund. (1995).  This video series covers various aspects of the ADA, including Background Definitions, Telecommunications, Employment, Public Accommodation, and State and Local Governments.  (KF480 .E97) Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Materials. Williamsburg, Va.: National Center for State Courts (1992).  This material contains P.L. 101-336, The American with Disabilities Act--its coverage and effective dates, Equal Employment Opportunity for individuals with disabilities, regulations of the Department of Justice implementing Title II, and accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities.  (KF3469 .Z9 A44)  The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II: Action Guide for State and Local Governments. Horsham, Pa.: LRP Publications (1992). "This book is a practical manual and workbook designed to guide state and local governments through the Title II compliance process"--Intro.  It contains self-evaluation and transition-plan worksheets to guide a public entity toward compliance with the ADA. (KF480 .A35 A32 1992) Top       Courthouse Accessibility Interacting and Communicating with Jurors with Disabilities. Jury Education and Management Forum Fall Conference (October 2007). This ADA workshop discussed many issues pertaining to jury service and persons with disabilities.  Among the topics were statutes regarding jurors with disabilities, service animals, disability etiquette, and tips for communicating with people with mental-health disabilities. (KFC111 .H35 J97 2007) Courtroom and Judicial Accessibility: The Implications of Title II: State and Local Governments of the ADA on Courtroom Management. Washington, D.C.: Standing Committee on Fairness and Access to the District of Columbia Courts, Subcommittee on Improving Court Access  (2000).  This resource contains materials from an ADA training seminar for court personnel and includes an in-depth analysis of each section of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and an article from the Mental and Physical Disability Law Reporter highlighting disability law developments over the past 20 years.  (KFD1710.5 .A3 C68) Employees and Applicants with Disabilities: Implications for Judges and the Courts of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.Washington, D.C.: Standing Committee on Fairness and Access to the District of Columbia Courts. Subcommittee on Hiring and Promotions (2000).  This resource contains materials from an ADA training seminar for court personnel, including employment scenarios for discussion and the written policy of the District of Columbia Courts Employee Mediation Office.  (KFD1710.5 .A3 E47) Lobban, Charles M. Program Accessibility Under the ADA: How Do We Include Members of the General Public, Parties, Witnesses and Jurors Who Have Disabilities in the Courtroom?. Charleston, W. Va.: Administrative Office of the Courts (2000).  These conference materials discuss courthouse accessibility and accommodation of different needs in the courtroom.  The appendix contains materials on interpreter information, assistive listening devices, disability etiquette, and jury accessibility. (KFW1710.5 .A3 2000) Fallaway, John. The Right to a Full Hearing: Improving Access to the Courts for People Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Chicago: American Judicature Society (2000).  An overview of the legal and practical issues relating to communications access to the courts, the communication needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in court, interpreting services, and assistive listening devices and computer-aided real-time transcription. The book provides a list of specific recommendations for improving access to the courts and self-assessment and needs criteria for courts regarding people who are deaf or hard of hearing. (KF480.5 .D4 F34 2000) Bleyer, Kristi et al. Into the Jury Box: A Disability Accommodation Guide for State Courts.  (1994).  This resource focuses on each step of jury service and offers suggestions on how to modify current practices to improve accessibility. Among the issues discussed are jury summons, orientation and voir dire, courtroom accommodations, and jury deliberations. (KF8972 .B58) The Americans with Disabilities Act : An Instructional Guide for Judges and Court Administrators. Reno, Nev.: National Judicial College (1994).  The ADA has created challenges for judges and court administrators.  This resource is a guide to implementing the ADA and contains lesson plans and other instructional materials for training court employees. (KF3469 .A44 1994) Dooley, Jeanne A. et al. Opening the Courthouse Door: An ADA Access Guide for State Courts. Washington, D.C.: American Bar Association (1992).  "Courts must provide access in a way that integrates individuals with disabilities as much as possible into the mainstream of court activities"--Intro.  This resource discusses the types of disabilities, how to assist people though court processes, how to make the facility accessible, jury service, community resources, and funding options.  (KF8732.5 .D66) The Americans with Disabilities Act: Title II Technical Assistance Manual. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act (1992).  "This technical assistance manual addresses the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which applies to the operations of state and local governments"--Intro. The 1994 supplement contains answers to common questions to promote a clearer understanding of the requirements. (NCSC Library Call Number KF3469 .Z9 A453) Top       Court-Specific Resources A Handbook for Georgia Court Officials on Courtroom Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities. Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Administrative Office of the Court.  This manual was created for state court officials. Part III establishes a disability/accommodation protocol. Court Access for the Disabled. Trenton, N.J.: New Jersey Courts.  This site provides the New Jersey State Court's Judiciary ADA Policy Statement, access to accommodation requests, and an outline for filing or handling a complaint about access to judicial programs, services, and activities. Florida State Courts Publications for Americans with Disabilities Act. Tallahassee, Fla.: Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator. This site contains links to several Florida court publications, such as Florida Court ADA Coordinators, Access to the Courts for Persons with Disabilities: Renewing the Judicial Branch Commitment, and grievance procedures and forms. Pollock, Phillip M. and Tricia Knox. Creating Accessible Documents Using Microsoft Word. Florida State Courts System (2007).  This publication illustrates how simple it is to use Microsoft Word to create documents that comply with Section 508 accessibility standards. Contained within this publication are standards and best practices so that assistive technologies (like a screen reader) can effectively "translate" the information. Disability Etiquette: Interacting with Persons with Disabilities. San Francisco, Calif.: Judicial Council of California (2007).  This online resource is a pamphlet produced by the Judicial Council's Access and Fairness Advisory Committee to provide information on general etiquette when interacting with persons with disabilities. For Persons with Disabilities Requesting Accommodations: Questions and Answers About Rule of Court 1.100 for Court Users. San Francisco, Calif.: Judicial Council of California (2007).  The Judicial Council of California has adopted rule 1.100 to implement the federal ADA and related state law in the courts.  The rule enables court users who may have a disability to request accommodations from a court.  This online resource is a pamphlet provided to the public with many of the common questions and answers concerning this rule.     Responding to Requests for Accommodations by Persons With Disabilities. San Francisco, Calif.: Judicial Council of California (2007). This online pamphlet answers many of the common questions that court personnel have concerning California's rule 1.100 for implementing the ADA.     Ensuring Equal Access for People with Disabilities--A Guide for Washington Courts. Washington State Access to Justice Board. (August 2006).  This Guide is intended as a resource for Washington judges, administrative law judges and hearing officers, court administrators, and court staff as they work to eliminate barriers presented by their buildings and practices.    Opening the Bench & Bar to People With Disabilities: Manual for Court Disability Coordinators. Office of the Illinois Attorney General  (2005).  Court Disability Coordinators (CDCs) have been established in each Illinois Judicial Circuit to assist people with disabilities in the legal system. CDCs are appointed by the Chief Judge of their Circuit Court and have access to a vast array of resources, people and agencies thatcan assist in ensuring program accessibility for people with disabilities in a judical setting. Training and technical assistance for CDCs are provided by the Illinois Attorney General's Office. This manual is intended to assist them in opening the courthouse doors to people with disabilities. Access to Courts: A Resource Guide to Providing Reasonable Accommodations for People with Disabilities for Judicial Officers, Probation and Court Staff. Colorado Judicial Department (2004).  This guide provides judicial officers, probation, and court staff with a resource that defines when and how accommodation is to be made for people with disabilities and information concerning proper disability etiquette. Services Available Under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Sacramento, Calif.: Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento (2002).  An example of a court brochure outlining court services for the disabled, services that require advance notice, and ADA contact persons. Disability Access to Judiciary Programs, Services, and Activities. Honolulu: Hawaii Judiciary Department, Affirmative Action Office (2001). This resource provides guidance for court personnel when assisting persons with disabilities.  The resources in this guide contain information on disability laws, general nondiscrimination requirements, types of possible accommodations such as auxiliary aids and alternate formats, suggested sample statements, and announcements and facility access. (KFH91 .H3 D57 2001) Employee and Applicant Reasonable Accommodation Manual. Honolulu: Hawaii Judiciary Department. (2001).  This manual illustrates the Hawaii Supreme Court's committment to nondiscrimination.  They have created this guide for Disability Accommodations Coordinators and supervisors who are tasked with providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. (KFH91 .H3 E47 2001) ADA Resource Manual. Phoenix, Ariz.: Administrative Office of the Courts (1999).  "This manual was designed to provide court managers and staff with basic information on the ADA.  Section I deals with disability rights as defined by Title II of the ADA as well as the Arizonans with Disability Act.  Section II deals with employment rights as detailed in Title I of the ADA."--Preface.  Included is a compliance checklist for existing facilities and the Arizona Judicial Policy regarding access to court services by persons with disabilities.   (KFA2491 .H3 A73 1999) "Jury Service Accessibility for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Florida." Southeast Florida Center on Aging and the Florida Supreme Court Commission on Fairness (1999).  The primary goals of this Florida project were to determine the accessibility of jury service for older citizens and citizens with disabilities and recommend steps that could be taken to enhance the accessibility of jury service. Top       Evaluations/Settlements Access to the Florida Courts: Identifying and Eliminating Architectural Barriers. Court Accessibility Subcommittee (April 2008).  The Florida court system conducted self evaluations and developed transition plans shortly after the enactment of the ADA. However, as the courts have become more knowledgeable and sophisticated about the ADA and many architectural changes have occurred in court facilities over the intervening years, Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis tasked the court system with re-surveying the public areas of all court facilities and developing updated transition plans. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II, Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. City of Elk Grove, California (March 2007).  The City of Elk Grove, California is an example of a city performing self-assessment for ADA compliance. "The purpose of this City of Elk Grove Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Self-Evaluation is to document the results of the City's review of access to programs, services andactivities by individuals with disabilities in order to determine if there are any discriminatory or potentially discriminatory practices, policies or procedures. This report contains findings and recommendations based on that review"--Purpose.  