News
A recent report found that the percentage of people with disabilities staying in hotels has remained steady and that there has been a noticeable decline in obstacles reported during those stays. In addition to physical accessibility improving, the report also revealed that "customer service/personnel obstacles" are improving.
We thank the Great Lakes ADA Center for providing us with information about new ADA guidelines for transportation vehicles. The guidelines address things such as boarding access, fare devices, interior circulation, seating and securement, signs, lighting, and announcement systems.
U.S. Access Board Updates ADA Guidelines for Buses and Vans
The U.S. Access Board has issued a final rule updating sections of its accessibility guidelines for transportation vehicles covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The rule revises provisions in the guidelines that apply to buses and vans to enhance accessibility and to address industry trends and improvements in design and technology. The guidelines, which the Board originally published in 1991, apply to new or remanufactured vehicles (they also include provisions for rail vehicles that the Board will update separately).
The guidelines for buses and vans address boarding access, fare devices, interior circulation, seating and securement, signs, lighting, and announcement systems. The rule reduces the maximum slope for vehicle ramps because low floor buses are now ubiquitous in fixed route systems. New provisions also address level boarding systems and incorporate updated standards for wheelchair securement systems. The rule improves communication access by requiring that buses in fixed route systems with at least 100 buses have automated stop and route announcements that are visual as well as audible. Further, access to over-the-road buses, which are typically used in commuter and long-distance bus lines and charter services, is more comprehensively addressed. In addition to these substantive changes, the rule features a new format and numbering system. An assessment of the costs and benefits is included with the rule.
"The Board is eager to issue this update which will improve usability aboard buses and vans by building upon the significant engineering and technological advancements that have occurred over the years," states Access Board Executive Director David M. Capozzi. "We will now turn our attention to updating the sections on rail vehicles."
The Board previously issued versions of the rule in draft and proposed forms for public comment and has finalized the rule based on the feedback received. At a later date, the Board will propose updates to sections of the guidelines covering vehicles in fixed guideway systems, including rapid, light, commuter, and intercity rail, according to recommendations from an advisory committee it chartered, the Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee, which submitted its report to the Board last year.
The Board's vehicle guidelines serve as the basis for mandatory standards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) under the ADA. Compliance with the updated requirements for buses and vans will become mandatory once specified by DOT in a future update of its ADA standards.
For further information, visit the Board's website or contact Scott Windley at (202) 272-0025 (voice), (202), 272-0028 (TTY), or windley@access-board.gov.
New ABLE for ALL Savings Plan helps individuals with disabilities secure greater financial and personal freedom and is available nationwide to aid families and people with disability in saving for a better life. Until now, people with disabilities couldn't save money without risk of losing their government benefits. People can use these accounts for expenses associated with living with a disability. There are certain qualifications and stipulations for these accounts, but it's available nationwide and people can sign up online.
TRAVEL WEEKLY: DOT proposes to improve airplane restroom access for disabled
By SD Network, 2017-01-04
The Department of Transportation is aiming to improve accessibility of airplane restrooms for people with disabilities. Airplane restrooms are currently too small for people who use wheelchairs. While the change wouldn't be immediate, under the proposal, beginning with airplanes delivered three years after the rule takes affect, airlines would have to take certain measures to make restrooms accessible.
The rule proposal would also improve in-flight entertainment for passengers who have hearing and visual impairments. It recommends that carriers be required to offer in-flight entertainment in closed-captioned and audio-described versions.
The Department of Transportation is expected to begin the rulemaking process for the proposal in July.
Virginia recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Virginia, the program is known as "ABLEnow." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Virginia as well as across the country.
Kentucky recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Kentucky, the program is known as "STABLE Kentucky." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are available to Kentucky residents only.
Oregon recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Oregon, the programs are known as "Oregon ABLE Savings Plan" (which is specifically for Oregon residents) and "ABLE for ALL Savings Plan" (which is available to people who qualify nationwide). Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life.
