Session 1--2:15-3:45

*1A: 2010 ADA Standards Part 1: Building Blocks, Accessible Routes and Building Elements-Paul Beatty, Access Board

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility go into effect on March 15th. Get first-hand information on implementing these guidelines from the agency that developed the guidelines. This in-depth training on the 2010 ADA Standards will cover three sessions.

1B: Title I Case Law: Reasonable Accommodation & Emerging Issues-Barry Taylor, Equip for Equality

This session will provide a detailed discussion of significant cases and their impact on implementation of Title I of the ADA. This employment based session will focus on cases regarding reasonable accommodation. "Title I Case Law" is designed for participants who have a relatively strong background in the ADA.

*1C: Self-Evaluation & Transition Plans: Part 1-John Wodatch, Retired U.S. Dept. of Justice Section Chief, Civil Rights Division

Are you one of those public entities that are slightly behind in doing a self-evaluation and transition plan? Are you asking yourself What is a self-evaluation and transition plan? Well then, this is the session for you. All public entities subject to title II of the ADA must complete a self-evaluation. For entities that have 50 or more employees, there is also a requirement to have in place a transition plan that addresses structural changes that are necessary for achieving program accessibility. Come to this session if you are interested in learning more about how to approach conducting a self-evaluation and how to integrate the information gathered into a transition plan. Sample plans will be shared with participants as well as lessons learned from seasoned professionals. This is part one of a two part session designed to be attended in its entirety.

1D: Social Media Access-Robin Jones, Great Lakes ADA Center

As social media becomes increasingly prevalent, individuals with disabilities often find themselves left out of this new communication technology. This session will cover issues related to social media access and how people with disabilities can benefit from this new form of media.

1E: Housing: Which Laws Apply?-Joshua Brewster, State of Indiana Civil Rights Commission

Landlords, condo associations, home owner associations and others involved in housing all have obligations under the Fair Housing Act. If federal funds are involved, Section 504 of the Rehab Act probably applies as well. Municipalities, counties, housing authorities, states and other public entities providing housing also have obligations under the ADA. Confused? You are not alone. We will discuss the difference between reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications in housing, how the ADA definition of service animals differs from the Fair Housing Act, examples of reasonable accommodations in housing, what questions housing providers may (and may not) ask, when and what kind of documentation of a disability is permitted. People with disabilities and their advocates will learn how to make a request for a reasonable accommodation or modification. Housing providers will learn how to recognize a request for a reasonable accommodation or modification.

1F: Decoding the Recreation Facilities Guidelines: Chapter 10 is here. - Peggy Greenwell, Access Board

For the first time in the history of accessibility standards, there are now specific provisions for recreation facilities such as swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields, playgrounds, marinas, and fishing areas. Does every swimming pool need a pool lift? What does the March 15, 2012 date really mean? This session will decode the provisions and clarify some of the most common misperceptions on the application of the new standards.

Session 2-- 4:00-5:30

*2A: 2010 ADA Standards Part 2: Plumbing Elements and Communication Features-Paul Beatty, Access Board

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility go into effect on March 15th. Get first-hand information on implementing these guidelines from the agency that developed the guidelines. This in-depth training on the 2010 ADA Standards will cover three sessions.

2B: Title I Case Law: Definition of a Disability-Barry Taylor, Equip for Equality

This session will provide a detailed discussion of significant cases and their impact on implementation of Title I of the ADA. A major focus of the session will be the ADA Amendments Act, which refined the ADA's definition of a disability, and its effect on future Supreme Court cases. "Title I Case Law" is designed for participants who have a relatively strong background in the ADA.

*2C: Self Evaluation & Transition Plans: Part 2--John Wodatch, Retired U.S. Dept. of Justice Section Chief, Civil Rights Division

This session is a continuation of the Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan I. This session will continue to build on strategies for conducting a self-evaluation and developing a transition plan. It will include on-going monitoring of a transition plan and consideration of some of the political aspects of implementing a transition plan successfully. The overall objective of these sessions is to equip ADA Coordinators with information, tools, and resources to make the task of self-evaluation, transition plan development, and implementation just a bit easier.

2D: ADA-AA & Higher Education-Ann Caldwell, Disability Concerns, Illinois State University

This session will cover how the ADA-AA regulations impact higher education and what higher education institutions should do to meet their obligations under the ADA-AA.