This report is a comprehensive review of ADA accessibility efforts by a local government. State by State ADA Highlights. Williamsburg, Va.: National Center for State Courts (2006).  This resource is the result of a listserv request initiated by Knowledge and Information Services regarding the ADA efforts of various courts. Some of the efforts mentioned are whether courts have an ADA coordinator, provide training for their employees, and have ready access to accessibility devices. Links to court Web sites concerning ADA efforts and policies are also provided. Arizona State Bar Association`s 2005 Courthouse Accessibility Survey. Arizona State Bar Association (2005).  The Arizona State Bar's Committee on Persons with Disabilities in the Legal Profession surveyed courthouses throughout the state to assess the level of accessibility for persons with disabilities.  This report is their findings on 39 separate Arizona courts. Settlement Agreements. Department of Justice (2001).  The following links are settlement agreements from various localities and the United States of America regarding Americans with Disability Act complaints: Allendale County, South Carolina Butte County, South Dakota City of Cambridge, Ohio City of Houston, Texas City of Mount Vernon, Washington Perry County, Kentucky Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation: Enhancing Opportunity and Access in the District of Columbia Courts. Washington, D.C.: District of Columbia Courts (July 1997).  "This resource was designed to assist the D.C. Courts in assessing program and facility accessibility, to outline necessary programmatic modifications, and to plan structural alterations and future program development. A description of the process and methodology for conducting the self-evaluation is included"--Intro. See a related 2006 Status Report, "Improving Court Access Recommendations (1997) of the Standing Committee on Fairness and Access," Public Hearings Report: Access for Persons with Disabilities. San Francisco, Calif.: California Judicial Council Standing Advisory Committee on Access and Fairness. Access for Persons with Disabilities Subcommittee (1996).  The Subcommittee on Access for Persons with Disabilities, concerned with access to the courts, undertook a research program to assess "the perceptions and experiences of persons with and without disabilities who have business with the courts concerning the treatment and access afforded to persons with disabilities who come before the courts, participate in court programs, activities or services"--Intro. This report details the results of their efforts and serves as a guide for further improvements in accessibility.   Top       ADA Mediation ADA Mediation Articles.  Mediate.com provides links to a wide range of related articles on mediating ADA disputes. ADA Mediation Guidelines. Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution.  These guidelines provide direction for mediators, administrators, funders, and consumers of ADA mediation. They also provide direction for disability access in any type of mediation involving persons with disabilities, such as family, commercial, or labor mediation. The guidelines are available to be followed voluntarily by individual mediators and mediation provider organizations who wish to signal to potential parties and mediation participants their familiarity with disability issues and their commitment to high-quality ADA mediation services.  Cohen, Judith. Workplace Disability Conflict Management. Mediate.com (October 2006).  This article contains a collection of -- "Best Practices for Workplace Disability Conflict Management" - and was compiled from best practices in ADA workplace conflict management submitted in response to an open call from Mediate.com. The recommendations can be used to guide internal staff as well as external mediators and consultants. Questions and Answers for Mediation Providers: Mediation and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Council on Disability and U.S. Department of Justice (May 2005).  "This technical assistance document addresses frequently asked questions regarding the ADA and mediation.  The topics addressed include how to provide access to mediation for participants with disabilities, what types of accommodation may be required, how to handle associated costs, and suggested ADA training of mediators"--Intro. Cohen, Judith. "The ADA Mediation Guidelines: A Community Collaboration Moves the Field Forward." Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 2, No. 2 (2000).  The usefulness of mediation in addressing complex issues, such as those presented in ADA cases, has been well documented and discussed. Mediation is especially well suited for resolving ADA complaints. This article describes how a group of 12 mediators resolved  various ADA-related issues, such as accessible process and informed consent. Top       Facilities Design ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines. U.S. Access Board.  This resource from the U.S. Access Board serve as a baseline for standards used to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).  Included in this resource is a comparison of the guidelines with the International Building Code. Yanchulis, Dave. "Achieving Accessible Courthouses." Building Safety Journal (June 2007).  This article is a summary of several of the most widely applicable recommendations from the Access Board's report, "Justice for All: Designing Accessible Courthouses."  Justice for All: Designing Accessible Courthouses. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Access to Justice Board. Courthouse Access Advisory Committee. (November 2006).  This resource contains a set of recommendations from the Courthouse Access Advisory Committee, which is composed of 35 members including designers and architects, disability groups, attorneys, members of the judiciary, court adminstrators and others who developed design solutions and recommendations for accessible courthouses. "Judiciary Brings Greater Level of Access to Disabled." The Third Branch (November 2002).  This article highlights programs and developments in many courts across the country to improve courtroom facilities for disabled jurors. ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (2002).  "This document contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to buildings and facilities by individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. These scoping and technical requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities covered by Titles II and III of the ADA to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation, under the ADA"--Purpose.  Hardenbergh, Don. The Courthouse: A Planning and Design Guide for Court Facilities. 2nd ed. Williamsburg, Va.: National Center for State Courts (1998).  "It is difficult for our citizens to have respect for the courts and the law, and for those who work in the court, if the court is housed in facilities that detract from its stature"--Intro.  Among the many considerations in designing a new courthouse is accessibility. This resource provides many design considerations for compliance with ADA requirements and accessibility in various courthouse areas. (NA4471 .H37 1998) See the 1991 version here. Top       Web Site Design Title II Checklist for Web Site Accessibility. U.S. Department of Justice. ADA Best Practices Toolkit.  The Department of Justice has produced a checklist as part of a tool kit designed to teach state and local government officials how to identify and fix problems that prevent people with disabilities from gaining equal access to state and local government programs, services, and activities.  This resource is a checklist for providing accessibility to web sites. Website Accessibility Under Title II of the ADA. U.S. Department of Justice.  This resource outlines the requirements of Title II of the ADA as they apply to state and local government websites. Some of the issues discussed are the provisions of Title II of the ADA that apply to websites, the technologies used by people with disabilities to access the Internet, how poorly designed websites pose barriers to people with disabilities, and the steps that state and local government agencies can take to ensure website accessibility for people with disabilities. ABA Resolution and Report on Website Accessibility. Washington, D.C.: American Bar Association (2007).  This resource contains the full text of ABA Resolution 108 regarding Web accessibility and contains a special report from the ABA Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law discussing how you can make your Web site more accessible. It also includes a related article: "Website Accessibility and Persons with Disabilities," by Jonathan Simeone.  Knox, Tricia et al. Web Accessibility for Your Court Web Site. Florida Supreme Court and Office of the State Court Administrator (2007). What makes a Web site accessible for those with disabilities?  This session from the Tenth Court Technology Conference (CTC10) explores both the legal and technological issues all of us face in providing equal access. It contains guidelines for Web content accessibility as well as "quick fixes" to make your court's wWb site more accessible.  It also includes a legal overview by the Florida Supreme Court's communications counsel, and technological overviews by the Court's webmaster and the webmaster for the Florida Administrative Office of the Courts.  The accompanying Powerpoint presentation can be accessed here. Accessibility of State and Local Government Web Sites to People with Disabilities. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section (June 2003).  This resource from the Department of Justice illustrates some of the barriers faced by people with disabilities trying to conduct business on state and local government Web sites.  It provides a list of resources for Web developers and an action plan for accessible Web site design. ADA Complaint Web Sites: Standards for Accessibility. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Access Board (June 2001).  Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act requires access to electronic and information technology procured by federal agencies. The United States Access Board has developed accessibility standards for the various technologies covered by the law. This section of federal 508 standards applies to intranet and Internet information and applications and provides the requirements that must be followed by federal agencies when producing Web pages for accessibility. Top       Emergency Preparedness An ADA Guide for Local Governments: Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities. U.S. Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section.  One of the most important roles of local government is to protect their citizenry from harm, including helping people prepare for and respond to emergencies. Making local government emergency preparedness and response programs accessible to people with disabilities is a critical part of this responsibility. This guide provides a good resource for those persons responsible for their community's emergency planning or response activities and illustrates how you should involve people with disabilities in identifying needs and evaluating effective emergency management practices. Emergency Preparedness Initiative. Washington, D.C.: National Organization on Disability.  The National Organization on Disability has produced this web site as a valuable resource for their Emergency Preparedness Initiative.  It contains the latest news and alerts as well as a host of resources concerning emergency preparedness and persons with disabilities.  Title II Checklist for Emergency Management. U.S. Department of Justice. ADA Best Practices Tool Kit.  The Department of Justice has produced the ADA Best Practices Tool Kit to assist state and local governments with ADA compliance.  This checklist is designed for use as a preliminary assessment of your state or local emergency management programs, policies, procedures, and shelter facilities. Emergency Evacuation of People with Physical Disabilities from Buildings: 2004 Conference Proceedings. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education. Interagency Committee on Disability Research (2005).  This conference provided a forum for leaders, first responders, industry representatives, people with physical disabilities, and others to discuss the impact of building and life safety codes on the evacuation of people with physical disabilities from buildings, the current evacuation procedures for people with physical disabilities from the first-responder perspective, the experiences of people with physical disabilities during emergency evacuations from buildings, the design and development of different types of evacuation devices, and the current state of research on mobility equipment, human factors, and egress modeling.

