Meeting the Need for Accessibility

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• What the law requires in providing accessibility for persons with disabilities
• How to plan for and implement accessibility measures that meet legal requirements
• How to relate to the needs of persons with disabilities and be respectful in interacting with them

MORE SESSION DETAILS

This session will lead with an overview of federal, state, and local law (including the ADA, FHA, FMLA, ACA, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Section 504, and Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines) and follow with sound planning principles for first meeting the accessibility needs of people with disabilities of all types who are impacted in their interactions with the natural and built environment and then enabling them to fully participate in all public processes. The panelists include a lawyer/planner; a lawyer engaged full-time in education and outreach for people with disabilities; a labor and civil rights lawyer who provides guidance to agencies at all levels of government, and as a person who is visually impaired has important perspectives on what planning can and should do; and a planner who lived most of his life being able to get around unassisted, but now uses a wheelchair, giving him an experience that has provided him with insights on the issues. We will cover everything, including where to hold a meeting, the meeting registration process, transportation, parking, website development, website promotional/registration material, presentations, meeting materials, social functions, meals, staff/volunteer training, and disability etiquette.