Ann Deschamps, Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center discussed their work in educating and training individuals, businesses and communities about the Americans with Disabilities Act, from who is protected to what employers, governments and businesses must do to accommodate this growing population.  We discussed who is covered by the ACT, a wide range that includes anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, the businesses that are either responsible to accommodate through the ADA or local law, and how the ADA Center can help with information and direction.  The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is one of ten across the country offering these services.       

Today we discussed the recent rulings from the federal government addressing state and local government access to technology.  This long awaited ruling provides guidelines and requirements for apps and programs that allow access to pubic websites.  Ms Deschamps refers anyone who wants to know more about the requirements and accommodation apps to visit the Department of Justice ADA site at ADA.gov.      

We spoke about the hospitality industry; people with disabilities and their families generate up to 21 Billion in revenue , yet many hotels, restaurants, museums, nature centers and transportation providers don’t know how to accommodate these consumers.  The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center will host a Hospitality Conference October 15-17, 2024 at the Hotel duPont in Wilmington for the industry with speakers, vendors and panels on best practices.  The event will kick off with a day-long excursion to Winterthur, a pioneer in accommodation and inclusion.  

We wrapped with a discussion on on-going concerns, the aging population, the need for healthcare providers to step up accessibility to care, and housing, a constant concern for all persons with disabilities, heightened by aging home-owners who want to stay in their homes.     

Finally, she encourages anyone, from businesses to individuals to community and civic groups to reach out for information and programming to help implement the ADA for an inclusive society.  

For more information about training, the conference, and facts about the ADA visit ADAInfo.org or call 1-800-949-4232. 

Ms Deschamps also recommends the Job Accommodation Network for questions about types of accommodations available to employees, some simple.  Find them at AskJAN.org. 

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