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Date Last Modified: 8/25/2009

Creation Date: 2001

 

Home > Community Life > Disability Organizations

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ADA Watch/National Coalition for Disability Rights

Non-profit alliance of hundreds of disability, civil rights and social justice organizations united to defend and strengthen disability rights.

ALS Association (ALSA)

Non-profit organization provides research programs, patient and community services, public education and advocacy to people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease" - and their families.

Alzheimer's Association

Organization that provides local and national services and supports for people with Alzheimer's and their families.http://api.addthis.com/oexchange/0.8/offer?username=disabilitygov&url=http://www.disability.gov/grails/contentPage/index.dispatch&title=Disability+Organizations

American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

National medical society representing physicians who are specialists in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

American Amputee Foundation

Serves amputees, their families and care providers by gathering information on amputation including studies, product information, available services and self-help publications. Find a prosthetic professional near you.

American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP)

AAASP envisions a society where sports for youth with physical disabilities or visual impairments are a common and vital part of America's education system. Its work is based on the principles of the adaptedSPORTS' model, which includes standardization in the principles and practices of coaching youth in varied physical disability groups; training and certification of coaches and other sport and education professionals; and widespread availability of adapted sports equipment.

American Association of People with Disabilities

Cross-disability member organization dedicated to ensuring economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment for Americans with disabilities.

American Association on Health & Disability (AAHD)

Supports health promotion and wellness initiatives for people with disabilities at the federal, state and local level, reduce the incidence of secondary conditions in people with disabilities, as well as reduce health disparities between people with disabilities and the general population. AAHD achieves its mission through research, education, public awareness and advocacy.

American Association on Health and Disability

Works to prevent additional health complications in people with disabilities, and to identify strategies to reduce secondary conditions and health disparities between people with disabilities and the general population. AAHD's Scholarship Programsupports students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education.

American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Formerly known as the American Association of Mental Retardation (AAMR), the organization promotes progressive policies, research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

American Bar Association - Commission on Mental & Physical Disability Law

Promotes the rule of law for persons with mental, physical and sensory disabilities and their full and equal participation in the legal profession.

American Congress of Community Supports & Employment Services (ACCSES)

National, nonprofit organization of vocational rehabilitation service and community supports committed to maximizing employment opportunities and independent living for individuals with mental and physical disabilities.

American Council of the Blind (ACB)

Advocates for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. Has more than 25,000 members organized in 70+ state and special-interest affiliates.

American Foundation for the Blind

Works to ensure that Americans who are blind or visually impaired enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens.

American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association (AMRPA)

Advocates for people with disabilities in their medical rehabilitation recovery. Represents rehabilitation hospitals, rehabilitation units in general hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies.

American Network of Community Options & Resources (ANCOR)

National network of providers offering quality supports to people with disabilities.

American Parkinson Disease Association

Organization focuses on research, patient support, education and raising public awareness of the disease.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. Serves as the professional, scientific and credentialing association for speech-language pathologists, audiologists and speech, language and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally.

American Spinal Injury Association

Promotes excellence in all aspects of health care for individuals with spinal cord injury and educates health care professionals, patients and their families about spinal cord injury in order to increase the injured individual's independence.

Amputee Coalition of America (ACA)

National nonprofit amputee consumer educational organization representing people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences.

Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions with advocacy, programs, services and research.

Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE) - The Network on Employment

Membership organization whose mission is to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities.

Association for Service Disabled Veterans

Non-profit public benefit organization that works to create opportunities for service-disabled veterans to achieve and maintain their rehabilitation through enterprise development and managed employment.

Association of Higher Education & Disability (AHEAD)

A member organization involved in the development of policy and the provision of support services for people with disabilities in higher education programs.

Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP)

Information, articles, resources and conferences about the health and well being of women, children and youth, including those with special health care needs, and families.

Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL)

National organization of centers for independent living, their satellites and branch offices, statewide independent living councils, other organizations and individuals concerned with independent living issues of people with disabilities living in rural America.

Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)

Membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs for individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.

Autism Society of America (ASA)

Organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact.

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)

A nonprofit organization run by and for autistics. The organization's leadership is made up entirely of self-advocates on the autism spectrum.

Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Legislative issues regarding the rights of people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies International

Works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities (formerly referred to as mental retardation) by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.

Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)

Works to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy.

Brain Injury Network

National non-profit agency operated for and by survivors of acquired brain injury (abi), which includes traumatic brain injury (tbi), stroke, brain illness and brain tumor. Provides advocacy, information and referral, peer support, an Internet social community and a resource and link directory.

Children Awaiting Parents

National, not-for-profit charitable organization that recruits foster and adoptive families for special needs children.

Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation

Funds research for treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. Works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through grant programs, paralysis resource center and advocacy efforts.

Community Living Exchange Collaborative

The Exchange is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is a vital hub of information sharing, training and technical assistance for more than 180 recipients of Systems Change Grants for Community Living in all 50 states, two territories and the District of Columbia.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for exceptional individuals, students with disabilities and/or the gifted students.

Dandy-Walker Alliance

An all-inclusive organization comprised of individuals directly and indirectly affected by Dandy-Walker sharing a collective interest in educational, informational activities and supporting non-partisan research to increase public awareness of the congenital birth defect Dandy-Walker, which can cause hydrocephalus and other related disorders.

Disability Rights Legal Center

Provides legal information, direct representation and referrals for disability-related legal issues. Services are free to consumers, and training is available to businesses as well.

Disabled American Veterans

The official voice of America's service-connected disabled Veterans, their families and survivors.