DISABLED WORLD: TellMe TV: World's First Netflix-like Service for the Blind Debuts in US and Canada
By SD Network, 2017-01-04
Over the last decade or so, online entertainment services, such as Netflix, have become increasingly popular. People who have visual impairments can now enjoy many tv shows and movies thanks to TellMe TV. TellMe TV fully described video on-demand service delivers a wide selection of rich entertainment experiences to US and Canadian blind and vision-loss community. It's available on any device that has Internet connection.
This position will serve the southeastern part of the state (Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, etc.). Here is the link for the posting:
--Describe your familiarity and experience with accessing support systems and resources available for individuals with disabilities and their families in the State of Wisconsin.
--Describe your experience in planning and coordinating meetings or events.
--Describe your experience or familiarity with electronic mail, spreadsheet and word processing software.
Please share far and wide!!!
December 2016
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
InControl Wisconsin wants to take a minute to wish everyone Happy Holidays! We really appreciate all of our Network members and Sponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you!
This is the season of giving! Our sponsors help us out in so many ways. Learn about how you can support the Network.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WOIA) Webinar
Register now for a free webinar hosted by InControl Wisconsin on Thursday January 12th from 2:00p.m. to 3:30p.m. for a webinar about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WOIA). WOIA is new federal policy that is shaping transition and employment services for individuals with disabilities around the country, including Wisconsin. about the importance of collaboration among schools, DVR, and long term supports; the three main shifts for schools; information about Pre-Employment Transition Services; new sub-minimum wage policy; and WIOA resources.
The Self-Determination Network includes some very talented members and we want to help you to get to know each other a little better. Member Spotlight is a great way for us to get to know each other better. For this month, we shine the spotlight on Cathy Derezinski. For Cathy, self-determination goes far beyond just her work—it’s a way of life. She believes self-determination is about sharing dreams and moving on them. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Cathy.
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity: December 15th, 1:30p.m. to 4p.m., Online
- ADA Live: January 4th, 12p.m. to 12:30p.m., Online
- Reception on Ability Advocacy and Story Telling: December 28th, 6p.m. to 8:30p.m., Fuel Cafe, Milwaukee WI
- AbilityWI Now: December 28th, 9p.m. to 10p.m., Online Radio Broadcast
- Webinar: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WOIA): January 12th, 2:00p.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
- Dating Workshop: January 20th, 5p.m. to 8p.m., ADRC of Sheboygan County, Sheboygan WI
- Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities Quarterly Meeting: January 26th, 9a.m. to 4:30p.m., Skype, Telephone, or Crowne Plaza, Madison WI
- 2017 Multiple Perspectives Conference: April 13th to 17th, Ohio State's Columbus Campus, Columbus OH
- 2017 Aging Empowerment Conference: June 6th-7th, Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
Post your event on the Self-Determination Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Suggestions? Contact Stacy Ellingen.
In December's entry, Stacy shares about how while animals are great for some people with disabilities, they can cause others a great amount of anxiety. We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Results are In: The results from the Survival Coalition's survey about the direct care workforce are in. Find out what the survey found.
- Post Election Medicaid Questions: Deb posted a link to a website about how the results of the election may affect Medicaid. Learn about how you may be affected.
- New App: Check out a new app that helps people with hearing impairments detect dangerous sounds, communicate with people, make emergency calls and dance to music.
- Service Animal Misconceptions: With service dogs becoming seemingly more and more popular these, there are lots of misconceptions out there about service animals. Read about some of the common misconceptions.
- Citizenship and Inclusion: There is a new shift trending in supporting people with disabilities in our communities. Read a blog by InControl board member, Patti Becker, about how considering a person's strengths, talents, and assets is more important than focusing purely on their needs.
- Direct Care Workforce Crisis: It is pretty known that Wisconsin is experiencing a crisis-level shortage of direct care workers. This commentary does a great job of putting things into perspective.
- Technology Accessibility: Recently, at an Apple product release event, the company highlighted the new ways in which its products allow for increased accessibility. Learn about some of the ways the company is helping people with disabilities.
- Movie Theaters: The Dept. of Justice recently signed a Final Rule that clarifies the Americans with Disabilities Act title lll regulation of requiring movie theaters to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services for people with disabilities. Read about this rule.
