NEW ADA Compliance Assistance & Disability Diversity Programs Brochure
Disability Law Lowdown now in ASL! The first video podcast series in American Sign Language bring a new level of service to the Deaf community by expanding traditional audio-only podcasts to include video that allows subscribers too see native Deaf speakers signing the show’s content. The podcasts deliver the latest in disability law information via American Sign Language, captioning, voice-over, and transcripts to maximize accessibility.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
We are committed to helping businesses, organizations, and units of government understand their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Disability Network provides information, technical assistance, and professional assessments to help people understand and comply with the ADA. We can answer your questions, give practical advice, and provide you with documents to inform and support your business practices. We are available come to your business and perform accessibility audits or to provide on-site training to your staff regarding disability issues. These accessibility audits are customized to your needs and can include physical accessibilty, website/electronic accessibility, and programmatic accessibility. Contact ADA Specialist Paul Ecklund at pecklund@dnswm.org or (269) 345-1516 or (800) 394-7450.
The ADA is a law that sets minimum guidelines to ensure equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities; these minimum guidelines do not ensure that a business is disability-friendly or even that it is accessible at a practical level to all people with disabilities. Meeting the minimum guidelines of the ADA may meet the letter of the law, but certainly does not embrace the spirit of the law, which speaks to the full inclusion of all citizens in all areas of community life. We can help you understand the difference so that you can make informed decisions that affect your business.
Below are some links to frequently requested information about the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ADA Information – General
• www.adabasics.org A great tutorial that provides an overview of the ADA
• www.ada.gov The US Department of Justice’s website providing a wealth of information about all aspects of the ADA.
ADA Compliance – Employment
• www.eeoc.gov The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission’s website. Searchable for documents that provide specific guidance and examples on a variety of work & disability issues.
• www.jan.wvu.edu Job Accommodation Network website, sponsored by the US Department of Labor.
ADA Compliance – Businesses
• www.ada.gov/taxpack.htm ADA Tax Incentive Package for Businesses
• www.ada.gov/reachingout/intro1.htm Tutorial: Reaching out to customers with disabilities
• www.ada.gov/restribr.pdf A PDF providing ADA requirements for parking lots - striping and signage guidelines
ADA Compliance – Cities, Towns & other units of government
• www.ada.gov/smtown.htm ADA Guide for Small Towns
• www.ada.gov/comprob.htm ADA & City Governments: Common Problems
• www.ada.gov/websites2_scrn.pdf Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to people with disabilities