Disabled Sports USA

Offers nationwide sports rehabilitation programs to anyone with a permanent physical disability. Activities include winter skiing, summer and winter competitions, fitness and special sports events.

Easter Seals

Offers a variety of services, including child development centers, medical rehabilitation programs, job training, respite care, recreation and camping to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals. Learn more about the Easter Seals' Military and Veterans Initiative.

Epilepsy Foundation of America

National voluntary organization works to ensure that people with epilepsy are able to participate in all life experiences, and promotes research to find a cure.

Hearing Loss Association of America

Provides people with hearing loss information, education, advocacy and support. Learn more about HLAA's partnership with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology to address the educational needs of Veterans of recent conflicts. Veterans of OIF and OEF are offered a complimentary one-year membership in HLAA.

Hydrocephalus Association

Provides support, education and advocacy for individuals with Hydrocephalus, their families and professionals working with these individuals.

Independent Living Institute

Offers resources for persons with extensive disabilities and develops consumer-driven policies for self-determination, self-respect and dignity.

Inter-National Association of Business, Industry & Rehabilitation (I-NABIR)

An association of businesses, rehabilitation service providers, schools and universities, trade unions and associations who are placing people with disabilities into employment using a model of partnership with community business and employers.

Invisible Disabilities Advocate

Strives to help friends and family better understand chronic illness and pain, as well as learn how to be a source of encouragement and support.

Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC)

KCDC is part of the National Association of Governors' Committees (NAGC) on People with Disabilities, which is a collective association of the Governors' Committees in the states and territories of the United States. The NAGC provides a national forum to facilitate a unified approach to important policy and program issues on disability.

Kids as Self Advocates (KASA)

A national, grassroots network of youth with special health needs or disabilities (including physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities) and friends who speak on their own behalf. KASA provides information about a variety of issues including living with disabilities, health care, school and work.

L'Arche USA

L'Arche Communities, founded in France in 1964, bring together people, some with developmental disabilities and some without, who choose to share their lives by living together in faith-based communities.

LADD, Inc. (Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled)

Works to support adults with developmental disabilities to lead a full life by providing community based services, person by person, that will maximize individual development, community inclusion, independence and their contribution to the society in which they live.

Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)

Provides support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals.

Life Rolls On Foundation

Nonprofit foundation dedicated to increasing awareness of spinal cord injuries (SCI) among youth through recreational, educational and developmental programs, and raising money for research for the treatment and cure of paralysis caused by SCI.

Lyme Disease Association

An all-volunteer national non-profit organization dedicated to Lyme disease education, prevention, research and patient support. Find your local affiliate.

Mobility International USA

Nonprofit organization promotes international educational exchange, leadership and disability rights and travel for persons with and without disabilities.

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)

National nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis.

Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America

Only national volunteer health agency dedicated solely to the fight against myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscle groups.

National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA)

The only national organization representing the interests of Adult Protective Services programs, staff and the people they serve. NAPSA provides national policy recommendations, advocacy, training, research and innovation in the field of Adult Protective Services.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

A nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families and friends of people with severe mental illnesses.

National Aphasia Association

A nonprofit organization that promotes public education, research, rehabilitation and support services to assist people with aphasia and their families.

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD)

Provides support and assistance to member Councils in order to promote a consumer and family centered system of services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

National Association of County Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Directors

Organization comprised of county and other local authorities charged with governing mental health, addictions and developmental disability services in communities.

National Association of Private Special Education Centers

Nonprofit association whose mission is to represent private special education centers and their leaders.

National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services

Nonprofit organization that works to improve and expand public services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)

Provides project information, publications, events, and resource links to improve educational services and outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and their families.

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors

Nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the Nation's public mental health system through policy development, information dissemination and technical assistance.

National Association of the Deaf

Safeguards the accessibility and civil rights of Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing in the areas of education, employment, health care and telecommunications.

National Black Deaf Advocates

The oldest and largest consumer organization of deaf and hard of hearing black deaf people in the United States.

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

Parents and educators may access resources to ensure that the nation's 15 million children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work and life.

National Center on Disability & Access to Education

Monitors and promotes electronically-mediated distance education policies and practices that enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations

Organization works to ensure that mental health consumer/survivors have a major voice in the development and implementation of health care, mental health and social policies at the state and national levels, empowering people to recover and lead a full life in the community.

National Consortium on Leadership & Disability for Youth (NCLD-Youth)

Youth-led resource, information and training center for youth and emerging leaders with developmental disabilities.

National Consortium on Physical Education & Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities

Promotes research, professional preparation, service delivery and advocacy of physical education and recreation for individuals with disabilities.

National Council on Independent Living

Provides national training and technical assistance to centers for independent living and advocates for national laws and policies affecting people with disabilities.

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)

Nonprofit membership organization for the federally-mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. NDRN serves a wide range of individuals with disabilities by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing and transportation.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

Works to improves the lives of people who are blind through advocacy, education, research, a technology center and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.

National Fragile X Foundation

Provides educational and emotional support, promote public and professional awareness and advance research toward improved treatments and a cure for Fragile X, a family of genetic conditions which can impact individuals and families in various ways including learning disabilities and severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities.

National Minorities with Disabilities Coalition (NMDC)

Addresses disability issues relating to all communities of color.

National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society

The MS Society and its nationwide network of chapters promote research and educate, advocate on critical issues and organize a wide range of programs, including support for the newly diagnosed and those living with MS.

National Organization for Rare Diseases

A federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them.

National Organization on Disability (NOD)

Expands the participation and contribution of those with disabilities in all aspects of life.

National Rehabilitation & Rediscovery Foundation, Inc. (NRRF)

A not-for profit community based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with brain injuries and other neurological disabilities.

National Rehabilitation Association

Member organization promotes ethical and excellent practice in rehabilitation.

National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities

Empowers parents and potential parents with disabilities by disseminating disability-appropriate information regarding parenting to parents, disability advocates and legal, medical, intervention and social services providers.

National Spinal Cord Injury Association

Provides local and national training, information and resources for individuals with spinal cord injuries, their family members and professionals. Call toll-free helpline 1-800-962-9629.

National Sports Center for the Disabled (NCSD)

NSCD is one of the largest outdoor therapeutic recreation agencies in the world. Each year, thousands of children and adults with disabilities take to the ski slopes, mountain trails and golf courses to learn more about sports - and themselves. With specially trained staff and its own adaptive equipment lab, the NSCD teaches a variety of winter and summer sports and activities to individuals with almost any physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioral diagnosis.

PACER Center

The PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) Center is a national center based in Minnesota that provides a wide variety of programs, materials and services to assist parents of children with disabilities to expand their children's opportunities in education, work and independent living.

PEPNet

Postsecondary Education Programs Network provides resources and expertise that enhance educational opportunities for people who are deaf or hard of hearing--including those with co-occurring disabilities--and their families.

PKS Kids

Promotes research, provides education, and helps raise awareness within the medical community in order to ensure early diagnoses of children with Pallister-Killian Syndrome (PKS). PKS also provides resources and support to families, therapists and caregivers of children with PKS.

Paralysis Resource Center

Information, resources and referral services for people living with a spinal cord injury, mobility impairment or paralysis.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)

Works to maximize the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury and disease. Advocates for health care, research, education, veterans' benefits and rights, accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers, sports programs and disability rights. Find a local chapter near you.

Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc. (PYD)

Provides one-to-one and group mentoring programs where adult mentors with disabilities act as positive role models and provide support, understanding and guidance for youth as they strive to reach their personal, educational and career goals.

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic--Learning Through Listening

Provides digitally recorded audio textbooks for students with disabilities such as visual impairment or dyslexia.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety

Works to improve transportation safety, usability and independence for people who remain seated in their wheelchairs when traveling in public, school and private motor vehicles.

Scleroderma Foundation

The national organization for people with scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis) and their families and friends.

Self Advocacy Leadership Network

Provides leadership training, information and resources for people with developmental disabilities and other self-advocates.

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered

A national organization for self-advocates with developmental disabilities and their family members.

Society for Disability Studies

An international nonprofit organization that promotes the study of disability in social, cultural and political contexts.

Special Olympics

A program of year-round sports, training and athletic competition for more than one million children and adults with mental retardation.

Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA)

The nation's only voluntary health agency dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with spina bifida and those whose lives they touch.

TASH

A national organization that promotes full inclusion for people with cognitive disabilities and provides supports to family members.

The Arc

Information about a range of topics related to Mental Retardation and other disabilities.

Through the Looking Glass

A community based non-profit organization which provides rearch, training and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue.

U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association

Advances the practice of psychiatric rehabilitation, ensuring individuals with mental illnesses achieve successful and satisfying lives in the working, learning and social environments of choice.

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United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)

Leading source of legislative and other information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability.

United Spinal Association

National non-profit membership organization formed by paralyzed Veterans whose mission is to improve the quality of life of Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Membership is free and open to all individuals with SCI/D.

United States Society for Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Organization dedicated to providing information and support on the issues, technology, tools and advancements within the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC provides different communication methods for individuals who have significant speech impairments.

VSA arts

An international nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a society where people with disabilities (including physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities) can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.

Wheel Me On

A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting greater access for people with disabilities, including Service Members and Veterans with disabilities.

World Institute on Disability (WID)

International public policy center dedicated to carrying out cutting-edge research on disability issues and overcoming obstacles to independent living.

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• Collective Voices
• Deaf News Today
• Deaf Performing Artists Network (D-PAN)
• Disability & Media Alliance Project
• Disability Blogroll
• Disability Culture Watch
• Disability Films
• Disability Matters online radio show
• Disability Media
• Disability Media Initiative
• Disability Rights Promotion International Media Monitoring
• Disability Scoop
• Disability Studies programs in North America
• Disaboom
• disTHIS! Film Series
• DREDF Disability & Media Alliance Project (D-MAP)
• Endeavor Freedom TV
• Funky Flamingo TV
• Had to Be Productions
• How's Your News?
• I AM PWD
• Inclusion Daily Express
• Laura & Wagner Media Center
• Many Worlds Network
• Media&Disability.net
• MediAbility in Sweden
• Mental Health Reporting Guide
• MindFreedom International
• My Country video about disability rights online
• My Deaf Life on YouTube
• National Arts and Disability Center
• National Center on Disability and Journalism
• New Mobility magazine
• Patricia Bauer blog
• Picture This Film Festival
• Planet of the Blind
• Ragged Edge Online Archive
• Rolling pix - disability sports blog
• Rolling Rains Report
• Sick Humor
• Sprout Film Festival
• Superfest International Disability Film Festival
• The Largest Minority radio show
• The Nth Degree
• This Ability magazine in Canada
• Web Accessibility Initiative
• Webby Talents

 

• 
  A Directory of Sources for Input Technologies My purpose of placing the document on the web is, first, to make it accessible to a larger community, and second, to take advantage of the ability to add links to the increasing number of relevant sources that now have a presence on the web. One of the most interesting aspects of this process has been the recognition of the extent to which this document is better suited to the hypertext format than linear text.
• Abledata ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, we can help you locate the companies that do.
• AbilityNet formed jointly by The Computability Centre and The Foundation for Communication for the Disabled, to extend our work of making mainstream computer technology accessible to people with disabilities.
• Adapted Computer Technologies The mission of Adapted Computer Technologies is to be an industry leader and partner in the field of Assistive Technologies by meeting the educational and work-related needs of persons with disABILITIES. Since 1989, ACT has specialized in consulting, products, systems integration and the instruction in the use of computer assisted devices. These services are provided to all individuals with disabilities, vocational counselors, educators/specialists and employers of persons with disABILITIES.
• Adaptive Computer Empowerment Services Mission: To improve the quality of life for persons in San Diego County who are low income and disabled or seniors (65+) by empowering them with computer technology. Specifically, our outcomes focus on civic involvement and self-sufficiency with an emphasis on quality of life enhancement.
• Adaptive Technology For Information And Computing at MIT The ATIC lab is part of MIT Information Services and Technology and provides IT services to MIT students, staff, and affiliates who have disabilities. These users may require alternative access to computers, information, and other technologies to succeed in their careers here at MIT. We work closely with the Disabilities Services Office and other MIT departments to ensure our customers achieve equal access.
• The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is the national network of community-based Resource Centers, Developers, Vendors, and Associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies.
• Assistive Technology Center We are a self sustaining, non-profit program supported through fee for service training and assessments, creative partnerships, corporate support, design and delivery of accredited courses in A.T. with universities, colleges and school boards, primary and secondary user training packages (individualized for program needs) and research.
• Assistive Technology Industry Association The mission of ATIA is to serve as the collective voice of the Assistive Technology industry so that the best products and services are delivered to people with disabilities. ATIA represents the interests of its members to business, government, education, and the many agencies that serve people with disabilities.
• Assistive Technology, Inc Assistive Technology, Inc. (ATI) is a premier developer of innovative hardware and software solutions for people with disabilities. The company is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Its close proximity to many of the nation's top teaching hospitals and education institutions helps foster close research and testing relationships with several of these facilities.
• Aurora Systems Inc. - Software for Special Needs
• Center for Applied Special Technology CAST's Mission To expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through the research and development of innovative, technology-based educational resources and strategies.
• Centre for Inclusive Education The goal of the Centre is to encourage collaborative investigations of theories and practices in an effort to enhance the educational opportunities of all students with exceptionalities. The Centre is committed to sharing research findings and resources with academics, educators, and families. 
• Closing the Gap Closing The Gap, Inc. is an organization that focuses on computer technology for people with special needs through its bi-monthly newspaper, annual international conference and extensive web site.
• Community Rehabilitation and Disability Program Note: For being a website about rehabilitation it relies heavily on graphics and doesn't use alt-tags therefore, this site will be hard for the visually challenged to access. 
• COMPUCARE, Inc. COMPUCARE, INC. is a leader in providing speech recognition software, and assistive technology to a diverse group of clients. We provide training onsite and live online e-training, work site evaluations and Work Loss Prevention solutions for voice activated products. We sell and repair computers, provide technical support and service, install networks, e-mail systems, Internet solutions and PC-based small business phone systems.
• Eyegaze Communication System The Eyegaze Communication System is an FDA - approved communication and control system for people with complex physical disabilities. The system is operated entirely with the eyes. By looking at control keys displayed on a screen, a person can synthesize speech, control his environment (lights, call bells, etc.), type, run computer software, operate a computer mouse, and access the Internet and e-mail. Eyegaze Systems are being used to write books, attend school and enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities all over the world.
• Frontier Computing Over the past twenty years, Frontier Computing has become the leading distributor in Canada of access technology to thousands of visually impaired and blind Canadians from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.
• HumanWare HumanWare products are designed to last, to grow (and in many cases, to go) with the user. Giving them the independence to compete effectively with peers, to feel connected - to be a vital part of the global information age in which we live. 
• Innovation Management Group, Inc On-screen Virtual Keyboards and Pointing Device Utilities
• Microcomputer Science Center Inc. Serving the Canadian Special Needs Community providing Adaptive technology, Consulting, Training, Service and Support. We hold a nationwide network of contacts in the Special Needs field. Staff complements include individuals with Special Needs such as Low Vision, Learning Disabilities and Blindness. These individuals specialize in servicing needs through first hand knowledge of their particular community. We carry extensive product offerings for Special Needs individuals including those with multiple disabilities and undergoing rehabilitation.
• Mobility-Advisor.com: Live More Independently Educational resource with information on wheelchairs, scooters, wheel chair sports and recreation, mobility aids, and support organizations to enhance the lives of individuals of all ages who need mobility assistance.
• NanoPac Inc NanoPac supplies products and services for individuals with disabilities (low vision, blindness, reading disabilities, quadriplegia, reading machines, environmental controls, voice activation, augmentative communications, hearing impairments, voice recognition, speech synthesis, text to speech, switches and switch mounts, magnifiers, and door openers).
• Nuance Nuance is the leading provider of speech and imaging solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. Our technologies, applications and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the way people interact with information and how they create, share and use documents. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses, experience Nuance by calling directory assistance, getting account information, dictating patient records, telling a navigation system their destination, or digitally reproducing documents that can be shared and searched. Making each of those experiences productive and compelling is what Nuance is all about. Home of Dragon software
• OrbiTouch® Keyless Ergonomic Keyboard The orbiTouch® is a revolutionary keyless ergonomic keyboard solution that removes the barrier posed by the traditional keyboard/mouse combination. Persons who benefit include those with repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, other hand and finger injuries, limited fine motor skills, reduced finger function and other cognitive and physical challenges.
• PenFriend Helps dyslexic and physically disabled people to write faster by predicting the next word they want to type.
• ProductWorks ProductWorks is a directory of consumer medical information, reviews and advice for the able and disabled.
• SET-BC: Special Education Technology The SET-BC Learning Centre provides a wealth of classroom resources and training modules on assistive technology. Visit the Main Library to view our complete collection, or look for resources that are organized by technology topics: alternate access; augmentative communication; vision; and general implementation.
• SimTech Publications We specialize in one and two switch training software for people who are unable to access the computer using conventional means. Our goal is to provide switch training in an enjoyable and entertaining context.
• Tack-Tiles Tack-Tiles® Braille Systems are a sophisticated teaching tool for all ages based on LEGO®-type blocks. These Braille blocks provide a unique bridge, a smoother, shorter, more interesting path to Braille literacy. Now in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian literary Braille Code as well as Nemeth Braille Code for mathematics, Braille code for music notation, and computer Braille code. True to their nature, TACK-TILES® have shown themselves to be valuable tactile aids in several settings wherein of sensory stimulation, not vision, is the central issue to be addressed.
• T-Base T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional print. Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio formats 
• Technical Resource Center Environmental controls, simple technology and switch activated toys created more program options to train cause and effect, turn-taking, play and early communication needs. We have come along way since adapting toys and building switches . Our knowledge and experiences encouraged us to continue developing technology resources in the field of assistive technology. It has provided more ideas, options and opportunities to accommodate individuals with special needs in the home, school, workplace and community.
• Texthelp Systems Inc Texthelp Systems Inc. is an educational software company with offices in Antrim, Northern Ireland and Woburn, Massachusetts. Specializing in the design of assistive technology to help individuals to improve their reading and writing abilities, the company has developed a range of awarding winning software products which are marketed worldwide
• TNET Services TNET Services Inc is a software development company that specializes in development of accessible technologies for the use by both the general public and the disABLED community. The aim is to provide interfaces that permit the use by all to access the same information and data using modified interfaces that can accommodate various needs.
• University of Toronto AccessAbility Resource Center
• Widgit Software Software to enable learning, communication and access for the disabled.