2E: Elevator Exemptions: International Building Code vs. the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design -Kim Paarlberg, International Code Council

This session will discuss the interplay between the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the International Building Code in regard to elevator exemptions. Areas of possible confusion will be clarified.

2F: Outdoor Recreation Environments: If a Tree Falls in the Woods, What Accessibility Guidelines Apply?--Peggy Greenwell, Access Board

Under development by the U.S. Access Board, Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas that will apply to federal lands are soon to be released. What's the difference between an accessible route, outdoor recreation access route and a trail? What is an outdoor constructed feature and how do the upcoming accessibility guidelines apply? This session will include an overview of the forthcoming guidelines and an update on the status of rulemaking.

Session 3--8:30-10:30

*3A: 2010 ADA Standards Part 3: Special Rooms, Spaces and Built-In Elements--Paul Beatty,Access Board

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility go into effect on March 15th. Get first-hand information on implementing these guidelines from the agency that developed the guidelines. This in-depth training on the 2010 ADA Standards will cover three sessions.

**3B: Reasonable Accommodation--Jana Burke, Rocky Mountain ADA Center

This session addresses the legal and practical issues of reasonable accommodation. Participants are encouraged to bring questions about negotiating reasonable accommodation, identifying effective ones, and determining undue hardship.

*3C: Role of an ADA Coordinator-- -Ed Neuberg, ADA Coordinator, City of Denver, Colorado

An effective ADA Coordinator is critical to successful ADA implementation. However, the role and responsibilties of the ADA Coordinator are often both ill-defined and misunderstood. This session will clearly outline the functions of the ADA Coordinator position, the departments and community members the ADA Coordinator should interact with, and how the ADA Coordinator postion should fit into the overall structure of a Title II entity.

**3D: Effective Communication--Randi Turner, Communications Access Specialist for the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services within the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services-Division for Rehabilitation Services-Texas

Title II of the ADA requires state and local government entities to provide "effective communication" to individuals with disabilities. This session includes what the ADA covers in regards to "effective" communication, the types of auxiliary aides and services used to provide effective communication, obligations and responsibilities of both Title II entities and individual with disabilities, and examples of policies that may meet ADA guidelines and ensure people with disabilities receive access to communication.

3E: On-Going Harmonization of the 2012 IBC & ADA Standards--Kim Paarlberg, International Code Council

Historically, there have been more than 3 national building code groups and at least 5 different design guidelines addressing accessibility. Over the past 20 years these groups have merged and worked toward a single, clear and unified standard of accessible design. That process continues as Federal regulations and the unified building code work toward a seamless application of accessibility design. This program will cover the harmonization successes to date and the ongoing work between the International Code Council and the US Access Board. This session features Kim Paarlberg of the International Code Council (ICC), who is overseeing the harmonization efforts for the 2009 IBC/ANSI A117 and the newest 2004 ADAAG.

3F: Not on My Trail: Regulating Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices-Jerry Kerr,Segways4Vets

Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPMD)? Huh? Can't I just say "no wheels on this trail?" This session will address the policy considerations for use of other power-driven mobility devices on public lands and tourist attractions. Unique issues such as gas powered devices, visitor traffic, endangered flora and nesting turtles will be discussed along with examples of good and bad policies.

Session 4--10:45-12:15

*4A: 2010 ADA Standards Part 1: Building Blocks, Accessible Routes and Building Elements -Bill Botten, Access Board (Repeat of 1A)

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility go into effect on March 15th. Get first-hand information on implementing these guidelines from the agency that developed the guidelines. This in-depth training on the 2010 ADA Standards will cover three sessions.

4B: Direct Threat in the Workplace--Barry Taylor, Equip for Equality

What does the ADA require when an employee poses a potential threat to health and safety in the workplace? This session will review the ADA and its regulations, EEOC guidance, and recent case law. The session will outline both employees legal rights and employers responsibilities in regard to conducting an individualized assessment along with the role of reasonable accommodations to address the potential threat.

4C: Service Animals--Peter Berg, Great Lakes ADA Center

Service animals are defined and viewed differently under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA). Find out how each of these laws provides protections for individuals with disabilities. Learn what businesses, governments, employers, airlines, and property managers are required to do and what they are not required to do. Become educated on permissible questions and/or permissible documentation a covered entity may ask or require from an individual with a disability.

