Information

Audio Conference Series Session Schedule*

All Sessions are scheduled from 1:00-2:30 p.m. (90 minute sessions) Central Time Zone(CT). The program is available in three formats:

Teleconference
Streaming Audio via the Internet
Real-time Captioning via the Internet

All sessions will have a written transcript as well as a digital recording of the session archived on this site.

The ADA Audio Conference Series schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the DBTACs.

The schedule for the 2009 ADA Audio Conference Series is as follows:

2009

4-Part Series � Employment Series

January 20th, 2009 � Work at Home/Altered Work Schedules as an accommodation

The ADA and reasonable accommodation: does it include work at home or an obligation to provide an altered work schedule? This session will discuss these concepts as they apply to reasonable accommodation and explore what the courts are saying and how the EEOC guidance in this area is useful in determining whether or not it is �reasonable� for your organization.

Speaker: TBA

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

February 17th, 2009 � Unraveling the differences and similarities regarding leave, light duty, reassignment and return to work issues: Implications for the Employers

Employers deal with an alphabet soup of rules and regulations governing the workplace. Confusion abounds when there is an overlap of requirements such as those that are found in the ADA, Family and Medical Leave Act and state Worker�s Compensation Laws. Join our speaker as they unravel these issues and provide clarification regarding when leave is required, the process that an employer should use to determine if the leave falls under the ADA vs FMLA or both and how to differentiate between an obligation under Worker�s Compensation law and the ADA.

Speaker: TBA

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

March 17th, 2009 � Virtual Communication: Implications for the Employers

�Go to our website to apply for a job�, �Check out your benefits on-line�, �I will send it to you by email� all are common responses that employers give to applicants and employees when they are seeking information or interacting with the HR functions of an employer. Have you thought about the accessibility of these activities to individuals who are blind or have other types of disabilities? This session will discuss the obligation of employers to ensure that all aspects of their communication are accessible, including that which is carried out in the virtual world. Learn what is required and how to implement best practices when using the virtual world to conduct business.

Speaker: TBA

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

April 21st, 2009 � Understanding Mental Illness: What does an employer need to know?

Description coming soon

Speaker: TBA

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

2-Part Series � State and Local Government Series

May 19th, 2009 � Public Rights of Way: What are the rules?

Public streets and sidewalks present unique access challenges that are not encompassed by existing guidelines or standards. Access at street crossings for pedestrians with vision impairments, on-street parking, and constraints posed by terrain and space limitations are just some of the issues that often arise. Join this session to learn more about the current rulemaking efforts underway by the US Access Board and their status.

Speaker:

Representative from the US Access Board

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

June 16th, 2009 � Prepare for the unexpected: Emergency Preparedness/Evacuation for the people with Disabilities

One of the most important roles of local government is to protect their citizenry from harm, including helping people prepare for and respond to emergencies. Making local government emergency preparedness and response programs accessible to people with disabilities is a critical part of this responsibility. Making these programs accessible is also required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Join this session to learn more about what has been occurring across the country in this area and best practices for implementation.

Speaker: TBA

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

July 21st, 2009 � ADA Update: 19 Years Later

Mark the 19th anniversary of the ADA by joining this audio conference as we listen to representatives of the Federal Agencies present an update on their litigation, technical assistance and enforcement efforts over the past year. Participants will have an opportunity to pose questions to the presenters regarding issues in their own workplace or community.

Speaker:

Sharon Rennert

Senior Attorney Advisor

Americans with Disabilities Act Division

John Wodatch

Chief

Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division United States Department of Justice

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

August 18th, 2009 � Ensuring Effective Communication: Whose responsibility is it?

Who pays for the sign language interpreter? How much notice is required? What language should I put about it in my flyer? Do I have to use a �certified� sign language interpreter? These and many more questions will be discussed during this session. Communication is central to all aspects of conducting business or providing services. Having equal access to information is a civil right yet many people continue to report that they struggle with their healthcare professionals, lawyers, theatres, educational institutions and government officials to get the form of communication that is most effective for them. Business owners and others remain confused about whose responsibility it is to provide communication related accommodations. This session will provide insight into the problems, discuss case law as it has developed in this area and identify best practice guidelines for approaching this issue.

Speaker: TBA

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

September 15th, 2009 � Best Practices in Accommodating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disability and other emerging groups within Post Secondary Education

Educational entities are reporting increased enrollment of individuals with a variety of disabilities that they have not traditionally been served. Questions and concerns regarding the type of accommodations needed and how the campus environment needs to respond to ensure that qualified students have an equal opportunity to participate are common on the various post secondary education list servs and blogs. Join the speakers for this session to learn more about how some institutions have implemented programs that have effectively been able to accommodate and integrate these students.

Speaker: TBA

Time: TBA

CEU Credits: TBA

The ADA Audio Conference Series is Coordinated by the DBTAC - Great Lakes ADA Center. For assistance with any of our conferences contact us at (877) ADA - 1990 or (877) 232 - 1990 (V/TTY). We reserve the right to cancel sessions at any time without notice. A full refund will be provided for all paid sessions should the sessions be cancelled.