Session 1--10:30-12:30

**1A: Recreation Facilities--Peggy Greenwell, 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 draft final accessibility guidelines for newly constructed and altered outdoor developed areas including trails, camping and picnic facilities, and beaches will also be discussed.

*1B: EEOC Update & Title I Guidelines--Joyce Walker Jones, 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.

*1C: Role of an ADA Coordinator--Sally Conway, U.S. Dept. of Justice

An effective ADA Coordinator is critical to successful ADA implementation. However, the role and responsibilities 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 position should fit into the overall structure of a Title II entity.

1D: Strategic Planning for Emerging Issues--L.Elaine Sutton-Mbionwu, Southeast ADA Center

Session participants will be introduced to a “concept mapping” type process in which they are engaged in generating ideas, synthesizing emerging issues, and sorting through actionable plans that will facilitate creative, innovative, and sustainable change on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The structure of this session involves the intertwining of lecture and hands-on interactive group processing.

1E: ADA-AA & Higher Education--Claire Fitzgerald,Office of Civil Rights, Dept of Education

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.

Session 2-- 1:45-3:15

*2A: 2010 ADA Standard Part 1: Building Blocks, Accessible Routes and Building Elements --Dave Yanchulis, 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: 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.

2C: Service Animals--Carol Christopherson, Florida Service Dogs, Inc.;Julie Shaw,Disability Solutions for Independent Living

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. An Innovative Best Practice and demonstration of producing service animals for individuals with disabilities through a partnership with Florida Service Dogs, Inc. and disAbility Solutions for Independent Living (a Florida CIL) will also be featured.

2D: Complaint Process Enforcement Panel--Sally Conway, U.S. Dept. of Justice; Joyce Walker-Jones, EEOC; Claire Fitzgerald, Dept. of Education-OCR

What happens when an ADA discrimination complaint is filed? What agency handles the complaint? What procedures are followed? Sometimes filing a discrimination complaint seems to go nowhere and take a long time getting there. This session discusses the best way to model and write a Title II or Title III complaint, how to convey your situation across clearly and effectively, and, hopefully, increase your chances of a positive resolution.

2E: Housing: Which Laws Apply--Kathy Gips, New England ADA Center

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.

Session 3 --3:30-5:00

*3A: 2010 Standards Part 2: Plumbing Elements and Communication Features --Dave Yanchulis,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: Title I Case Law: Reasonable Accommodation & Emerging Issues--William Myhill and Kelly Bunch, Burton Blatt Institute

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.

3C: K-12 ADA Coordinator Issues--Kathy Fortney, Francis-Howell School District

Title II Entities are required to have an ADA Coordinator, however, while school districts have the same obligations as cities, the issues that arise for accessibility can be drastically different. This session will explore these unique challenges K-12 ADA Coordinators deal with on a daily basis. Through the use of examples and scenarios this session will challenge the audience to think about accommodation in a manner that will best benefit the learning experience of a K-12 student with a disability.
 

3D: Small Business & the ADA--Mike Edwards,Great Plains ADA Center

A practical explanation of the ADA and what every small business, Chamber of Commerce, and small business counselor should know. Key resources will be highlighted and tips will be offered for cost effective implementation. Learn how businesses can benefit from implementing the ADA.

3E: Emergency Preparedness for First Responders--Chip Wilson, Florida Statewide Disability Coordinator, Division of Emergency Management

First responders face unique and critical challenges in assisting people with disabilities after an emergency or disaster. This session will cover best practices that allow first responders to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Session 4 -- 8:30-10:30

*4A: 2010 Standards Part 3: Special Rooms, Spaces and Built-in Elements --Dave Yanchulis, 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.

**4B: 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.

**4C: 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.

4D: Recent ADA Court Cases from the Southeast Region--William Myhill and Kelly Bunch, Burton Blatt Institute

This session will examine specific cases that affect ADA implementation in the Southeast region. A relatively strong knowledge of the ADA is required to attend this session.

**4E: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities--Chip Wilson, Florida Statewide Disability Coordinator, Division of Emergency Management

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 for 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.

Session 5--10:45-12:15

*5A: 2010 ADA Standards Part 1:Building Blocks, Accessible Routes and Building Elements --Dave Yanchulis, Access Board (Repeat)

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: Title I Case Law: Definition of a Disability--William Myhill and Kelly Bunch,Burton Blatt Institute

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.
 

*5C: Self-Evaluation & Transition Plans: Part 1--Sally Conway, U.S. Dept. of Justice

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.

5D: 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.

5E: Rebuilding After the Storm--Jack Humburg, Boley Centers, Inc.

Rebuilding after a disaster is often a long and difficult process, but it is critical that new structures meet accessibility guidelines. This session will examine rebuilding efforts and ADA accessibility requirements.

Session 6--1:30-3:00

*6A: 2010 Standards Part 2: Plumbing Elements and Communication Features --Dave Yanchulis, Access Board (Repeat)

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: Leave as an Accommodation & Return to Work Policies-- Joyce Walker-Jones, 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.
 

*6C: Self-Evaluation & Transition Plans: Part 2--Sally Conway, U.S. Dept. of Justice

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.

6D: Parking--Jack Humburg, Boley Centers, Inc.

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!

6E: Accessible Meetings--Marion Vessels, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

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.

Session 7--3:15-5:15

*7A: 2010 Standards Part 3: Special Rooms, Spaces and Built-in Elements --Dave Yanchulis, Access Board (Repeat)

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.

7B: Connecting Veterans with Disabilities & Employers-- Wendy Strobel Gower, 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.

7C: Web Accessibility for Title II Entities--Robin Jones, Great Lakes ADA Center

Title II entities have an obligation to provide accessible websites. With increasing amounts of information available on websites, it is important that individuals with disabilities have access to information. This session will cover obligations of Title II entities to provide accessible websites.

7D: Accessible Transportation--Donna Smith, Easter SealsProject Action
This session will cover accessible transportation obligations under the ADA and how to best meet those obligations.

7E: Advanced Discussion Forum: Employment--Jana Burke, Rocky Mt. 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.

Session 8--8:30-10:30

8A: Public Rights of Way--Melissa Anderson, Access Board

On July 26th the U.S. Access Board released for public comment proposed guidelines for accessible public rights-of-way. The guidelines provide design criteria for public streets and sidewalks, including pedestrian access routes, street crossings, curb ramps and blended transitions, on-street parking, street furniture, and other elements. This session will provide an update on the status of this rulemaking along with visual examples, solutions to common problems, and best practices for sidewalk, street crossing and pedestrian facility accessibility.

**8B: Reasonable Accommodation--Jana Burke, Rocky Mt. ADA Center (Repeat of 4B)

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.

*8C: Role of an ADA Coordinator--Sally Conway, U.S. Dept. of Justice (Repeat of 1C)

An effective ADA Coordinator is critical to successful ADA implementation. However, the role and responsibilities 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 position should fit into the overall structure of a Title II entity.

8D: Interpretive Exhibits at Museums, Zoos & Amusement Parks--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.

8E: Advanced Discussion Forum: Design--Troy Balthazor, 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.

Session 9--10:45-12:15

9A: Access Surveys--Troy Balthazor, Great Plains ADA Center

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.

9B: Hiring Process--Shelley Kaplan, Springboard Consulting, LLC.

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.

9C: Voting Issues--Jim Dickson, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

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.

9D Beach Access--Jennifer Skulski, National Center on Accessibility

Find out how to make beaches accessible to people with disabilities. This session will examine challenges and best practices.

9E: Advanced Discussion Forum: ADA Coordinators --Ed Neuberg, Denver Colorado ADA Coordinator

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.