's response to Laurie's question

[Guest guest]

Listmates, in case you're wondering, in addition to being sick today

Berg from the ADA Center is having technical problems posting

to IPADD -- what a day! Please bear with us as we try to sort

all this out tomorrow, and keep those questions coming. It's so

important for families to understand what laws take over after

public education ends.

Here's 's response to my earlier question:

Hello,

I think that in general the ADA is viewed as the " curb cut " law or

as a building code. Many think that the law with accessibility

standards that also requires that individuals that are deaf are

provided with interpreters and individuals that are blind be

provided with accessible materials. Many businesses and state and

local governments are not aware of their obligations to make

reasonable modifications in policies, practices and procedures when

needed to provide an individual with a disability an equal

opportunity.

I think one reason for the lack of technical assistance documents

has to do with the fact that the U.S. Department of Justice reports

receiving few complaints from individuals with developmental

disabilities. They have indicated that has been the case since the

law was enacted.

I think education of covered entities and others regarding

obligations under the ADA would most effective. If attempting to

educate does not work filing a complaint with the Department of

Justice or the Illinois Department of Human Rights may be the route

to go.

How to file a Title III Complaint

http://www.ada.gov/t3compfm.htm

Americans with Disabilities Act Questions and Answers

http://www.ada.gov/q%26aeng02.htm

A Guide to Disability Rights Laws

http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm

Expanding your market: Customers with Disabilities Mean Business

http://www.ada.gov/busstat.htm

>

> Hi ,

>

> Great to have you spending some time with us this week. My

question is

> kind of three-parter, so here goes:

>

> 1) Can you explain to the group why the ADA law appears so tilted

> toward those with physical, vision, or hearing impairments...and

seems,

> to those of us who support people with developmental disabilities,

so

> relatively silent on the need for businesses, public places, local

> governments, etc to make accomodations that go beyond curb cuts?

>

> 2) What resources are currently out there to help guide parents,

self-

> advocates, businesses etc on the ADA and people with cognitive

> disabilities or sensory issues?

>

> 3) And do you see the law (and all of the wonderful supporting

> technical assistance materials) changing to incorporate more

examples

> or strategies for people with DDs?

>

> Thanks!

> Laurie

>