Advocacy Helps

 

• ARCH Disability Law Centre ARCH: A Legal Resource Centre for Canadian Persons with Disabilities is a specialty legal aid clinic dedicated to defending and advancing the equality-rights of persons with disabilities.
• BC Coalition of People with Disabilities The Home of: Advocacy Access Program, AIDS and Disability Program, Transition Magazine, Individualized Funding Project, CPP Advocacy Program, Wellness and Disability Inititive, Community and Residents Mentors Association Project, Health Literacy Network, BCCPD is a registered non-profit society with Charitable Tax Status.
• Council of Canadians with Disabilities
• Disability Advocate (USA ONLY) Social Security Disability & SSI Claims Help and resources.
• Disabled People International International resources and helps for the disabled. The purpose of DPI is to promote the Human Rights of People with Disabilities through full participation, equalization of opportunity and development 
• disabilityhelpsite.com This site was developed to help people with disabilities receive the benefits needed to enhance their lives. The benefits may include social security disability insurance and supplemental social security benefits. Help with home modifications and assistive devices for the disabled are also discussed. Long term disability and help with utility bills are important issues that are also included. (Deals mainly with American government issues) 
• The Social Security Disability News Resource Center NOTE: Only for Americans. This is not an international site of help to all disabled people.News, information, and resources regarding medicaid, medicare, social security disability, and social security retirement. 
• Invisible Disabilities Advocate (The) Do you know someone with a chronic illness? Do you struggle with what to say to them? Or do you, yourself have a debilitating illness? Do your loved ones have a difficult time understanding? Come visit our site! 
• Legal & Advocacy Resources A large listing of advocacy groups for the disabled in the United States
• National ME/FM Action Network The National ME/FM Action Network is a Canadian registered, charitable, non-profit organization dealing with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (ME/FM)--offering support, advocacy, education and research into the many, varied, anomalies connected with these illnesses. We work hand in hand with the General Public, Educators, Government Agencies, and the ME/FM Community to achieve these goals that are so important to sufferers under duress everywhere. Enjoy your visit, and please contact us if we can be of any further help! (Canadian)
• Self Advocate Net This is the home page of the Self Advocate Net. Made by self advocates with disabilities built for self advocates with disabilities. We began by networking with other self advocates across our region, which is over 50 kilometres long in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Now we have contacts with people all over Canada and the rest of the world. Please join us on our global journey. We have had a lot of help and sponsorship along the way. Thanks to all who have paved the way, have been confident in our ability to get the job done and who have coached, encouraged and shared the victories. We are in this for the long run and we are in this together. 
• Social Security Disability Secrets NOTE: Only for Americans it seems. The purpose of this site is to distribute information---crucial information that, nine times out of ten, it's impossible to get from the person taking your claim for Disability and SSI benefits offered through the Social Security Administration. In essence, applying for disability and SSI benefits might as well be a secret process since Social Security does not try to make this information clear or even understandable. 
• Speaking For Ourselves Our Mission is to be an independent community organization controlled by people with disabilities who help us: Find a voice for ourselves. Teach the public about the needs, wishes, and potential of people with disabilities. Speak out on important issues.Support each other through sharing, leadership development, and helping and encouraging each other..
• TASH TASH is an international membership association leading the way to inclusive communities through research, education, and advocacy. TASH members are people with disabilities, family members, fellow citizens, advocates, and professionals working together to create change and build capacity so that all people, no matter their perceived level of disability, are included in all aspects of society. 

• World Association of Physically Disabled World Association of Physically Disabled, Inc. (WAPD) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan world association, dedicated to approximately 1,200,000,000 or One (1) in Five (5) residents of planet earth that are striving to be Alive!.. Involved!.. Effective! in their daily living.

 

---

Organizations Pertaining to Specific Disabilities Or Interests

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Association (American) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.
• Asperger Syndrome Information & Support Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, who in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. In spite of the publication of his paper in the 1940's, it wasn't until 1994 that Asperger Syndrome was added to the DSM IV and only in the past few years has AS been recognized by professionals and parents.
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association We're people just like you, dedicated to providing information, resources and networking opportunities to adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and the professionals who serve them. 

Accomplishments and Achievements This Website hosts a collection of Art, Writing and Works of We who are Handicapped, disAbled, Chronically Ill, our Care Givers and friends and family.

National Resources

National Center on Accessibility

501 North Morton St, Suite 109

Bloomington, IN 47404

Voice: (812) 856-4422

TTY: (812) 856-4421

Fax: (812) 856-4480

Email: nca@indiana.edu

Web Site: http://www.ncaonline.org/

Collaborative program of Indiana University and the National Park Service, the National Center on Accessibility is the nation's premiere resource promoting access for people with disabilities in recreation

American with Disability Act

ADA Home Page

Department of Labor

Disability Rights Section

Mailing Address

U.S. Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Civil Rights Division

Disability Rights Section - NYA

Washington, D.C. 20530

Section Fax Number: (202) 307-1198

For information and technical assistance

ADA Information Line: 800-514-0301

TTY: 800-514-0383

Web Site:

http://www.ada.gov/

ADA Specialists are available to provide ADA information and answers to technical questions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or on Thursday from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

NCCAM, National Institutes of Health

9000 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

Web site: http://nccam.nih.gov/

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). We are 1 of the 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

American Association of People with Disabilities AAPD

1629 K Street NW, Suite 503

Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202-457-0046 (V/TTY)

Phone: 800-840-8844 (Toll Free V/TTY)

AAPD is committed to ensuring the economic and political empowerment of all Americans with a disability.