4D: Parking-Vicki Simpson,Illinois Attorney General's Office & William Bogdan, Illinois Secretary of State Office

This session will cover ADA guidelines regarding parking and examine overlap with individual state guidelines. Specific problem areas related to parking will be covered in detail. Bring your questions!

4E: Exisiting Structures: Alterations, Additions, & Historical Properties -Don Brandon, Northwest ADA Center

Some of the most frequently asked questions in design training will often encompass how to implement the ADA Standards and regulations during additions and alterations. The objectives of this training module are to assist the participants in effectively understanding and applying the federal design standards relevant to existing sites, facilities, buildings, and elements. There are significant differences in the application, and triggers for using the 1991 or 2010 Standards between new design/construction and existing buildings. Some of the topics to be discussed will be: The common sense clause (equivalent facilitation) The corridor of accessible travel Prioritizing Path of Travel requirements Elevator Exemptions & Historic Preservation What is or isn't an alteration? What is meant by the maximum extent feasible? Considerations when choosing between the 1991 or 2010 ADAAG standards

4F: Universal Approach to Exhibits: Design Considerations for Interpretive Exhibits in Museums, Nature Centers, and Zoos--Ray Bloomer, National Center on Accessibility

How do you effectively communicate the highly visual messages from museum exhibits to people with low vision? This session will provide practical universal design considerations from use of tactile maps, dimensional models, audio description and other methods to benefit all museum patrons.

Session 5--1:30-3:00

*5A: 2010 ADA Standards Part 2: Plumbing Elements and Communication Features --Bill Botten,Access Board (Repeat of 2A)

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility go into effect on March 15th. Get first-hand information on implementing these guidelines from the agency that developed the guidelines. This in-depth training on the 2010 ADA Standards will cover three sessions.

5B: Connecting Veterans with Disabilities & Employers--Hannah Rudstam, Northeast ADA Center

During this session, we will consider two parts of a research project recently carried out by the Northeast ADA Center. The first part of this project included a survey conducted in collaboration with the National Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) on the preparedness of employers to hire, accommodate and retain veterans with service-related disabilities. The second part of this project included a survey of veterans with disabilities on their preparedness to apply their rights in seeking and sustaining employment. We will present the findings of these two surveys and discuss program and practice implications.

5C: Disclosure Issues--Randi Turner,Communications Access Specialist for the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services within the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services-Division for Rehabilitation Services-Texas

This interactive session will focus on the factors to consider when making the determination to disclose disability to a potential employer.  Some people choose to disclose their disability because they know they will need accommodations at the interview, or to train for the job. Others may choose not to disclose disability for fear an interview may never be offered, or their disability will become the focus of the interview instead of their "abilities". In the end, the decision to disclose is a personal one but preparation is key. Participants of this session will leave with an interactive game that can be used to teach people with disabilities if, when, and how, to disclose.

5D: Hospitality: Serving Customers with Disabilities -Eric Lipp, Open Doors LLC

Areas covered will include: ADA checklists, site visits, and dissemination of information to registrants. Accessibility requirements of convention centers, hotels, and local transportation will be discussed. Resources will be identified. Learning objectives include: having an appreciation for what persons with disabilities are requesting, 2) conducting an accessibility assessment of a convention center, hotel and surrounding area, 3) knowing what materials to provide to registrants and in what format, 4) knowing how to handle individual requests for accommodations, and 5) identifying resources for future use.

5E: Accessible Design for Employment: Design Effects on Essential Functions & Accommodations.--Rich Sternadori, Great Plains ADA Center
 
This session will examine accessible design in the workplace and outline employers obligations under the ADA and discuss the importance of avoiding workplace environmental barriers to the newly disabled employee.  This training will also examine essential job duties and how those may – or may not – allow for structures to be exempt from accessible design requirements. The program will also review accessibility exceptions for the installation of catwalks, areas accessed by ladders and other structures where assumptions of being able bodied or mobile are inherent in design.

5F: At the Surface: How are "Accessible" Playground Surfaces Measuring Up? --Jennifer Skulski, National Center on Accessibility and Peggy Greenwell, Access Board

National Center on Accessibility longitudinal study on the accessibility of playground surfaces. The study, funded by the U.S. Access Board, is the most comprehensive research to date on the accessibility of playground surfaces such as poured-in-place rubber, tiles, engineered wood fiber and hybrid surface systems.

