Access Ohio Offers training and technical assistance throughout the State of Ohio on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are a division of The Center for Disability Empowerment which is a community-based, non-residential center that is driven by the choice and direction of people with disabilities. The Center for Disability Empowermentserves individuals of any age, with any disability so they may be participants and contributors in their communities as they live, learn, worship, work and play alongside people who do not have disabilities. Our architectural and programmatic assessments for accessibility help businesses, public entities and employers meet their legal obligations under the ADA and broaden the base of people they serve. We also offer training on the ADA for staff and management teams as well as assistance in self-evaluations and transition planning for state and local governments. See below for details on all these services.
Surveys TheADAAG buildings and facilities requirements in the revised 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines can be daunting to apply to entire facilities when checking for site-wide compliance. Let us help you in determining the level of compliance of your existing or recently constructed facilities. We can also advise on upcoming renovation projects to make sure modifications to your facilities are compliant. Furthermore, we review blueprints and drawings of planned construction to avoid costly errors of compliance before construction even begins. Our staff brings years of experience and dedication to assure you that people with disabilities are able to use and benefit from the programs and services offered at your facilities.
Training Access-Ohio is able to provide educational seminars and trainings on all titles of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our staff and board have years of experience on a national level and have served in various professional capacities providing training and technical assistance on the ADA. From employment to effective communication, access to accommodation, we are able to gear a training specific to your needs and given enough lead time are able to obtain ceu’s or cle’s from your accrediting organization for the benefit of your staff and clients. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with all of your training and consultation needs.
State and Local Governments Program Access - Access to civic life by people with disabilities is a fundamental goal of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To ensure that this goal is met, Title II of the ADA requires State and local governments to make their programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities. This requirement extends not only to physical access at government facilities, programs, and events -- but also to policy changes that governmental entities must make to ensure that all people with disabilities can benefit from public programs and services. In addition, governmental entities must ensure effective communication, including the provision of necessary auxiliary aids and services, interpreters, alternate format materials and other reasonable accommodations.
State and Local Governments Self-Evaluation - The 1991 ADA regulation required all public entities, regardless of size, to evaluate all of their services, policies, and practices and to modify any that did not meet ADA requirements. In addition, public entities with 50 or more employees were required to develop a transition plan detailing any structural changes that would be undertaken to achieve program access and specifying a time frame for their completion. While the 2010 ADA Updates do not specifically require public entities to conduct a new self-evaluation or develop a new transition plan, they are encouraged to do so. For more information, see ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments.
State and Local Governments Transition Planning - Public entities that have 50 or more employees are required to have a grievance procedure and to designate at least one responsible employee to coordinate ADA compliance. The ADA Coordinator’s role is to coordinate the government entity’s efforts to comply with the ADA and investigate any complaints that the entity has violated the ADA. The Coordinator serves as the point of contact for individuals with disabilities to request auxiliary aids and services, policy modifications, and other accommodations or to file a complaint with the entity; for the general public to address ADA concerns; and often for other departments and employees of the public entity. The name, office address, and telephone number of the ADA Coordinator must be provided to all interested persons.
Tax Incentives: The Americans with Disabilities Act has made two tax incentives available. A tax credit exists for a variety of accessibility services and accommodations of up to $5,000 per year. A tax deduction for the removal of architectural barriers allows up to $15,000 of incentive per year. Combining the two tax incentives can save your business or organization $20,000 per year. We can help you take advantage of these tax incentives for our services while improving your facilities and training staff and management to serve a broader range of customers of all abilities.
DISCLAIMER: The staff of Access-Ohio are extensively trained to provide informal guidance on the ADA and other federal civil rights laws. However, the information provided is not a legal determination of individuals or entities rights or responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act or any other state or federal civil rights laws. To make such a determination, it is recommended to seek professional legal counsel..