American Auditory Society

352 Sundial Ridge Circle

Dammeron Valley, UT 84783

Phone: (435) 574-0062

Fax: (435) 574-0063

Web Site:

http://www.amauditorysoc.org/index.htm

American Disability Association

2201 Sixth Avenue South

Birmingham, Alabama 35233

Phone: (205) 328-9090

Fax: (205) 251-7417

Web Site: http://www.adanet.org/ion

ADA Watch.org

Advancing the Civil Rights of People with

Disabilities

1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 300

Washington, DC 20004

Email: info@adawatch.org

Web site: http://www.adawatch.org/

ADA Watch is a project of the National Coalition for Disability Rights (NCDR), a nonprofit alliance of hundreds of disability, civil rights and social justice organizations united to defend and strengthen disability rights.

Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD)

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services/ACF

Mail Stop HHH 405 - D

370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW

Washington, DC 20447

Phone: (202) 690-6590

Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov.programs/add

The major goal of the Developmental Disabilities Programs of the ADD is to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of -- and have access to -- culturally competent services, support, and other assistance.

Assessment Tools for Accessibility

by Peter A. Stratton
Steven Winter Associates, Inc.

Last updated: 08-12-2009

WITHIN THIS PAGE

• Introduction
• Description
• Relevant Codes and Standards
• Additional Resources

Introduction

This Resource Page describes tools that help make it easier for designers, developers, and contractors to assess, survey, or audit facilities for accessibility for people with disabilities. While several of the tools are intended for new construction or alteration projects, they can also be used to survey existing buildings to identify those features or elements in need of modifications. Keep in mind that once a building is constructed and compliance is called into question, a physical survey of the building and site will be required to identify violations to applicable federal laws, including the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Back to top

Description

A. Checklists

ADAAG Checklist

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES (ADAAG) CHECKLIST FOR BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES (ADAAG CHECKLIST)

The ADAAG Checklist can be used to "survey places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and transportation facilities for compliance with the new construction and alterations requirements of Title II, and Title III of the ADA." It can be used to identify barriers in existing buildings as well. No special training is needed to use the checklist.

According to the ADDAG Checklist, it must be used in conjunction with the Department of Justice's regulations in 28 CFR Part 36 and the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG), which are reprinted in the appendices to the regulations.

ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) CHECKLIST FOR READILY ACHIEVABLE BARRIER REMOVAL

The ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal helps concerned professionals identify accessibility problems and solutions in existing facilities in order to meet their obligations under the ADA. The goal of the survey process is to plan how to make an existing facility more usable for people with disabilities.

The checklist is based on the four priorities recommended by the Title III regulations for planning readily achievable barrier removal projects:

• Priority 1: Accessible entrance into the facility
• Priority 2: Access to goods and services
• Priority 3: Access to rest-rooms
• Priority 4: Any other measures necessary

Note that not all of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) requirements are covered-because full compliance with ADAAG is required only for new construction and alterations. However, whenever possible, ADAAG should be used in making readily achievable modifications. If complying with ADAAG is not readily achievable, a modification that does not fully comply with ADAAG may be undertaken as long as it poses no health or safety risk.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) CHECKLIST FOR POLLING PLACES

The ADA Checklist for Polling Places is "designed to help voting officials determine whether a polling place has basic accessible features needed by most voters with disabilities. It may be used when evaluating the accessibility of potential new polling places and when identifying physical barriers in existing polling places before temporary or permanent modifications are made to improve accessibility for elections.

Individuals completing the checklist do not necessarily need to be experienced in evaluating buildings and facilities for accessibility. The checklist is designed to prompt the user to check key features by asking questions about sizes, sloped surfaces, and availability of accessible features, and in some areas suggests alternatives if a physical barrier is identified."

POCKET GUIDE TO THE ADAAG

The Pocket Guide to the ADAAG, developed by Evan Terry Associates, Birmingham, AL, is a convenient, "pocket-sized" resource tool that helps building professionals ensure compliance with the ADA. It can be used to review plans before buildings are constructed and to conduct field assessments for ADA compliance in completed and existing buildings. The Guide includes the most current revisions of the Federal Register's ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG). The Guide includes the key provisions of the ADA and its referenced technical criteria, which affect how buildings are designed.

UFAS ACCESSIBILITY CHECKLIST

The UFAS Accessibility Checklist enables people to design and survey buildings for compliance with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). The UFAS Accessibility Checklist includes "all of the technical requirements of UFAS in the logical progression of traveling to and through a building. The 21 survey forms represent elements on the site and in the building. Many of UFAS's general requirements repeat on different forms because they apply to more than one element." All or parts of the survey can be used to assess UFAS compliance. A number of the survey forms, such as Form 20: Postal Facilities, may not apply to the project. As a result, only use those forms that apply.

Special training is not needed to use the checklist. It can be used on-site or to review architectural plans. Utilizing the UFAS Accessibility Checklist during the planning stages of a project will help to ensure compliance with UFAS, which applies to any facility covered by the ABA and Section 504. Note that current DoD policies encourage compliance with the requirements of the ADAAG where those requirements are stricter than UFAS. If local accessibility requirements exist, the most stringent will prevail between local and UFAS/ADA.

B. Survey Instruments

SMART LEVEL (DIGITAL INCLINOMETER)

SmartTool smart level (or digital inclinometer).
Courtesy of AccessStore.com

In the past, a builder's level and a tape measure were used to measure slopes. Today, the more efficient smart level, known as a digital inclinometer, can be used to perform the same function easily. The smart level looks like a builder's level, except it has a digital readout that indicates percent slope, degrees, or pitch (inches of rise per foot of run). Measuring slope in percentage is all that is needed to determine whether a slope is compliant. The smart level can be used alone or with a builder's level. First, calibrate it according to manufacturer's instructions; then place it on a flat surface-it automatically displays the percent slope.

Available: Eastlake Derry & Associates, LLC, M-D Building Products, Inc.

DOOR PRESSURE GAUGE

Door pressure gauge.
Courtesy of AccessStore.com

The force required to open doors must be minimal so that they can be easily operated by those who might have limited upper body strength (such as the elderly), challenges with manual dexterity, or any other issue that might make opening heavy doors a challenge. In the past, the fish scale was the most common way to measure the force needed to open a door. Today, the door pressure gauge is a more efficient tool. To assess door pressure, simply open the door by pressing the tip of the gauge against the door. The readout on the gauge will indicate the force required to open the door. The door pressure gauge can determine if the force required to open a door is greater than that permitted.

Available: Eastlake Derry & Associates, LLC

C. Software Tools

CODEBUDDY, VERSION 5.0H-98

CodeBuddy, Version 5.0H-98, is an easy-to-use computer software program for finding fast and accurate answers to Disabled Access/ADA questions. CodeBuddy allows users to search across code sections, or by occupancy groups, topics, live plan, or figures, and retrieve needed information. The program contains pertinent text, graphical examples and explanations, sketches, and tables. Numerous code sections are referenced from the 1998 California Building Code Disabled Access regulations and ADAAG. CodeBuddy runs on a computer within the browser environment (no need for Internet connection or being online). Also, users can download the latest software upgrades via the Internet as the codes change.

ADAAG PRO

ADAAG Pro is an easy-to-use computer software program developed to assist in ADA surveys and audits. Based on the ADAAG Checklist, ADAAG Pro allows users to create customized-and re-use previously customized-accessibility surveys for any type of facility. The software contains the ADA law, regulations and guidelines, as well as graphic illustrations associated with the ADAAG Checklist in a searchable format. The software is updated quarterly to reflect the latest ADA.

Relevant Codes and Standards

Codes and Standards

• ASME A17.1-2000 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, including ASME A17.1a-2002 Addenda and ASME A17.1b-2003 Addenda
• ASME A18.1-2003 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts
• ASTM F 1951-99 Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment
• International Building Code
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, 2002 Edition
• Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)

Laws and Regulations

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973,Section 504, Section 508

Guidelines

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)ADA

Additional Resources

The major resource for guidance on accessible design is the U.S. Access Board (Access Board). The Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. Key responsibilities of the Board include developing and maintaining accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and electronic and information technology; providing technical assistance and training for these guidelines and standards; and enforcing accessibility standards for federally funded facilities. For more resources, see Access Board's Links Page.