Session 6--3:15-5:15

*6A: 2010 ADA Standards Part 3: Special Rooms, Spaces and Built-In Elements-Bill Botten, Access Board (Repeat of 3A)

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility go into effect on March 15th. Get first-hand information on implementing these guidelines from the agency that developed the guidelines. This in-depth training on the 2010 ADA Standards will cover three sessions.

6B: Accommodating Diverse Disabilities--Jana Burke, Rocky Mountain ADA Center

The ADAAA has expanded the definition of a disability and employers may be unfamiliar with their obligation to accommodate disabilities such as diabetes and cancer, cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. This session will cover accommodations that meet the needs of a diverse number of disabilities.

6C: Access to the Courts-Vickie Simpson and Jason Johnson, Illinois Attorney General's Office

Accessibility to the court system is critical to ensure individual with disabilities receive their full civil rights. This session will cover the compliance obligations of the court system under the ADA and how to achieve full compliance.

**6D: Emergency Preparedness-Jessica Mitchell, Region 5 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Planning and responding for emergencies can be overwhelming, long before the event itself. While we as a society rely on our State and Local Emergency Management agencies for relief from disasters, there is no substitute than being ready locally and regionally. The "Whole Community" perspective of readiness examines the intersection between being prepared at the local level and harmonization with State and Federal programs. This interactive session includes discussion, lecture and table-top exercises to empower participants toward forming community programs which better prepare people with disabilities for the inevitability of disasters.

6E: Accessible Egress Design--Kim Paarlberg, International Code Council

Persons in the field of accessible design will explore the fundamental changes in the way we understand and implement accessible egress and exiting. The accessible means of egress provisions from the International Building Code (IBC) are now referenced in the federal design regulations and will be required after March 15, 2012. This timely program will introduce you to the concepts, details and application of these often complex exiting provisions, and assist in understanding how the codes and federal regulations are now working to harmonize the national response to designing a building not only for ingress, but for egress as well.

6F: Temporary Events: Planning for Access to Festivals and Special Events -Peter Berg, Great Lakes ADA Center; Ric Edwards, Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources, and Larry Labiak, City of Chicago Mayor's Office on Disability

What goes into coordinating physical and programmatic access, auxiliary aids, services, policy modifications, and disability-accommodations for festivals, community fairs and special events? This session will focus on ADA compliance considerations, the planning process, lessons learned, and helpful tips for your next special event.

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Session 7--8:30-10:30

**7A: Public Rights of Way--Melissa Anderson, Access Board

This session will provide visual examples, solutions to common problems, and best practices for sidewalk, street crossing and pedestrian facility accessibility.

*7B: EEOC Update & Title I Guidelines-Christopher Kuczynski, EEOC

This session will provide an overview of Title I Guidelines of the ADA and an in-depth discussion of recent EEOC activities. The EEOC has been given the authority to write the regulations and guidelines for implementation of the ADA Amendments Act. Discussion will include the significant impact that the ADA Amendments Act will have on current and future ADA implementation and provide an overview of the EEOC regulations and guidelines that cover the ADA Amendments Act. A primary focus of the session will be the expanded definition of a disability and its effect on Title I Guidelines.

*7C: Role of an ADA Coordinator -Ed Neuberg, ADA Coordinator, City of Denver, Colorado (Repeat of 3C)

An effective ADA Coordinator is critical to successful ADA implementation. However, the role and responsibilties of the ADA Coordinator are often both ill-defined and misunderstood. This session will clearly outline the functions of the ADA Coordinator position, the departments and community members the ADA Coordinator should interact with, and how the ADA Coordinator postion should fit into the overall structure of a Title II entity.

7D: Access Board Update--Peggy Greenwell,Access Board

This session will cover the recent activities of the U.S. Access Board, current design research and future trends.

7E: Advanced Discussion Forum: Employment--Jana Burke, Great Lakes ADA Center

This session will provide an opportunity for attendees with advanced knowledge and experience in employment to discuss pertinent issues and problem solve. The session will follow a guided facilitation format.