 

• Alberta Caregivers Association
• American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 
• ADD ADHD Help Center Information about Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD medications, side effects, ADHD symptoms, causes of ADHD and alternatives to Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and Dexedrine. 
• CCC-CCAN.ca The Canadian Caregiver Coalition is the national voice for the needs and interests of family caregivers. We are a bilingual, not-for-profit organization made up of caregivers, caregiver support groups, national stakeholder organizations and researchers.
• Canine Companions Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional People 
• Caregiver Today's Caregiver magazine, the first national magazine dedicated to caregivers, the "Sharing Wisdom Caregivers Conferences", and our web site, caregiver.com which includes topic specific newsletters, online discussion lists, back issue articles of Today's Caregiver magazine, chat rooms and an online store 
• Caregiver Network - Canada The goal of CNI is to be a national single information source to make your life as a caregiver easier.

 

• Charcot Marie Tooth Association The CMTA is an American 501(C)(3)nonprofit organization founded in 1983 whose goals are patient support, public education, promotion of research and ultimately the treatment and cure of CMT. A voluntary Board of Directors governs the CMTA. The Medical Advisory Board of the CMTA consists of over 50 clinical and research medical professionals. This international group of men and women are noted CMT experts in neurology, genetics, orthopedic surgery, physiatry, physical therapy and podiatry. 
• CMT-Support . CMT- Friends and Support In this group, we share our feelings as well as life's ups and downs. The latest research, mutual support of people with CMT, their friends, families and medical professionals. We share good days and the bad as well. We also share "Friday Funnies" and Sundays posts can include Inspirational messages. If you are dealing with CMT in your life in some way, then it is our hope that you will join our group of caring-sharing people. 

 

• CripWorld the online community and marketing resource targeted to the consumer with a disability. Designed by CRIPmedia, Cripworld.com is a comprehensive resource for individuals and others interested in the disabled community. 
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. 
• DisabledInfo.co.uk Disabled information from the disabled. A resource for disabled people to share their hints, tips, resources, views and stories. 
• Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta Access to sailing in western Canada for individuals and groups. 
• Disabled Sports USA 
• Disabled World Online community for disabled persons featuring the latest news and articles for people with disabilities. 
• Disability Resources,inc a nonprofit organization that provides information about resources for independent living. 
• Faithability Spirituality, Religion and Disability Directory and Blog 
• Faith in Action Faith in Action volunteers come from churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship, as well as the community at large. Volunteers help those in need by providing non-medical assistance with tasks such as: picking up a few groceries or running errands, providing a ride to the doctor, friendly visiting (talking and listening), reading or helping to pay bills. With this volunteer assistance, members of the community who have long-term health needs can maintain their independence for as long as possible.
• Fibromyalgia Network Our mission is simple: we aim to educate and assist patients with ad-free, patient-focused information that they can put to use today. We strive to make each issue of the Fibromyalgia Network Journal as accurate as possible, basing articles on published scientific findings, with many of them reviewed and edited by the experts for accuracy. 
• Friends Health Connection Nonprofit organization that connects people who are currently experiencing or who have overcome the same disease, illness, handicap or injury in order to communicate for mutual support.
• Independent Living Independent Living is a community site which provides news, views and product information designed to assist with living independently. Regularly updated, it is a completely open resource for the use of disabled and elderly individuals, healthcare professionals and family carers. 
• Invisible Disabilities Advocate (The) Do you know someone with a chronic illness? Do you struggle with what to say to them? Or do you, yourself have a debilitating illness? Do your loved ones have a difficult time understanding? Come visit our site! 
• Lift Disability Network The place where the disability community comes together. an intersection where faith and society converge. where families gather. organizations team up. leaders are developed. and Life is elevated.
• MD Support The Eyes of the Macular Degeneration Community. MD Support offers information and human contact for people dealing with macular degeneration and similar diseases of the retina which may lead to central vision loss. Operated by vision-impaired volunteers and backed by a large advisory board of leading professionals, we provide free content and services which you can trust to be complete and timely. 
• National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA). NFCA is a grass roots organization created to educate, support, empower and speak up for the millions of Americans who care for chronically ill, aged or disabled loved ones 
• New Mobility Magazine Lifestyle publication serving the resource and informational needs of people with disabilities 
• Onecandream Onecandream is committed to empowering and promoting peoples rights to be able to live their life as independently as possible. Onecandream believes all people are important and deserve to be heard and built up not torn down.
• Parents With Disabilities Online For too long, people with disabilities had been told that having families of our own was not an option. The truth is, though, that we have always been parents, and as our society evolves, more and more of us will have access to that opportunity. If you are a parent with a disability, a person with a disability who is planning to become a parent, or a nondisabled partner of a disabled parent, this site is for you. We hope that this page is a good place to start on your own journey toward independent parenting. 
• People with Substance An online support/action group for people who live with Chronic Illness or Chronic Pain. 
• SCI Info Pages - Spinal Cord Injury Information A free resource for those with a spinal cord injury or other disabling injury or disease of the spine. Provides health information associated with spinal cord injuries and contains related links with site descriptions.
• Special Child Magazine Parenting Magazine for parents of children with special needs 
• United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability. As one of the largest health charities in America, the UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network
• United People with Disabilities Includes resources for the disabled as well as Internet TV highlighting the disabled in the workforce, recreation and everyday life.
• USA TechGuide Empowerment By Choice Wheelchair Reviews By Wheelchair Users - Assistive Technology Resources - A Web Guide To Wheelchair And Assistive Technology Choices
• You're Able You're Able one of the world's leading Internet-based disability information and news services.

Web Pages With Many Links And Leads For The Disabled

• Australian Disability Rights Links
• disABILITY Information and Resources Updated and maintained - Large listing of important resources for the disabled and their advocates, loved ones and those dealing with chronic health issues. 
• Disability Information and Resources HUGE listing with everything from wheelchair adaptations to civil rights. 
• Disability Link Barn Add your link here as well 
• Disability Links For Wheelchair Users and Disabled Travelers
• Disability Related Newsgroups Listing of newsgroups available, covers a variety of illness, etc. 
• Disability Resources Annotated and alphabetical listing of Disability Resources 
• Disability Websites Large Listing, including research papers on various subjects, as well as associations and On line Journals. 
• E-bility Com Resource Listing The links directory has been developed to assist you in finding interesting and relevant sites on a variety of disability related topics. It provides a convenient starting point for finding information about people, organisations, services, and suppliers on the Internet - including sites that may not be ranked highly by the search engines (making them difficult to locate. 
• General Disabled Resources 
• Genetic Conditions/ Rare Conditions Support Groups & Information Professionals, educators, or individuals seeking information on genetic conditions or birth defects may find searching this list helpful. 
• HandiNet Well organized, annonated resource listing for disabled individuals, their families and caregiviers. 
• Healthdirectorymoz Disability Websites Honcode acredited directory of editorially reviewed disability websites. Criteria for selection is quality, trustworthy and usefulness of information.
• I need Help JAF's link page. VERY EXTENSIVE and well organized! Everything from clothing to wheelchairs, to canine companions are listed here. 
• Independent Living Resources Huge, updated and well-organized listing of supports and ideas for keeping as independent as possibility within the confines of a disability.
• The Invisible Disabilities Advocate Link Listing Large listing of legal, advocacy and general links for those with non-visible disabilities. 
• Links To Information On Developmental Disabilities Disability Rights, & Issues Which Affect People With Disabilities
• Links to Disability Resources Please note that many sites listed here cover a broad range of information and the categories do overlap.
• NORD's Rare Disease Database and Organizational Database Huge listing of rare diseases that are often underfunded as far as research dollars go. These diseases are sometimes called "oprhan diseases" as they don't fall into under the umbrella of other diseases.
• Parents helping Parents Although many of the links are for parents of disabled children, there are many others here that deal with all aspects of disabilities, no matter what the age. 
• Support groups and related links Having a disability can add a lot of stress onto a persons life. It is important to know that you are not alone and that there are others who are experiencing or have experienced similar challenges. The following external links are provided by University of Sydney, Australia.
• Untangling the Web Where can I go to get information about disabilities?

Links of Interest to the Disabled

• Christian Ministries
  Reaching out to those with disabilities or their caregivers
• General Disability Resources
  Helpful advocacy, adaptive resources, specific helps for the disabled.
• Is your Website Accessible to the Disabled?
• Who is behind this listing of disability resources?
• Recommended Christian Books
  Books specifically geared to those Christians dealing with disabilities, long term illnesses, helps for their caregivers and the church at large.