7F: The Recreation Conundrum: Where Physical and Programmatic Access Convergee-National Center on Accessibility

What is program access when it comes to parks, recreation and tourism? What is the intended visitor experience? Can visitors with disabilities benefit from the experience if there are barriers to physical access? This session will address the convergence and interrelationship of physical and programmatic access for visitors with disabilities, including assessments, prioritization and implementation of transition planning.

Session 8--10:45-12:15

8A: Access Surveys--John Rife Torkelson, Accessibility Professional Association of Texas

This presentation will focus on the "tools" that are necessary to both plan and complete an accessibility survey of a building, facility, or environment. Planning approaches and other logistical aspects of completing accessibility reviews will be addressed, particularly in how they relate to transition plans.

8B: Hiring Process--Cindy Tarshish, ADA Minnesota-Metropolitan Center for Independent Living

This session will cover the obligations of employers and the rights of individuals with disabilities in regard to the hiring process. Interviews, job applications, recruiting, and accommodations will be discussed in detail.

8C: Voting Issues--Hollister Bundy, Inclusion Solutions

Cities and counties with responsibilities for voting must ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to all aspects of the voting process. Now is the time to evaluate voting facilities and procedures to prepare for the 2012 elections. This session will also cover the rights of individuals with disabilities in regard to voting and how individuals can ensure they receive their full rights as citizens to participate in elections.

8D: Project Civic Access--John Wodatch, Retired U.S. Dept. of Justice Section Chief, Office of Civil Rights

For over 10 years, the US Department of Justice has reviewed cities, towns, and counties across America evaluating what steps have been taken to make programs, services, and facilities accessible. This session reports on a review of the almost 175 cases which resulted in settlement agreements to provide perspective on the most common errors and omission. The process undertaken by DOJ will be described and the improvements that resulted will be featured.


8E: Advanced Discussion Forum: ADA Coordinators-Ed Neuberg, ADA Coordinator, City of Denver, Colorado

This session will provide an opportunity for attendees with advanced knowledge and experience as ADA Coordinators to discuss pertinent issues and problem solve. The session will follow a guided facilitation format.

8F: Dept. of Interior-Office of Civil Rights Panel-Heidi Kunkel and Jennifer Skulski, U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Parks Service

This panel will discuss trending recreation and tourism complaints and how they affect future interpretation of ADA implementation.

Session 9--1:30-3:30

9A: Recreation & Outdoor Areas--Bill Botten, Access Board
This session reviews the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design guidelines for newly constructed and altered recreation facilities, including amusement rides, boating facilities, fishing piers and platforms, golf courses, sports facilities, swimming pools and spas. The proposed accessibility guidelines for newly constructed and altered outdoor developed areas including trails, camping and picnic facilities, and beaches will also be discussed.

9B: Leave as an Accommodation & Return to Work Policies-Christopher Kuczynski, EEOC

This session will provide guidance on an employer's obligation to provide extended leaves of absence or other accommodations to employees who are on a leave of absence and have a disability protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Because the term "reasonable accommodation" includes accommodations that enable the employee to perform the essential functions of his or her job, various courts have agreed with the EEOC that unpaid medical leave, for a finite period, is a reasonable accommodation if it does not pose an undue hardship. The session will explain the manner in which the EEOC and courts have evaluated extended leaves of absence and claims of undue hardship so that employers can manage employee leaves in compliance with federal and state laws.

9C: Accessible Transportation--Kristi McLaughlin, Easter Seals Project Action

This session will cover accessible transportation obligations under the ADA and how to best meet those obligations.

9D: Accessible High Stakes Testing-
There is growing case law in the area of high stakes testing (ACT/SAT/LSAT/GRE). This session will explore the regulatory requirements for providing accommodations for these types of tests especially as it relates to past accommodations the individual has received. Also discussed will be proper documentation procedures required by the testing entities

9E: Advanced Discussion Forum: Design-Troy Balthazor and Ray Petty, Great Plains ADA Center

This session will provide an opportunity for attendees with advanced knowledge and experience in accessible design to discuss pertinent issues and problem solve. The session will follow a guided facilitation format.

9F: Access to Recreation Initiative: Building Demonstration Models of Universal Design-Christopher Nanni, Vice President, Programs, Community Foundation of St.Joseph County

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funded $15 million to unique recreation demonstration projects in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. This session will highlight some of the exemplar universally designed projects and provide recommendations for working with community foundations on like projects. Construction management and maintenance challenges will also be discussed.